Ysabel chuckled at Ambrose's half of the toast, so applicable in many ways. Nodding to him she sipped at her tea. The smile wouldn't leave her face, now that she knew things would be all right between them. She really had had her doubts... not knowing if Ambrose even wanted to see her again, not knowing if she'd caused more harm than good.
Her natural inclination had her wanting to inquire about his discussion with the Elder, but that was a private matter. Ambrose would discuss it with her if he wanted; she didn't want to pry inspite of her nearly overwhelming curiosity. A little part of her bitterly wondered if he'd shouted at the Elder too, but she stifled it and dismissed it as pettiness, which it was. Ysabel had never claimed not to be spoiled.
Instead, she stood once more and said, "I have something for you, but it's not here in my suite. Walk with me?"
She held her arm out and waited for him to take it expectantly.
Hi Honey... (Private)
It had taken some time but Ambrose was starting to think that Belle wasn't going to come looking for him. Ambrose didn't quite know what to make of that. He really had expected her to. To what he didn't know, apologize, make sure he was OK at the very least to tell him she wasn't speaking to him any more. It was an odd feeling too. Ambrose wasn't certain if he was pissed she hadn't come looking for him or if he was... concerned he'd screwed up.
Since when had he been concerned about anything, she knew he could be a touch on the abrasive side and it hadn't been a problem yet. He didn't think so. Why should it be a problem now?
Still he'd finally decided that maybe looking for her would be a good thing but, apparently, she'd gone to ground. A skill Ambrose hadn't been aware Ysabel possessed. He'd not seen her around the manor, he'd gone to the condo she shared with her sister (god damned stairs) the historical society (even suffering through a tour), and to the barn looking for her. She hadn't been any of those places, which left one more place to look, her suite.
Stairs, more stairs, always stairs; grumbling, he slowly made his way up them thankful she only live on the second floor. He stared at the door for a long time trying to decide if he should knock, just walk in or just forget the whole thing. She couldn't possibly still be mad about a little spat. Uncharacteristically hesitant Ambrose finally knocked on the door. Maybe she wouldn't be home and he could just leave a note, after all he'd put in a good effort to find her. Not his fault if he was thwarted.
Ysabel
18 years ago
Ambrose
18 years ago
Ambrose could be more than a bit arrogant, and so it never occur to him that what she had for him might be a punch in the nose or a one way ticket to sunny California. He had, however, picked up a few more manners, not many but a very few, from her and stood taking her arm.
“I thought I was supposed to bring you something.”
Pausing he considered, maybe he’d still get something; flowers or… something. Damned what did you get your girl friend after a fight like that. Somehow, he doubted they made a card for it.
“Hints and suggestions are welcome here you know.”
“I thought I was supposed to bring you something.”
Pausing he considered, maybe he’d still get something; flowers or… something. Damned what did you get your girl friend after a fight like that. Somehow, he doubted they made a card for it.
“Hints and suggestions are welcome here you know.”
Ysabel
18 years ago
Ysabel linked her arm with Ambrose's, giving his a gentle squeeze. It felt good, and she had missed it, walking arm in arm with him.
"You thought you were supposed bring me something, but you didn't," she pointed out teasingly as she led the way out of her suite. "Were you waiting for a hint?"
She laughed softly, unafraid at the moment to speak plainly. "If I gave you a hint, dearest, would it have any effect at all?"
Ysabel was still teasing. It was one of the biggest differences between them. Ambrose could be plenty perceptive when he chose to employ that particular trait of his, but when it came to fundamental things, Ysabel tended by far to be the one to pick up on small hints and suggestions, whereas Ambrose was likely to miss them entirely.
"Shall I 'suggest' that next time, flowers and chocolates are involved, perhaps tickets to the opera... something shiny, in addition?"
She flashed him a little grin as they made their way out of the Manor. "And while I suggest it, will I need one of your guns?"
"You thought you were supposed bring me something, but you didn't," she pointed out teasingly as she led the way out of her suite. "Were you waiting for a hint?"
She laughed softly, unafraid at the moment to speak plainly. "If I gave you a hint, dearest, would it have any effect at all?"
Ysabel was still teasing. It was one of the biggest differences between them. Ambrose could be plenty perceptive when he chose to employ that particular trait of his, but when it came to fundamental things, Ysabel tended by far to be the one to pick up on small hints and suggestions, whereas Ambrose was likely to miss them entirely.
"Shall I 'suggest' that next time, flowers and chocolates are involved, perhaps tickets to the opera... something shiny, in addition?"
She flashed him a little grin as they made their way out of the Manor. "And while I suggest it, will I need one of your guns?"
Ambrose
18 years ago
He hadn’t been waiting for a hint, he’d been waiting for it to be spelled out in no uncertain terms and now he had those: flowers, chocolate, shiny…
“Opera? Are you sure about that one. I thought we could save that for really big situations.”
Preferably, those involving death and dismemberment or very significant anniversaries, say one hundred years or so.
Now he would take the ‘hint’ and find something to apologize with. He still would probably consult someone for the appropriate gifts but at least he had a guideline now. He gave her a rather cross look for the guns.
“I don’t think I was that bad.”
