When Eiryk released his hand, Alex ran it through Eiryk's short blond hair. "Of course I didn't," he said. "I'm not hungry right now anyway. Come on, let's keep going."
Alex did frown a little at the mention that Eiryk had apparently fed himself recently. Alex would have been happy to provide. A little stab of something - was it jealousy? - made him aware that he wasn't really sure how he felt on the topic of Eiryk's biting someone else. It wasn't really his place to complain, however. Eiryk had certainly been taking care of himself for hundreds of years. Why should Alex's presence make anything different? If anything, Eiryk avoided biting him. He wasn't sure why that was.
They walked for ten or fifteen minutes more, not really discussing anything weighty, just enjoying the crisp night and the quiet trails. When they reached the junction of several trails in a far more well-lit area, they heard the distinct sound of hooves coming down heavily on the packed dirt.
"Nice night for a ride," Alex said. They moved off to the side of the trail to let the approaching horses pass, and Alex slipped his arms around Eiryk's waist. Just in case. They didn't need any vampire-trampling accidents.
Not Exactly Roughing It (open)
A quick stop at the towers had Eiryk now in hiking boots, jeans, a long sleeved shirt and a hoodie. On him, however, it was not a sloppy slacker look While changing he'd 'subtly' pointed out the space Alex's things had been and that there was still room and dropped a hint or two that he could make more room. Just because he respected Alex's decision to stand on his own two feet didn't mean he couldn't try and persuade him.
Pulling in the parking lot, which was deserted, after all who went hiking in the middle of the night in January? It was dark -and- cold. Well crazier things had happened but neither of them thought it would be crowded.
Locking the car Eiryk ambled over to a sign, after tripping over the curb.
"Apparently there are two trail heads here; a beginner that has some solar powered lighting in spots and an intermediate with very little lighting and more inclines and a greater elevation changes. Which do you think?"
It wasn't like they were in the Appalachians so Eiryk didn't think the elevation changes would be much to write home about.
"They must both be circles as they end here too. At least we won't have to go looking for the car after."
Alex Aristos
13 years ago
Ysabel
13 years ago
Ysabel laughed gaily as she and Marie let Elegy and Adagio have their heads along the relatively well-lit trails in the Park. The horses cantered a good distance before the two women drew them up and made them walk for a little while before letting them open up into a ground-eating trot.
It was still early at night; the sun had only gone down an hour or two ago. Ysabel enjoyed riding in the preserve as long as the solar panels on the trails remained strong. She had found that toward morning they seemed to lose a little bit of their radiance. This was a good time, if one had to ride at night, to do so.
They were both bundled up fairly well. It was chilly out and although horseback riding was good exercise it did little to keep your hands and toes warm. Ysabel was dressed in a heavy velvet riding gown, her hands in a pair of gloves open at the fingertips with a little mitten part that pulled over the top and buttoned. She had a hooded cloak and beneath that, a scarf. It was a little theatrical perhaps but she was warm and so was Elegy, with all those heavy folds of fabric covering him.
They heard voices on the trail ahead of them; well, Ysabel did. She didn't think Marie had. She held up a mittened hand and they moved the horses off to the right side of the trail, slowing them down to a walk. Ysabel smiled at the two people there, realizing as she did that it was clearly a couple, two men. Apparently the clear night appealed to them too, for they looked relaxed and happy.
It was still early at night; the sun had only gone down an hour or two ago. Ysabel enjoyed riding in the preserve as long as the solar panels on the trails remained strong. She had found that toward morning they seemed to lose a little bit of their radiance. This was a good time, if one had to ride at night, to do so.
They were both bundled up fairly well. It was chilly out and although horseback riding was good exercise it did little to keep your hands and toes warm. Ysabel was dressed in a heavy velvet riding gown, her hands in a pair of gloves open at the fingertips with a little mitten part that pulled over the top and buttoned. She had a hooded cloak and beneath that, a scarf. It was a little theatrical perhaps but she was warm and so was Elegy, with all those heavy folds of fabric covering him.
