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Realms: Taps Logs

Tallyho and Tribulations

Roy and 'Chana put Mary to bed together. It takes a little while to get her calmed down. When Roy finally threatens her with not being able to go on the hunt if she doesn't go to sleep, she settles down to at least pretend to sleep. Once they're alone, the two adults really do some catching up. They talk about the things that have gone on while they were apart, but the talking is done during and between bouts of lovemaking. Eventually the king reluctantly admits they too should get some sleep before the dawn hunt.

The morning comes quite early and Roy slips out of bed, trying not to disturb 'Chana; he wants to check on the riding habit before revealing it to her. Sulochana sighs happily, stretching and letting one languid hand trail along Roy's side as he sneaks out of bed. She giggles at the look he gives her, sleepily murmuring, "Y'look 'dorable all mussed up like that, lover!"

Roy laughs softly and leans down to kiss her nose, murmuring, "Yer pretty darn cute yerself, cherie. You stay here. I'll be right back." He tugs on his breeches and a shirt, but goes blithely barefoot out of the room. Sulochana mmms and stretches like a big lazy cat, smiling fondly as she watches him leave. Once he's departed, and she's had a few moments to luxuriate in lying around in bed and doing nothing even after waking up... she feels the urge to get up! She hops out of bed, happily wondering how an entire day of jumping will go -- should be fun if it's like her practice yesterday. She settles on the bed and starts brushing out her hair as she waits for Fantine.

Roy returns perhaps fifteen minutes later, grinning like a Cheshire cat, and kisses her on the shoulder from behind, "C'mon, ma cherie. Got a serprise for ya." He uses the belt of his own silk dressing gown to blindfold her before leading her, laughing and playfully protesting, across the hallway to her own room.

The Hetaera does insist on putting on a robe first, but after that she's happy to indulge her beloved. She can't resist murmuring amusedly, as he's putting on the blindfold, "Hmm, are we stepping into perversion too then?" and giggling.

Roy grins and brushes his fingertips along the side of her neck, "Mmm, maybe another night, cherie. Got other things in mind fer now." Once they're across the hall Roy positions her very carefully and she can hear muffled giggles in at least three different female voices before he asks, "Y'ready?"

Sulochana laughs -- clearly this is a much anticipated surprise! She loves nice surprises, especially from beloveds. Leaning back a little in Roy's arms, she smiles, "Always!" She's faintly relieved Roy didn't figure out where her comment on perversion originated; she knows it's not professional to speak of other clients, after all. She grins, unworried. She trusts Roy.

Roy tugs the makeshift blindfold off to reveal Fantine, Mary, Lisbet, and Roy's own personal seamstresses standing around a dressmaker's dummy. The dummy is dressed in a full, formal riding habit. Sitting on the floor beneath it are a pair of riding boots with a pair of soft kidskin gloves folded over the top of one of them. Sulochana is still smiling as the blindfold is removed, but her expression shifts into startled amazement as she takes in the riding habit. Her fingers come up to her lips as her eyes widen, "Oh my goodness! This... this is for me?!" She steps forward, holding her robe closed with one hand and reaching out to gently brush her fingertips along the elegant, softly gleaming cloth, "It's beautiful! How did you all know I was going to ride, though?"

Roy chuckles and hugs her tightly from behind, "Why, you tole me yerself yesterday, cherie." The two seamstresses are beaming, but also obviously tired. Fantine giggles and claps her hands excitedly, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Mary wriggles forward from between the others and says, "They did it all in one night!"

Sulochana reflexively wraps her free arm around Roy's hug about her waist, but her eyes widen even more as she stares in awe at the two seamstresses, "Overnight?! Dear heavens -- you two are miracle workers!" She laughs, shaking her head amusedly, "I am absolutely speechless. Thank you all so very much -- this is simply gorgeous!" She'll turn and hug Roy tightly, blinking back tears of happiness, before she hugs each of the other women in thanks as well. The older of the two seamstresses smiles with kindly knowing and hands Sulochana a hankie; she knows what someone in love, and deeply moved, looks like!