That and no one touched his guns without express permission or they’d get themselves in trouble. Belle less so but still.
“We can get you one of your own though if you think its necessary.”
“Opera? Are you sure about that one. I thought we could save that for really big situations.”
Preferably, those involving death and dismemberment or very significant anniversaries, say one hundred years or so.
Now he would take the ‘hint’ and find something to apologize with. He still would probably consult someone for the appropriate gifts but at least he had a guideline now. He gave her a rather cross look for the guns.
“I don’t think I was that bad.”
That and no one touched his guns without express permission or they’d get themselves in trouble. Belle less so but still.
“We can get you one of your own though if you think its necessary.”
Ysabel
18 years ago
It seemed that although she'd assumed he'd know she was teasing, Ambrose was indeed very serious about some sort of atonement. Ysabel smiled and shook her head slightly, more to herself then to him. She'd been happy knowing he was no longer angry with her, knowing she must have done something right if it had been the last push toward getting him to act on his repressed desire.
That said, she wasn't going to turn turn up her nose at any flowers, chocolates, or shiny trinkets that might be presented. Ysabel did have some vanity, and and a very basic level, the part of her that was used to Courts and courting expected some sort of token of affection, modern day or not.
At Ambrose's protestation that he wasn't that bad, she simply favored him with two raised brows and a little 'oh, really?' tilt of her head, and continued walking. Ambrose had to realize by now that they were heading in the direction of the barn. Ysabel had been spending a great deal of time there, and she hadn't forgotten that Ambrose had promised to ride with her.
Shaking her head once more, she said, "I don't want one of my own. There are many things I would rather learn. I don't think marksmanship is my forte. I'm quite happy to leave that to you."
If it became necessary to truly promote her opinion with him again, perhaps another method would work. A sharp stick, or something.
As they came up on the barn, Ysabel turned to Ambrose. "I'm not dressed to ride. I wanted you to see this, though, and if you like, I can always change."
With that she led the way into the building, to the spacious tack room and the rows of saddles and bridles hung neatly upon their racks. Most of them were English saddles, and there were one or two sidesaddles as well, two of those belonging to Ysabel herself along with a smaller dressage saddle. However, she didn't go to either of these but to a small trunk alongside one wall. Opening it, she took out a plain, unremarkable box and handed it simply to Ambrose.
That said, she wasn't going to turn turn up her nose at any flowers, chocolates, or shiny trinkets that might be presented. Ysabel did have some vanity, and and a very basic level, the part of her that was used to Courts and courting expected some sort of token of affection, modern day or not.
At Ambrose's protestation that he wasn't that bad, she simply favored him with two raised brows and a little 'oh, really?' tilt of her head, and continued walking. Ambrose had to realize by now that they were heading in the direction of the barn. Ysabel had been spending a great deal of time there, and she hadn't forgotten that Ambrose had promised to ride with her.
Shaking her head once more, she said, "I don't want one of my own. There are many things I would rather learn. I don't think marksmanship is my forte. I'm quite happy to leave that to you."
If it became necessary to truly promote her opinion with him again, perhaps another method would work. A sharp stick, or something.
As they came up on the barn, Ysabel turned to Ambrose. "I'm not dressed to ride. I wanted you to see this, though, and if you like, I can always change."
With that she led the way into the building, to the spacious tack room and the rows of saddles and bridles hung neatly upon their racks. Most of them were English saddles, and there were one or two sidesaddles as well, two of those belonging to Ysabel herself along with a smaller dressage saddle. However, she didn't go to either of these but to a small trunk alongside one wall. Opening it, she took out a plain, unremarkable box and handed it simply to Ambrose.
Ambrose
18 years ago
No, he hadn’t been that bad and so Ambrose chose to ignore Ysabel’s silent protest on that matter.
He almost laughed at her politely turning down his offer of a gun. It would have very much surprised him if she’d accepted. It didn’t seem her style, neither delicate nor subtle. However, since he was supposed to be apologizing Ambrose kept quiet.
As they wandered nearer and eventually reached the barn, he found himself a bit off kilter. While he still liked horses and enjoyed being around them, promise or no, Ambrose hadn’t ridden in over a hundred years. He’d tried once or twice and been left in the dirt for his trouble. The tack room, though, seemed safe enough. It felt familiar and comfortable and he absently ran his and over the contours of one of the western saddles hanging there before accepting the box.
Opening it cautiously, as if he still weren’t convinced he’d been forgiven, Ambrose studied the stirrup slightly confused.
“It’s a damned fine stirrup Belle. Looks like it might fall apart on a guy.”
Actually, it looked fairly sturdy, just a bit off and certainly not what he was used to. Why in hell’s name had she given him a stirrup was the more pressing question though.
He almost laughed at her politely turning down his offer of a gun. It would have very much surprised him if she’d accepted. It didn’t seem her style, neither delicate nor subtle. However, since he was supposed to be apologizing Ambrose kept quiet.
As they wandered nearer and eventually reached the barn, he found himself a bit off kilter. While he still liked horses and enjoyed being around them, promise or no, Ambrose hadn’t ridden in over a hundred years. He’d tried once or twice and been left in the dirt for his trouble. The tack room, though, seemed safe enough. It felt familiar and comfortable and he absently ran his and over the contours of one of the western saddles hanging there before accepting the box.