Roy grins down at her as she hugs him with strength that would be surprising if he weren't aware of her true nature. He makes a mental note to give the seamstresses something above and beyond what he's already promised them, just for the enjoyment their feat of skill has given his beloved. Mary is already dressed in her own small riding habit and she is full of chatter and advice about how one is supposed to wear such clothes. The king laughs and says, "Gonna leave y'all to yer girly thangs and go get m'own clothes on."

Sulochana laughs at that, then grins and sticks her tongue out at Roy, "Tease!" She giggles as she turns back to the women, and there's an immediate, delighted burst of chatter and excitement as they all pitch in to help the Hetaera get ready in time!

Shortly thereafter, Roy is hustled away from the room when he tries to come and escort 'Chana out to the stables; Fantine and Lisbet inform him she wants to make an entrance! He's just going to have to wait to see the full effect. Roy ends up pacing in the hallway with eager impatience to see his cherie in her new habit. Most women would be wearing darker colors, greens and blacks, but he had insisted that 'Chana's habit be in the Hunt Staff's colors.

Sulochana is feeling particularly beautiful and beloved this morning, and it shows in her shining eyes and her joyous demeanor. The Hetaera knows her riding habit will be no less brilliant than the coats of the huntsmen; as the king's favorite, granted special permission to wear the hunt colors, Sulochana nearly glows resplendent in her brand new scarlet riding habit. The antique-gold piping and bright buttons bring out the brilliance of her sparkling golden eyes, and her wine-red lips are parted in a delighted grin above the pristine white silk stock pinned properly high at her throat. Her tall, soft leather boots are pretty much entirely covered by her long, embroidered skirt, which is gathered up and buttoned on one side for walking. Her shining sable hair -- as dark as the horse she will ride -- is piled up and firmly pinned in place, with a small, veiled top hat perched atop that. A long dressage whip is tucked under one arm, and her small hands are gloved in finest antique-gold kidskin.

She looks up at Roy as she takes his arm -- Mary nearly frisks over to his other side, gleefully burbling about how much fun they're all going to have -- and whispers to him, "Love you, sweet man."

Roy grins down at his adopted daughter and agrees with her that they're going to have a lot of fun. He fairly glows at 'Chana's obvious enjoyment of the gift, "Love you too, beautiful." With a little twinge of regret he says, "I gotta admit Eacharn insisted on helpin' out with it." Roy's dark coloring looks splendid in his own scarlet coat and immaculate breeches. The gleaming gold buttons at his wrists and coat front are stamped with his seal and his ascot is pinned with a miniature representation of his scepter.

Sulochana laughs softly, lightly tapping Roy's arm with the silver head of the dressage whip, "That doesn't detract from the gift, sweetheart!" She beams at him elatedly as she stands on tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek. When she steps back from the kiss she takes a moment to give Roy a slow, admiring look from head to gleaming booted toes -- and back again! "Rrrowr! Mary, does your papa look tres sharp, or what?!" Roy laughs and winks, but he does preen just a little. Mary groans, rolling her eyes, "Eeeeeugh! Mushy stuff!" and scampers excitedly on ahead of them. 'Chana giggles, then beams up at Roy again, tucking her hands about his arm, "Shall we, sweetheart?"

Roy smirks wryly and then laughs as Mary dashes off to find her pony. His voice is low as he says, "Yer sure you wanna ride that big beast o' yours on the hunt, cherie? Most stallions ain't good hunters."

Sulochana smiles serenely up at Roy as she strides along next to him, "I'm sure he'll be fine, lover. Hippolyta did a little training with him, after all." She grins teasingly, her delighted grin mischievous, "What, you're jealous?"

Roy snorts, sounding quite horse-like whether he means to or not, "Not jealous, though I'm sure he puts me t'shame in some departments, bein' a horse an' all -- just concerned, m'love." The grooms have already taken the horses out of the stables and the dogs have been gathered from their kennels.

The Hetaera giggles, glancing sideways up at Roy as she lightly taps his arm with the dressage whip's silver head again, "Tsk! As if there's a comparison." She giggles again, not clarifying her statement as she looks around the organized chaos of readying a field of riders and hounds for a hunt.

The king laughs, resisting the urge to pat 'Chana's bottom as she jokes back with him. The horses are beautifully caparisoned, but two of the beasts stand out from the field because of their size and the richness of their decorations. Tybalt and Hermoso are not near one another in the field, but they are both groomed to a velvety shine and their hooves gleam with oil. After 'Chana left for the night, Tybalt's ribbons were supplemented with four carefully fitted rings that rest just above his gleaming hooves; the silvery metal is inscribed with roses. The big black stallion had been quite docile when the rings had been brought, mostly because he himself, in his human form, had had them sent to the stables. They are a decoration he used to wear for his Lady Queen that he knows look particularly fine on him.

Many of the women riding in the hunt are having to use small sets of steps to mount up this morning. The grooms are bringing a set over for 'Chana, only to be shocked when the big stallion nearly crashes to his knees. Sulochana blinks, then smiles and raises an eyebrow at the new decorations on her mount. She steps over to Tybalt's side, noticing the nervous shiver of his skin at her approach, and pats his shoulder, murmuring, "Very nice, pretty pony." Tybalt tosses his head once and shudders all over at his Lady Edana's touch. His ears flick slightly as he waits for her to mount up. Unlike the day before, the saddle on his back is a sidesaddle.

Roy steps to her side and says, "The saddle's a bit differ'nt, cherie. But easier to ride when yer wearin' a skirt like ya got on."

The Hetaera nods slowly as she studies the saddle... then she looks up with a rueful smile at Roy, "Bit of help here, please?"

Roy is quite happy to help her get settled into the contraption. It looks complex and a little awkward, but once she's settled into it the sidesaddle turns out to be quite comfortable. He murmurs, "Gotta have strong thighs, but that ain't no problem."

'Chana gives a small, ladylike snort of amusement, her eyes twinkling, "Is this the voice of expe- no, wait, not asking!" She giggles, gathering up the reins and then lightly tapping the end of the dressage whip against Tybalt's barrel as she cheerfully says, "Up, please, Tybalt!" Once the big stallion has carefully risen to stand upright again, she listens intently and nods at Roy's explanation of how to best use a sidesaddle, while he makes sure her stirrup is the right length. After that she unbuttons the gathered-up trailing skirt, and Roy helps her make sure it's hanging correctly. The big stallion stands stock-steady, although his tail lashes back and forth a few times as Sulochana leans to give Roy a thank-you kiss for the help.

The Hetaera smiles after Roy has strode off, stroking one gloved hand in a light caress along the stallion's proudly arching neck as she murmurs softly, "You look quite fabulous, dear. Could I ask you to be just a bit, ahh... excitable, so no one else wants to get too close? I'm afraid our scent may spook some of the other less well trained horses, so perhaps best to just keep them away, yes?" Tybalt doesn't have to try hard to seem excitable -- he is feeling his oats! Stepping high and tossing his head means most of the riders are careful to keep their mounts away from the stallion. There is some murmuring about whether the tiny Hetaera will be able to control the enormous former warhorse with so light a bit. Still, the big beast does seem to bow his neck obediently at the lightest touch of the reins.

Roy is amongst those who are worried; the king even considered offering his own Hermoso to his cherie and taking the big black beast for himself. The Lipizzaner stallion is really almost more a pet after all these years than anything else. Roy had been almost shocked at the dramatic way the horse -- no, Tybalt; that's what 'Chana is calling the stallion -- had gone to its knees for his beloved to mount up. He's a little distracted still when the grooms bring around the stirrup-cups for the riders to take the traditional drink.