Opening it cautiously, as if he still weren’t convinced he’d been forgiven, Ambrose studied the stirrup slightly confused.
“It’s a damned fine stirrup Belle. Looks like it might fall apart on a guy.”
Actually, it looked fairly sturdy, just a bit off and certainly not what he was used to. Why in hell’s name had she given him a stirrup was the more pressing question though.
Ysabel
18 years ago
"It's supposed to fall apart," Ysabel said. She gently took the stirrup from Ambrose and slipped one slender hand into it, holding it up with the other.
"You see?" she turned so he could see her demonstrate. "Your weight normally presses on the stirrup here. The real danger in riding with no sensation on that side is the inability to quickly remove your foot from the stirrup if you should fall."
Ysabel ignored any signs of discomfort her lover showed; it wasn't that she didn't care as much as the fact that she was prepared for a great deal of discomfort from Ambrose on this topic. He'd told her it had been well over a century since he'd been on a horse. She hadn't missed the fact that he obviously enjoyed the barn, and she hoped she could help make it so he could ride comfortably again, but teaching Ambrose new tricks was something akin to training a fullgrown mountain lion to go vegetarian... she expected mild resistance, at the very least.
"There are designs like this on English saddles, similar in construction and purpose," she continued to explain. "I didn't think you would be comfortable in an English saddle though. So I had this made for you. There are two pressure releases on it. Should your foot hit either one of them, the stirrup will collapse, like this, and you'll be able to fall free. There's no danger of your foot being caught and you being dragged."
With her hand she demonstrated, flexing her wrist and letting her fingers hit one of the catches as if she'd fallen backwards. With a smooth motion, the stirrup collapsed upon itself, the top part unhinging and opening up to release from the stirrup leather as the bottom dropped away as well to ensure nothing would get caught. She assembled the stirrup again and demonstratedthe second catch along the inside of the other side, as if she'd fallen sideways.
The workmanship was excellent, the design quite clever. She had been thrilled with the concept when she'd first sent an email to the smith she and her father normally dealt with. He hadn't failed; the stirrup was quite a beautiful little thing in its way.
"Of course, you need something to ride in." Ysabel offered Ambrose a soft smile. "The stirrup alone isn't worth much, is it? So I took the liberty... I hope you don't mind... of finding an appropriate saddle."
She moved past him to one of the saddle racks below her three and removed the saddle cover from a lovely black leather saddle. It was very simple in design but obviously well-crafted. There was little in the way of frills, decoration, and ornamentation. Ysabel couldn't see Ambrose in anything flashy; she had gone for serviceable and functional, letting the quality of the work speak for it.
Affixing the new stirrup carefully to the proper leather, she stood back and waited for Ambrose' reaction.
"You see?" she turned so he could see her demonstrate. "Your weight normally presses on the stirrup here. The real danger in riding with no sensation on that side is the inability to quickly remove your foot from the stirrup if you should fall."
Ysabel ignored any signs of discomfort her lover showed; it wasn't that she didn't care as much as the fact that she was prepared for a great deal of discomfort from Ambrose on this topic. He'd told her it had been well over a century since he'd been on a horse. She hadn't missed the fact that he obviously enjoyed the barn, and she hoped she could help make it so he could ride comfortably again, but teaching Ambrose new tricks was something akin to training a fullgrown mountain lion to go vegetarian... she expected mild resistance, at the very least.
"There are designs like this on English saddles, similar in construction and purpose," she continued to explain. "I didn't think you would be comfortable in an English saddle though. So I had this made for you. There are two pressure releases on it. Should your foot hit either one of them, the stirrup will collapse, like this, and you'll be able to fall free. There's no danger of your foot being caught and you being dragged."
With her hand she demonstrated, flexing her wrist and letting her fingers hit one of the catches as if she'd fallen backwards. With a smooth motion, the stirrup collapsed upon itself, the top part unhinging and opening up to release from the stirrup leather as the bottom dropped away as well to ensure nothing would get caught. She assembled the stirrup again and demonstratedthe second catch along the inside of the other side, as if she'd fallen sideways.
The workmanship was excellent, the design quite clever. She had been thrilled with the concept when she'd first sent an email to the smith she and her father normally dealt with. He hadn't failed; the stirrup was quite a beautiful little thing in its way.
"Of course, you need something to ride in." Ysabel offered Ambrose a soft smile. "The stirrup alone isn't worth much, is it? So I took the liberty... I hope you don't mind... of finding an appropriate saddle."
She moved past him to one of the saddle racks below her three and removed the saddle cover from a lovely black leather saddle. It was very simple in design but obviously well-crafted. There was little in the way of frills, decoration, and ornamentation. Ysabel couldn't see Ambrose in anything flashy; she had gone for serviceable and functional, letting the quality of the work speak for it.
Affixing the new stirrup carefully to the proper leather, she stood back and waited for Ambrose' reaction.
Ambrose
18 years ago
Supposed to fall apart, what was she on?