Sulochana laughs softly after a particularly impressive bit of tail lashing and prancing in place, leaning forward to stroke Tybalt's glossy neck again. She murmurs in quiet affection, "Such a pair of conniving rogues you are! For two men who seem to get along so poorly, you both certainly work magnificently well together when you really want to." Tybalt tosses his head and snorts, pawing at the ground when she murmurs to him. It is certainly true the two kings got along almost without friction when they were taking time to plan this out. Both of them, after all, want to spoil 'Chana quite rotten.

The Hetaera laughs again at the head tossing, then adds softly, "Stand steady, please, dear," as a poker-faced footman determinedly approaches the King's favorite with a tray of cut-crystal glasses for the drinking of the stirrup cup. She smiles and thanks the man, delicately picking up one of the drinks between her kidskin-gloved fingers, and waits for the toast to be called. She lets the reins hang slightly loose, confident in her mount's calm for now even despite the panting dogs dashing around. Mary comes trotting up on her sturdy, placid pony, and excitedly waves her crop, "Hi hi hi Mama 'Chana lookit me lookit don't we look gorgeous I got a drink too see see?!" She holds up her glass as well -- Roy had made sure all the children riding would have some fizzy soda.

Sulochana grins down at the excited girl, "Quite resplendent, punkin! Remember not to wave your crop around at other horses though, please, all right? Not all of them are as calm as your pony." Tybalt is prancing in place a little again. He knows quite well he is one of the most magnificent beasts in the field and in his considered opinion he also has by far the most magnificent rider! He's trying hard to behave, so he doesn't snap at Hermoso as Roy rides up, reining in beside 'Chana for the toast and raising his glass high.

Sulochana beams at Roy, her eyes shining with happiness while the priest is speaking; it's clear to the observant she's more interested in the king than the blessing! Frere Alfonse is the one giving the toast: he blesses the hounds, the horses, and their riders, and prays for their safe return home again. Drag hunts are a little safer than the traditional, un-planned courses in the original fox hunts, but people may still be injured in a bad jump.

Roy sits Hermoso easily and with confidence. The Lipizzaner is so well-trained that it sometimes seems he's reading his rider's mind. The riders all respond with "Amen!" (pronounced "ay-men" in the Southern way) to the toast and cups are lifted to mouths for the ritual drink. Sulochana murmurs a quiet thanks to her Goddess instead, smiling at Roy as she too sips her drink. She trusts Tybalt to hold still and not make her spill her drink on the gorgeous new habit.

Tybalt is trembling with his eagerness to be gone, but he holds as still as he can for the toast -- he knows the social importance of this little ritual. The footmen come around again for the glasses of those who have finished their toasts. The Master of the Hunt is conferring with the mounted drag-man about their intended path, and the dogs are milling about, panting and ready to go. Some of them already have the scent and are trembling eagerly in much the same way as Tybalt. Roy hands his glass to the footman that comes past and murmurs to 'Chana, "Y'know not t'go past the Master o' the Hunt and definitely not pas' the hounds, right, cherie?"

Sulochana smiles as Mary goes scampering off on her pony, after having drunk her fizzy fruit juice. The Hetaera sets her cup on the footman's proffered tray, nodding to Roy, "Yes, Mary explained that to me. Also I should face hounds whenever they pass me. Is there anything else I should do? Can I just follow you, or should I hang back more for protocol's sake?"

Roy grins and says, "If you think ya can keep up safely, I'd love ta have ya up with me in th' field. Hang back if ya think that beast o' yours might need a little extra work t' get over th' jumps."

Tybalt snorts ominously at the suggestion that he might not make a jump first time. Sulochana giggles, gently stroking the crest of Tybalt's neck with the little lash at the end of the dressage whip, "I have great faith in my pretty pony, sweetheart!" She grins as the big stallion preens a little, prancing in place again, and cheerfully adds, "All right, a few horse lengths behind Hermoso -- I think we can do that!"

Roy grins with fierce eagerness as the horn sounds, marking the beginning of the hunt. He leans in for a quick, hungry kiss and says, "Ya look like a goddess 'mongst horsewomen, cherie," and then he's off, Hermoso's gait perfectly timed to bring him to exactly the right spot at the front of the field.

Sulochana leans just as eagerly into the kiss, then blinks at the lovely compliment! She laughs delightedly, hastily gathering up the reins as she calls a cheery thanks. To Tybalt she murmurs a little nervously, "All right -- I can do this! Stick behind Roy, pretty pony, please?"

As she moves up behind the king, careful not to shove into anyone's way, Sulochana looks around with pleasure. It's a gorgeous morning -- the fog is just wisping away from over open water, and the sun is barely peeking over the horizon. All the gentlemen riders are immaculate in white breeches; black leather boots, gloves, and caps; and either black or (if they are Hunt Staff) scarlet coats. The ladies are either similarly attired if they are riding astride, or in darkly elegant riding habits if mounted sidesaddle. All the horses and hounds, of course, are groomed to within inches of their lives!

The Hetaera is abruptly immensely pleased -- she knows she and her mount look absolutely fantastic! Dramatic even in a field of dramatically presenting horses and riders, the big former war-horse's ebony coat gleams and shimmers with the growing light, glossy ripples accentuating his impressive musculature. The handful of scarlet, gold, and burgundy ribbons neatly braided into his mane and flowing tail ripple with his every movement. His carriage is proud, high-headed, and high-stepping -- the very equine embodiment of a stallion's power and arrogance.

Sulochana's carefully erect posture and easy confidence would fool the casual into thinking she really knows how to ride. The more observant might think her excited mount far too full of himself -- an accident waiting to happen -- and likely a real handful even for someone who rode well, let alone such a tiny and fragile-seeming woman. Those who have those thoughts have them challenged within the first couple of jumps in the course, however. These jumps are easy ones, meant to allow even the less-experienced riders to have some of the thrill and rush of a jump. Tybalt takes them as if they were nothing more than another exceptionally long stride. The water-pony finds himself hoping there is some actual challenge in this hunt for him. He really wants to make his Lady Edana look amazing!

Sulochana is careful to lean well forward just before each jump, and to keep the reins loose enough that Tybalt can easily stretch his neck out. After the first handful of jumps she gives a small sigh of relief, patting her mount's neck, "That wasn't so bad! If it's all like this, we'll be great." She grins as she thinks -- but does not add aloud -- that the view immediately ahead of her isn't so bad either! She'll have to remember to tell Roy later what a nice rump he has over a jump. She giggles at that thought.

As if her comment called it into being, the first truly challenging jump of the course comes up just moments later. It's over water and some of the riders pull back or away to take a detour set up for just such an occurrence. The hounds splash through the stream with their belling cries and the first horses clear the jump with the breathtaking grace of trained hunters. Roy doesn't actually whoop as Hermoso clears the jump, but his body language is of a man having a magnificent time.

Tybalt speeds up at sight of the jump, intending to clear it with room to spare just to show that he can. Sulochana takes a sudden, sharp breath as she sees the dramatic splashing rising up above some of the riders as their horses splash through part of the water -- but then she leans forward and murmurs, "All right, we can do this -- show them how good you are, sweetie!" Nothing could possibly encourage Tybalt more than that! The Hetaera also tightens her legs' grip on the saddle and takes a good hold on one of the little braids, of course -- she's not that confident yet in her ability to stay with her mount.

The big stallion's strides lengthen and his body bunches powerfully beneath his rider as he leaps over the jump, using the advantage of his nature to get just that little extra boost of strength he needs to clear it the best and most smoothly of any of the horses so far. Being prepared makes a huge difference to Sulochana -- she sticks close to her mount throughout the entire long, graceful curve of the jump. The experience is thrilling to her, and Roy flashes a grin over his shoulder as he hears the delighted, "Wheeeeeeee!" from his lover behind him.

Sulochana laughs aloud with sheer excitement once they're safely over, patting Tybalt's shoulder and calling to the thundering horse, "That was marvelous, handsome!" Roy hears the call and laughs, thinking she's talking to him. Tybalt, however, knows better and tosses his head in pride. If she thinks that was marvelous, she ain't seen nothing yet! After that, the jumps are more challenging and some of the riders have to drop out of the field to keep from hurting themselves or their mounts. Many, however, are still quite eagerly taking the jumps and hazards of the course in stride.