Ambrose listened and understood what she was saying. Two things stood out, she expected him to get on a horse again and she was trying to compensate for his having only one leg. God damned it. He didn’t need compensation.
His jaw tensed and his shouldered squared, Ambrose was thoroughly ready to pick another fight. Taking a deep breath though he forced himself to think about this and to learn from his last tirade as well as trying to take into consideration his conversation with the Elder; he wasn’t happy about the way this was going he didn’t lose his temper. Hell he even refrained from pointing out there was a decent chance his leg would fall off before he got dragged too far.
“I see.”
It was a grudging but non-hostile response.
He couldn’t help but be flattered, though, that she’d known he wouldn’t be happy in an English saddle. A man couldn’t get comfortable in them at all, not in his experience. And she’d not pushed him to get on a horse just yet so maybe this wasn’t going to be as bad as he thought, or had she?
From a distance, the saddle was pleasing, although the smell of new leather was always a little heady any way. Still he approached it cautiously, almost as if it would bite him or were a mirage. Leaning his cane against the wall, he inspected it thoroughly with both hands and eyes. It was impressive, probably better than any saddle he’d owned in the past. This more than anything Belle could say would get him to ride again, at least to try. It would be criminal not to use this piece of art for its designated function.
He nodded slowly and half smiled, but his eyes were lit up like a little boys.
“Fine work, damned fine work. Where did you find something like this?”
Ambrose listened and understood what she was saying. Two things stood out, she expected him to get on a horse again and she was trying to compensate for his having only one leg. God damned it. He didn’t need compensation.
His jaw tensed and his shouldered squared, Ambrose was thoroughly ready to pick another fight. Taking a deep breath though he forced himself to think about this and to learn from his last tirade as well as trying to take into consideration his conversation with the Elder; he wasn’t happy about the way this was going he didn’t lose his temper. Hell he even refrained from pointing out there was a decent chance his leg would fall off before he got dragged too far.
“I see.”
It was a grudging but non-hostile response.
He couldn’t help but be flattered, though, that she’d known he wouldn’t be happy in an English saddle. A man couldn’t get comfortable in them at all, not in his experience. And she’d not pushed him to get on a horse just yet so maybe this wasn’t going to be as bad as he thought, or had she?
From a distance, the saddle was pleasing, although the smell of new leather was always a little heady any way. Still he approached it cautiously, almost as if it would bite him or were a mirage. Leaning his cane against the wall, he inspected it thoroughly with both hands and eyes. It was impressive, probably better than any saddle he’d owned in the past. This more than anything Belle could say would get him to ride again, at least to try. It would be criminal not to use this piece of art for its designated function.
He nodded slowly and half smiled, but his eyes were lit up like a little boys.
“Fine work, damned fine work. Where did you find something like this?”
Ysabel
18 years ago
Ysabel watched Ambrose's reaction carefully. Prickly she had expected. She hadn't been sure how he'd react to the idea of the specially crafted stirrup, or to the saddle, but it seemed that although he may disdain the idea of having to have something specially made for him, the saddle was quite possibly a hit.
Refraining herself from reminding him that the stirrup was merely a tool to use until he adjusted to having only one leg to ride with, she instead smiled at his reaction to the saddle.
"Our family has used the same leatherworker for generations. They've made all of our tack, even the harness trappings for the carriages. I wasn't sure if they could make Western tack, but apparently they can. I've never looked into it before myself."
Ysabel had a hard time sympathizing overmuch with her lover's state of affairs; she objected mightily to the idea that he couldn't ride effectively with one leg. She did it all the time herself, when she was in a sidesaddle. No, the tricky part, she decided, was going to be getting Ambrose to re-learn things he pig-headedly would insist he could do just the same as when he'd been alive. He couldn't ride the same way, but he could ride just as well as ever with a little bit of balance adjustment and the aid of a crop.
These things she didn't say; easier to beat him with a club than to try and convince him. Instead she let him inspect his new toy, hoping that the prospect of having such a fine plaything would be the right kind of encouragement.
Refraining herself from reminding him that the stirrup was merely a tool to use until he adjusted to having only one leg to ride with, she instead smiled at his reaction to the saddle.
"Our family has used the same leatherworker for generations. They've made all of our tack, even the harness trappings for the carriages. I wasn't sure if they could make Western tack, but apparently they can. I've never looked into it before myself."
Ysabel had a hard time sympathizing overmuch with her lover's state of affairs; she objected mightily to the idea that he couldn't ride effectively with one leg. She did it all the time herself, when she was in a sidesaddle. No, the tricky part, she decided, was going to be getting Ambrose to re-learn things he pig-headedly would insist he could do just the same as when he'd been alive. He couldn't ride the same way, but he could ride just as well as ever with a little bit of balance adjustment and the aid of a crop.
These things she didn't say; easier to beat him with a club than to try and convince him. Instead she let him inspect his new toy, hoping that the prospect of having such a fine plaything would be the right kind of encouragement.
Ambrose
18 years ago
“Always had to buy what I could afford. Something like this would have been out of my league.”
A saddle of this quality would have been imported, probably from Europe and not in his price range. That isn’t to say he wouldn’t have gotten a hold of it but…
The ‘class’ difference between he and Belle never bothered Ambrose. She didn’t ask him to sip tea with his pinky out and he didn’t ask her to cuss and wear pants.