Sulochana sits more upright as they canter along a lovely winding trail next to the river, glancing around and beaming. It's a gorgeous view, and she murmurs softly, trusting the water-horse's superior hearing to catch her words, "Isn't this a lovely place, sweetie? I'm so glad you're willing to help Roy keep it safe." The belling of excited hounds echoes ahead of them, and 'Chana sits the easy, rocking-horse canter with grace. Since they're just following a trail at the moment she grins and gently strokes the dressage whip along Tybalt's barrel in a casually affectionate caress. "You're right, dear... we should ride more. This really is wonderful."

Tybalt trembles under his Lady Edana as the tongue of the whip strokes along his barrel, recalling more intimate caresses in a different form. She wants to ride him more often! He can't help a whinny of triumph. He was certain she just needed to experience a real ride rather than the easy trot they'd had their first time. Sulochana chuckles, murmuring, "Not sure if that's a yes or a no, but we can check later, all right?" She glances ahead, then squeaks a nervous, "Eep!" as she sees Roy and Hermoso pop over a jump -- and disappear from view due to the drop on the far side! She takes a deep breath and grabs mane again, adding softly, "Take care of me, please, sweetie!" She tries to stay loose as directed, although she can't help stiffening up a bit -- that particular jump scares her! The unevenness of the jump does add an additional thrill to it as Tybalt leaps with absolute confidence. Sulochana's eyes are quite wide as they go over! She's smart enough to take it with her mouth closed -- although she does think, [Oh, shiiiiii-!] before they land.

There is a moment where they seem almost to be weightless at the top of the leap -- and then they drop down with a thump and thundering of hooves on the other side. Roy has pulled over a bit, waiting for his cherie and her big black horse to clear the jump. He whoops for her, eyes gleaming -- he's so proud of her! She laughs breathlessly at Roy's congratulations, patting Tybalt's shoulder as he tosses his head with pride, cantering smugly forward so the next horse in line can take the jump as well.

'Chana's voice is a little shaky, "Whew! Thank goodness for dependable horses!" She continues to do her best to ride erectly and stay looking good for both her lovers, however. Roy laughs and blows her a kiss, wheeling Hermoso around and away; they'll be back at the head of the field before long. Sulochana laughs and waves to Roy, perking up at his being so sweet!

The Hetaera has a lovely time after that; she's faced the scariest of jumps that she knows of, and come through handily with her amazingly talented mount! The drag hunt has been carefully planned to show off the most beautiful of the landscape around Roy's beloved city, and to provide a good challenge for the riders. The hounds as well are enjoying themselves chasing down the scent laid down for them. 'Chana's confidence is growing; she's happy to praise Tybalt lavishly for helping her have so much fun.

The apparent skill with which Sulochana takes even the most dangerous and challenging of the jumps along the course gives pause to those who thought she might have trouble controlling the big, restive stallion. Even Roy is starting to think Tybalt might not be so bad after all. Perhaps she'd be willing to let the stallion stand to stud with one of Roy's breeding mares! The Hetaera herself is feeling rather euphoric -- by this point she's occasionally even humming happily to herself in the occasional long stretch with no jumps. To Tybalt she says cheerfully, "You know, I had no idea riding was so much fun!" Tybalt arches his neck proudly and raises his hooves high, prancing prettily for his Lady Edana. It's the closest he can come to dancing with glee. He knows he's making her look wonderful -- he's starting to win her over! If she's enjoying this so much, he'll have no problems getting her to ride him again.