He was incredibly tempted to try it out now. There was only so much you could tell about a saddle from looking at it, but the rack wasn’t designed to hold his weight and as eager, as he was Ambrose almost wanted to try it out privately. He wouldn’t even be able to mount smoothly let alone from the off side.
A saddle of this quality would have been imported, probably from Europe and not in his price range. That isn’t to say he wouldn’t have gotten a hold of it but…
The ‘class’ difference between he and Belle never bothered Ambrose. She didn’t ask him to sip tea with his pinky out and he didn’t ask her to cuss and wear pants.
He was incredibly tempted to try it out now. There was only so much you could tell about a saddle from looking at it, but the rack wasn’t designed to hold his weight and as eager, as he was Ambrose almost wanted to try it out privately. He wouldn’t even be able to mount smoothly let alone from the off side.
Ysabel
18 years ago
"Cost isn't an issue. We've developed a healthy business relationship with these people over the last few decades. It wasn't so bad," Ysabel lied, winking at Ambrose. She certainly didn't want pride to prevent him from using her gift, and that was something Ambrose had in abundance. Besides, it wasn't too big a lie. Given the size of Ysabel's accounts and holdings, the fifteen hundred she'd spent on both saddle and stirrup were nothing. Particularly when held up against that twinkle that lit Ambrose's eyes like a child on Christmas.
"Did you want to ride now? The boys are quite well settled," she said, nodding her head toward the aisle of stalls.
She wasn't much worried about Ambrose taking a spill; not only would his quick healing help him out, but the Friesans were so smooth-gaited it would take a good deal to topple even the newest rider.
All in all, whether or not Ambrose chose to ride now, Ysabel was happy with his reaction and even happier to have (hopefully) truly put their argument behind them. Not that she thought the road ahead of them was paved with gold, particularly knowing Ambrose's nature, but Ysabel felt good about hving weathered one storm so far.
"Did you want to ride now? The boys are quite well settled," she said, nodding her head toward the aisle of stalls.
She wasn't much worried about Ambrose taking a spill; not only would his quick healing help him out, but the Friesans were so smooth-gaited it would take a good deal to topple even the newest rider.
All in all, whether or not Ambrose chose to ride now, Ysabel was happy with his reaction and even happier to have (hopefully) truly put their argument behind them. Not that she thought the road ahead of them was paved with gold, particularly knowing Ambrose's nature, but Ysabel felt good about hving weathered one storm so far.
Ambrose
18 years ago
Many things were busy warring inside of Ambrose and he loathed the feeling of indecisiveness, it didn’t suit him. So he responded to one of the more prominent urges and aggressively bulled Belle too him and kissed her, it was no subtle timid peck either. He’d missed her a great deal and it showed in that moment. Even when the kiss finally broke he didn’t let her go.
Now all he had to do was decide if over a century of not being able to ride, pride, anger (at losing his leg not with her) and a certain amount of … caution were going to keep him from putting this gift to good use. It was a difficult decision, but he finally decided that he’d looked enough of an ass to her already that taking a few headers from the back of a horse couldn’t make him look more foolish.
“It would be a shame to let a saddle like that go to waste.”
Now all he had to do was decide if over a century of not being able to ride, pride, anger (at losing his leg not with her) and a certain amount of … caution were going to keep him from putting this gift to good use. It was a difficult decision, but he finally decided that he’d looked enough of an ass to her already that taking a few headers from the back of a horse couldn’t make him look more foolish.
“It would be a shame to let a saddle like that go to waste.”
Ysabel
18 years ago
Ysabel gave a little squeal at being pulled into Ambrose's arms and kissed rather thoroughly. She felt she recovered well, however, and happily flung her arms around his neck to give as good as she got. Feeling slightly floaty afterwards, she barely registered the fact that Ambrose appeared to be willing to ride with her right then, and that idea excited her.
Squirming from his grasp she gave a little bounce. "I need to change, then, so I can go along with you!" She gestured to her dress, a hoopy affair she couldn't possibly ride in.
Already heading for the door, chattering animatedly, she said, "You'll see their stalls just down hre on left, you should say hello, you know. I'll be right back, I promise!"
Leaving her bemused lover in the tack room, Ysabel dashed across the grass to the Manor to change, completely lost in her own enthusiasm. Only later did it occur that by doing so, she'd probably given up the opportunity for some fantastic make-up lovemaking, but what did that matter? Ambrose had liked her gift, and was going to share her most favorite passtime with her!
Squirming from his grasp she gave a little bounce. "I need to change, then, so I can go along with you!" She gestured to her dress, a hoopy affair she couldn't possibly ride in.
Already heading for the door, chattering animatedly, she said, "You'll see their stalls just down hre on left, you should say hello, you know. I'll be right back, I promise!"
Leaving her bemused lover in the tack room, Ysabel dashed across the grass to the Manor to change, completely lost in her own enthusiasm. Only later did it occur that by doing so, she'd probably given up the opportunity for some fantastic make-up lovemaking, but what did that matter? Ambrose had liked her gift, and was going to share her most favorite passtime with her!
Ambrose
18 years ago
Wait just a god damned second… Ambrose puzzled over the fact that she’d run off to change… … … without him. There was just something very –very- wrong about that. Sighing and feeling rather at a loss, he went from the tack room down the rows to the stalls.
It was simple enough to find the Friesians. They were unlike anything he’d ridden and he wasn’t quite sure what to make of them. One of them stuck his head out over the door and nickered softly. Ambrose obligingly rubbed the animal’s nose and spoke to him, the words didn’t make much sense but he was accustom to speaking to his mounts and did it out of habit.
Fortunately, Belle didn’t take long and reappeared dressed for ridding.
“Next time I get to at least watch.”
It was simple enough to find the Friesians. They were unlike anything he’d ridden and he wasn’t quite sure what to make of them. One of them stuck his head out over the door and nickered softly. Ambrose obligingly rubbed the animal’s nose and spoke to him, the words didn’t make much sense but he was accustom to speaking to his mounts and did it out of habit.
Fortunately, Belle didn’t take long and reappeared dressed for ridding.
“Next time I get to at least watch.”
Ysabel
18 years ago
Ysabel returned within minutes to the barn, dressed in a deep blue riding outfit that consisted of a neat little jacket and a flowing skirt. Her feet were encased in worn riding boots that barely made a sound on the tidy floor.
Ambrose was apparently making friends with Elegy, and that suited her well enough as she'd intended him to ride that particular gelding. Elegy was by far the most well-trained horse Ysabel had ever had, and nothing short of a natural disaster could cause him to spook beneath Ambrose. In addition, Elegy was the only mount she owned who could neck-rein with as much sensitivity as she suspected Ambrose would be used to. Vivace and Adagio were used to a simple direct rein, although they were learning.
Ysabel's smile brightened as Ambrose turned to her and she gave him a soft kiss on the lips as she closed the distance between them. Turning to lean back slightly against Ambrose she stroked the horse's velvety muzzle and enjoyed the feel of his warm breath on her hand.
"Next time you can come and assist in whatever way necessary," she said, in a tone that promised 'next time' wasn't too far off. "I see you've met Elegy. He's who I had in mind for you to test out that saddle on. I'm certain it will fit him." She was also certain he would be the easiest for Ambrose to handle, but she wasn't going to prick at his pride by saying that.
She opened her tack box and gestured to Ambrose, hoping he would feel comfortable in brushing the gelding while she took care of Vivace. The youngest of the three, Vivace was often the rowdiest and was definitely the most in need of extra excersize.
Slipping a halter onto the wide head, Ysabel led the young gelding out of his stall, cross-tied him in the aisle, and grabbed a rubber curry from her box. This was the one task she didn't mind getting dirty at; anything else might have her wrinkling her nose in ladylike distaste, but Ysabel loved her horses, and there was nothing much she wouldn't do when it came to taking care of them.
Ambrose was apparently making friends with Elegy, and that suited her well enough as she'd intended him to ride that particular gelding. Elegy was by far the most well-trained horse Ysabel had ever had, and nothing short of a natural disaster could cause him to spook beneath Ambrose. In addition, Elegy was the only mount she owned who could neck-rein with as much sensitivity as she suspected Ambrose would be used to. Vivace and Adagio were used to a simple direct rein, although they were learning.
Ysabel's smile brightened as Ambrose turned to her and she gave him a soft kiss on the lips as she closed the distance between them. Turning to lean back slightly against Ambrose she stroked the horse's velvety muzzle and enjoyed the feel of his warm breath on her hand.
"Next time you can come and assist in whatever way necessary," she said, in a tone that promised 'next time' wasn't too far off. "I see you've met Elegy. He's who I had in mind for you to test out that saddle on. I'm certain it will fit him." She was also certain he would be the easiest for Ambrose to handle, but she wasn't going to prick at his pride by saying that.
She opened her tack box and gestured to Ambrose, hoping he would feel comfortable in brushing the gelding while she took care of Vivace. The youngest of the three, Vivace was often the rowdiest and was definitely the most in need of extra excersize.
Slipping a halter onto the wide head, Ysabel led the young gelding out of his stall, cross-tied him in the aisle, and grabbed a rubber curry from her box. This was the one task she didn't mind getting dirty at; anything else might have her wrinkling her nose in ladylike distaste, but Ysabel loved her horses, and there was nothing much she wouldn't do when it came to taking care of them.
Ambrose
18 years ago
If he hadn’t wanted to avoid spooking the horses, he would have helped her out of that outfit right now. At least there was a promise there and Ambrose would take that, for now any way.
He was much more interested in eyeing her but she’d directed his attention back to the horse in front of them. He’d seemed like an intelligent animal, something Ambrose appreciated. Horses were more a partner in a relationship then just a companion and it paid to have a smart one.
“Funeral music? That’s a bit ominous.”
He allowed just a little doubt to show through, not much but a little, as he followed her example.
This wasn’t going to be as simple as he would like, moving with cane in one hand and horse in the other. At least on the ground he was able to handle Elegy from the left side, but it was just too awkward. Even though it mean moving slower he eventually leaned his cane against the wall and continued to groom the horse.