The hunt has been going on for quite a long time when the sound of the hounds changes, becoming even more excited, and they take off in a direction which several of the riders at the head of the field won't follow. The path is uneven, but the pack is racing along it eagerly. Roy follows on Hermoso; several others who have been keeping up with him attempt to do so as well. One chestnut hunter stumbles and nearly goes down with his rider, making most of them pull their mounts back to take a secondary path which has been laid out. Sulochana watches alertly, not entirely sure what's happening. Could the hounds have accidentally picked up the trail of an actual fox? To Tybalt she says quietly, "Let's be safe, sweetie, please? If you're at all nervous about taking any of these jumps, go ahead and peel out. I don't want you hurt." She pats his shoulder, smiling as she adds, "We can go around if necessary."

Tybalt tosses his head and harrumphs. He is not some simple gelding trained only to go along set paths -- he has been a queen's warhorse! The big black stallion takes off after Hermoso, his generous magic keeping his rider on his back even after several abrupt and uneven jumps. Sulochana can't quite manage to keep back a few nervous squeaks on some of the more acrobatic leaps. She finally just stays well forward, keeping her center of gravity close to Tybalt's regardless of where they are, and keeps the reins just a little loose for him. She's a bit breathless but still gamely hanging in there -- and extremely glad her mount has that little extra bit of magical care for her!

There is no way this path was laid out by a drag-man -- the hounds must have indeed caught the scent of actual game! It has been years since Tybalt has been able to do something this real and this exciting; he carries his rider along the treacherous path with grace and strength. He has to admit the fact that Roy and Hermoso seem to be taking the deviation in stride is impressive. The rapport the king has with the big white horse is clear. Perhaps, the water pony thinks, Roy isn't a total loss after all. Sulochana doesn't have time for thoughts like that -- she's too busy hanging on and trying her best to not flop around gracelessly! She's amused to realize she's vaguely proud of herself for not squealing in shock a couple of times, in fact.

The game the hounds have turned aside for, instead of the laid drag-line, comes into sight over a hill. Tybalt hesitates just a bit as he realizes Roy's pack of wolf-like dogs have caught the trail of a black bear -- then something stirs in him. A true hunt! A battle! It really has been far too long -- and he's certain his magic will keep his Lady Edana on his back and safe. Sulochana's reaction is quite different, "A bear! Oh, dear -- the poor hounds! I hope Roy -- or the huntsman, maybe? -can safely call them off." She sits back a little, expecting they'll be stopping soon... then blinks as Tybalt snorts excitedly and keeps thundering after Roy. "Tyb...? Oh, of course." Her initially nervous query changes to relative calm again as she realizes, "Good point, we should stay close to the poor hounds until they're called off."

The dogs are actual hunting dogs, and the pack surrounds the creature and attempts to corral it for the humans. Roy's hounds and his huntsman have faced down large game before, after all, as well as taken on more than one bear. This was not the plan for the day, though, and Roy is swearing as 'Chana and Tybalt come up even with him and Hermoso. Sulochana is wide-eyed, absently patting Tybalt's shoulder as she stares at the snarling, snapping dogs and the roaring bear. "Roy? I'm guessing this isn't the planned drag?" She grins ruefully at him, her hair starting to wisp around her face and a small smudge on her face, "So... what do we do now? Is there a way to let the bear safely go?"

Roy smiles wryly and says, "Naw, this wan't in the plans..." He looks back the way they came, "Damn good thing most folks went off 'round th'other way. We can maybe call off the dogs, but there ain't no tell- dammit!" The bear roars and rushes its way through the snarling, snapping pack; its charge takes it directly at 'Chana and Tybalt.

The Hetaera blinks -- then flattens on the big stallion's neck, holding on for dear life, "Tybalt, watch out!" The big stallion rears as the bear charges, whinnying a challenge as his polished and be-ringed hooves flash -- he will protect his Lady Edana! The metal serves a dual purpose: not only does it look magnificent, it adds weight to the already deadly feet of the warhorse. Sulochana draws in her breath sharply, clinging tightly to the stallion's mane and trying to stick as close as a burr to her mount. This was not exactly what she expected! Her voice is tight with worry, "Tybalt, get us out of here!"