As with any new mount he was paying close attention for ticklish spots or clues to personality. This seemed like a remarkably steady animal.
She’d need to point him at any tack other than the saddle as he didn’t know what was Belle’s or what went with what horse.
He was much more interested in eyeing her but she’d directed his attention back to the horse in front of them. He’d seemed like an intelligent animal, something Ambrose appreciated. Horses were more a partner in a relationship then just a companion and it paid to have a smart one.
“Funeral music? That’s a bit ominous.”
He allowed just a little doubt to show through, not much but a little, as he followed her example.
This wasn’t going to be as simple as he would like, moving with cane in one hand and horse in the other. At least on the ground he was able to handle Elegy from the left side, but it was just too awkward. Even though it mean moving slower he eventually leaned his cane against the wall and continued to groom the horse.
As with any new mount he was paying close attention for ticklish spots or clues to personality. This seemed like a remarkably steady animal.
She’d need to point him at any tack other than the saddle as he didn’t know what was Belle’s or what went with what horse.
Ysabel
18 years ago
"Don't worry. I have it on good authority you're already dead," Ysabel said solemnly to Ambrose before allowing a chuckle. He could suspect all he wanted; the fact of the matter was he would find no calmer mount than Elegy. A part of her was excited and anxious to have his reaction to the horse, as she'd trained him entirely alone and was quite proud of him.
She kept an eye out for her lover as he groomed the horse, but needn't have bothered. Ambrose seemed to have forgotten nothing when it came to taking care of a horse. His arms moved with ease along Elegy's smooth coat, guiding the brushes over the soft black fur. He even ditched his cane, something that made Ysabel think perhaps she was onto something with this riding idea. Time would tell.
When the horses were brushed, they made their way back to the tack room. Ysabel grabbed bridles for both horses and her own sidesaddle. Ambrose would be able to handle his own saddle and the accompanying blanket, but she didn't want to trip him up with all kinds of dangling leather bits. Not now, anyhow, she thought wickedly. Plenty of time for that sort of thing later.
It took no time at all to get Vivace ready, and the young gelding stood with her, steady but impatiently tossing his head just a bit, as they waited for Ambrose to adjust his own tack to his liking.
She kept an eye out for her lover as he groomed the horse, but needn't have bothered. Ambrose seemed to have forgotten nothing when it came to taking care of a horse. His arms moved with ease along Elegy's smooth coat, guiding the brushes over the soft black fur. He even ditched his cane, something that made Ysabel think perhaps she was onto something with this riding idea. Time would tell.
When the horses were brushed, they made their way back to the tack room. Ysabel grabbed bridles for both horses and her own sidesaddle. Ambrose would be able to handle his own saddle and the accompanying blanket, but she didn't want to trip him up with all kinds of dangling leather bits. Not now, anyhow, she thought wickedly. Plenty of time for that sort of thing later.
It took no time at all to get Vivace ready, and the young gelding stood with her, steady but impatiently tossing his head just a bit, as they waited for Ambrose to adjust his own tack to his liking.
Ambrose
18 years ago
“A great comfort I’m sure.”
Ambrose allowed himself a snort at her quip, but he didn’t break focus or protest, in fact, it made him smile.
Working with a horse again gave Ambrose a strong sense of déjà vu, it had been the one thing he truly loathed giving up when he’d been turned and lost his leg but it had been a large part of his life before. Afterwards, however, he’d nearly hated it being around the animals and unable to ride, unable to properly take care of them had been extremely frustrating, so he’d given it up.
Now it came back easily. Place the blanket high on the withers so as you’re riding it drifts back, then the saddle giving the horse a chance to relax and you a chance to check the chinch again in case he was a puffer, then bridle and check the chinch again. Apparently old habits did die hard, for while it was done slowly and occasionally awkwardly as he tried to cope without his cane there was no doubt about what to do and it kept him from over thinking what was coming, the how to mount, how to keep balance, how to ride.
“He seems like a hell of an animal Belle.”
She’d have to lead the way, he didn’t know where or if there was a ring or if she planed on taking them out. Either way a mounting block seemed in order, and the thought made him cringe.
Ambrose allowed himself a snort at her quip, but he didn’t break focus or protest, in fact, it made him smile.
Working with a horse again gave Ambrose a strong sense of déjà vu, it had been the one thing he truly loathed giving up when he’d been turned and lost his leg but it had been a large part of his life before. Afterwards, however, he’d nearly hated it being around the animals and unable to ride, unable to properly take care of them had been extremely frustrating, so he’d given it up.
Now it came back easily. Place the blanket high on the withers so as you’re riding it drifts back, then the saddle giving the horse a chance to relax and you a chance to check the chinch again in case he was a puffer, then bridle and check the chinch again. Apparently old habits did die hard, for while it was done slowly and occasionally awkwardly as he tried to cope without his cane there was no doubt about what to do and it kept him from over thinking what was coming, the how to mount, how to keep balance, how to ride.
“He seems like a hell of an animal Belle.”
She’d have to lead the way, he didn’t know where or if there was a ring or if she planed on taking them out. Either way a mounting block seemed in order, and the thought made him cringe.