Roy swears and wheels Hermoso around; this is not at all how the day was supposed to end! The bear is furious and rears up to meet Tybalt, only to find that snapping equine teeth and flailing hooves are not something it wants to meet head on. The creature tries again, but on the second attempt meets the hooves and something that bites at its ears. Roy has brought Hermoso in close and is using the long whip used to guide the hounds to flick at the bear's head. It distracts the bear, but also angers it further. Tybalt hesitates. The battle is right here, but his Lady is obviously in distress. He kicks out at the bear once more and then wheels, doing as his Lady Edana commanded.

Unfortunately the bear is angry enough to follow, and the horse and rider find themselves on the wrong end of the hunt. Sulochana glances over her shoulder, "Thunderation, it's following!" She glances around worriedly, then says softly to the big stallion, "Sweetie, I do not want you to get hurt. Do you think you can safely draw it away from everyone else?"

Tybalt is now more concerned with getting away from the beast, but he does as she asks, peeling off to get the angry creature to follow them. Roy and Hermoso are right behind with the king swearing up a storm. It's only when they come to a sizeable stream that the two kings unwittingly work together: Tybalt plunges into the water, kicking up a wave that splashes above his and his Lady's head -- and that's when Roy catches the water in mid-air with his Tapping ability, his fear for his cherie lending him power. The bear crashes into a wall of water that might as well be ice for its solidity.

Sulochana glances back, then draws rein, "Easy, sweetie -- I think we're all right now! Thank goodness the huntsman was able to call off the hounds." She keeps a close eye on the half-stunned bear as the big black stallion wheels around, snorting excitedly, leaning to whisper to Tybalt, "Promise me, please, you won't mention what you saw here to anyone but me?" She knows Roy wants to keep his Tapping ability a secret.

Tybalt is stunned. The bear is whining in perplexity, batting at the wall of water that separates it from the stallion and the Hetaera. Roy is panting a little, but staying back out of the way. The bear, confused and shaken from running headlong into the wall of water, crashes off into the woods away from the horses and the people. Roy manages to drop the wall before the huntsman and the hounds arrive; he gallops over to Sulochana, "Cherie! Are you okay?" He's looking her over anxiously.

Sulochana beams at Roy, brushing back her hair, "That was amazing, lover!" She laughs, patting Tybalt's shoulder as she adds, "Between you and Tybalt, I've been having a simply wonderful time today!" Her grin gets wicked for an instant, and then she widens her eyes like Mary does, adding in a higher, almost falsetto voice, "Can we do it again?!" Then she giggles; she can't help it!

Roy blinks at her, mouth open -- then he throws his head back, roaring laughter, "Oh, cherie, you are a treasure!" He pulls Hermoso in close and leans in to kiss her, "I think we'll jist have t'find somethin' else excitin' t' do."

Suraksha giggles delightedly, leaning to hug Roy tightly -- for all her teasing, she was rather shaken up! When she straightens she flutters her eyelashes at the king and grins mischievously again, "I bet you say that to all the girls!"

Roy smirks and says, "Well, not ennymore I don't." He pushes a lock of her hair out of her face, "Let's go find folks and git on home, cherie."

Sulochana laughs softly, reaching up to catch Roy's hand and gently press it to her cheek. "Thank you, sweetheart, for saving us." She blinks at a sudden thought, adding more worriedly, "How are you for energy, lover? Do you need food soon or something? I have a sandwich in that teeny little saddle-pack thingie -- Mary told me about that." She grins as she adds pragmatically, "Packed bandages in the other one!"

The king of Baton Rouge smiles a bit tiredly, "We'll take care o' that once we get back with th'others." He leans over and pats Tybalt's neck, "I take back ever' bad thing I thought 'bout you, boy."

"Awww!" The Hetaera beams at Roy, also patting Tybalt's neck, "Thank you, sweet man! That's very nice of you." She laughs softly, her eyes sparkling a bit at thought of how she can help Roy regain energy, and adds, "Heading back sounds like a perfectly lovely plan!"

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Last modified: 2010-Aug-28 20:29:49

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