Ysabel
18 years ago
Ysabel watched Ambrose tack Elegy, convinced that he hadn't really forgotten anything, which told her in and of itself that perhaps he'd simply been holding himself back because he felt he couldn't do this, not because he didn't want to.
Vivace was jerking his head back and forth, jigging as he stood in place, so Ysabel turned her attention away from her lover momentarily and carefully began to pull gently on the young gelding's reins, first one, then the other, holding for a moment, working the bit around in his mouth until he stopped fighting against it. When he relaxed into it, arching his head at the poll and mouthing the bit in a much healthier fashion, she stroked his broad forehead and praised him.
Turning back to find Ambrose ready, she offered him a sunny smile and led the way to the covered ring that shared a wall with the row of stalls. The lights were on already and it looked like the footing had been recently groomed. Whoever had used the ring last had moved the jumps and standards out of the way, and they had a wide space to use which suited Ysabel perfectly.
There was a mounting block in one corner, and it would be necessary, at least until Ambrose figured this all out again, to use it. Ysabel didn't have to, but she wasn't going to make Ambrose uncomfortable by mounting from the ground when he couldn't.
"Elegy will be fine if you mount from the right," she said, leading Viavce to the block and tapping him on the side with her crop lightly. He stepped out of the way obediently, giving Ambrose room to lead Elegy up. "In fact, if I've done my job, he ought to stand there politely until the cows come home."
Once more she smiled, letting Ambrose determine for himself how much of 'one hell of an animal' Elegy was, but unable to completely refrain from praising her favorite. She stood on the ground next to the block, ready to assist if she needed to, holding a second crop out to Ambrose. "You're going to need this, I think."
Vivace was jerking his head back and forth, jigging as he stood in place, so Ysabel turned her attention away from her lover momentarily and carefully began to pull gently on the young gelding's reins, first one, then the other, holding for a moment, working the bit around in his mouth until he stopped fighting against it. When he relaxed into it, arching his head at the poll and mouthing the bit in a much healthier fashion, she stroked his broad forehead and praised him.
Turning back to find Ambrose ready, she offered him a sunny smile and led the way to the covered ring that shared a wall with the row of stalls. The lights were on already and it looked like the footing had been recently groomed. Whoever had used the ring last had moved the jumps and standards out of the way, and they had a wide space to use which suited Ysabel perfectly.
There was a mounting block in one corner, and it would be necessary, at least until Ambrose figured this all out again, to use it. Ysabel didn't have to, but she wasn't going to make Ambrose uncomfortable by mounting from the ground when he couldn't.
"Elegy will be fine if you mount from the right," she said, leading Viavce to the block and tapping him on the side with her crop lightly. He stepped out of the way obediently, giving Ambrose room to lead Elegy up. "In fact, if I've done my job, he ought to stand there politely until the cows come home."
Once more she smiled, letting Ambrose determine for himself how much of 'one hell of an animal' Elegy was, but unable to completely refrain from praising her favorite. She stood on the ground next to the block, ready to assist if she needed to, holding a second crop out to Ambrose. "You're going to need this, I think."
Ambrose
18 years ago
The walk to the ring was slow and he wished for his cane, but his deliberate and slightly awkward gait didn’t seem to throw Elegy. Belle’s coming right out and saying he’d be mounting from the right did throw him, but he was concentrating too hard to be mad. He did tense momentarily but it passed quickly enough.
Taking the crop Ambrose was clearly confused, he’d never used one before and couldn’t figure out the point now. Besides, it felt awkward in his hand.
“Can’t imagine why.”
Any consideration he might have given the crop cut short as he considered mounting. He had to make a conscious effort to lead Elegy up the wrong way and then of course the mounting block had steps, not high ones and just the one really but it was the principle.
He tried to mount once, but the flow didn’t come as naturally as it once did and he stopped to stand on the block again. As promised though his horse was a rock, he didn’t even flick an ear as Ambrose regrouped.
The second go he did get his leg, and the prosthetic, over Elegy’s back. It felt good to be back on a horse, the height, and the subtle shift in weight. However it felt foreign too, he could only feel part of the horse on the left side for obvious reasons. That didn’t make him feel any better about it though. In some respects, it made him feel worse. To cover that he reached forward to pat his mount’s neck approvingly.
“All right then, all right.”
Taking the crop Ambrose was clearly confused, he’d never used one before and couldn’t figure out the point now. Besides, it felt awkward in his hand.
“Can’t imagine why.”
Any consideration he might have given the crop cut short as he considered mounting. He had to make a conscious effort to lead Elegy up the wrong way and then of course the mounting block had steps, not high ones and just the one really but it was the principle.
He tried to mount once, but the flow didn’t come as naturally as it once did and he stopped to stand on the block again. As promised though his horse was a rock, he didn’t even flick an ear as Ambrose regrouped.
The second go he did get his leg, and the prosthetic, over Elegy’s back. It felt good to be back on a horse, the height, and the subtle shift in weight. However it felt foreign too, he could only feel part of the horse on the left side for obvious reasons. That didn’t make him feel any better about it though. In some respects, it made him feel worse. To cover that he reached forward to pat his mount’s neck approvingly.
“All right then, all right.”