They heard voices on the trail ahead of them; well, Ysabel did. She didn't think Marie had. She held up a mittened hand and they moved the horses off to the right side of the trail, slowing them down to a walk. Ysabel smiled at the two people there, realizing as she did that it was clearly a couple, two men. Apparently the clear night appealed to them too, for they looked relaxed and happy.
Eiryk
13 years ago
Eiryk did catch the little frown at his mention of dinner. He wasn't sure if it was over what he had eaten or who. He made a mental note to ask Alex about it eventually. He hadn't bitten Alex because, well he'd done it those few times without asking and Alex hadn't appreciated finding out and because he wanted to be -absolutely- sure that he didn't form a familiar bond with Alex. They should probably talk about that.
But later. For now they just hiked making idle conversation and enjoying each other's company. It wasn't as if they -never- saw each other but it was harder with Alex living over his shop and Eiryk missed his boy friend when he wasn't about.
Eiryk stood aside for the oncoming horses and let Alex 'keep him safe'. He might not have said anything to the riders at all but the horses were so unusual. So was the one young lady, given her rather old fashioned dress Eiryk thought she might share some of his preferences.
"Friesians."
He said with a smile obvious in his voice. He rather hoped they'd stop for a second, he'd like a closer look at them. You didn't see the breed just every day after all.
But later. For now they just hiked making idle conversation and enjoying each other's company. It wasn't as if they -never- saw each other but it was harder with Alex living over his shop and Eiryk missed his boy friend when he wasn't about.
Eiryk stood aside for the oncoming horses and let Alex 'keep him safe'. He might not have said anything to the riders at all but the horses were so unusual. So was the one young lady, given her rather old fashioned dress Eiryk thought she might share some of his preferences.
"Friesians."
He said with a smile obvious in his voice. He rather hoped they'd stop for a second, he'd like a closer look at them. You didn't see the breed just every day after all.
Marie
13 years ago
Marie grinned as she followed along with her vampire. They'd had a good ride so far. She knew Ambrose wasn't too keen on them wandering out the in the preserve, but obviously if Ysabel was here and they'd taken the horses out it couldn't be that bad. For now she was just happy to be out, even if she was a little bundled up.
Her own clothing had elements of Ysabel's taste, a little super retro flare but were still more modern. More important they were warm.
She slowed down as Ysabel did and would have walked passed them without stopping or saying anything but she knew the one voice. Pulling her scarf down a little she waved somewhat shyly at her new boss.
It was a bit of a surprise to see him out with another guy and not just out for a run or a hike but out, like a date. But Marie had been living with and learning from Ysabel for too long to show any surprise. Although, she did file that bit of information away, he might be safe if he was into guys.
"Hi Alexander."
Her own clothing had elements of Ysabel's taste, a little super retro flare but were still more modern. More important they were warm.
She slowed down as Ysabel did and would have walked passed them without stopping or saying anything but she knew the one voice. Pulling her scarf down a little she waved somewhat shyly at her new boss.
It was a bit of a surprise to see him out with another guy and not just out for a run or a hike but out, like a date. But Marie had been living with and learning from Ysabel for too long to show any surprise. Although, she did file that bit of information away, he might be safe if he was into guys.
"Hi Alexander."
Alex Aristos
13 years ago
Alex heard the hoof beats slow and watched as two large horses came into view, both dramatic in coloring with coats of solid black and long, flowing manes and tails with feathers around their feet as well. The two riders were almost comically petite in contrast. Both were women, although the one in front attracted his attention owing to the voluminous gown and cloak she wore, which spilled over her mount's flanks like something off of a medieval tapestry.
He glanced at Eiryk when his boyfriend identified the horses, at first surprised that he knew enough to do so and then not so much as Alex realized Eiryk must have ridden horses at multiple points in his life.
A familiar voice greeted him by name and Alex looked at the second rider more closely as she pushed her scarf down. Small world sometimes.
"Marie," Alex exclaimed, straightening up a little. "Wow. Hi." Stumbling a little over introductions, which he hadn't expected to be performing out here in the middle of the Park and Preserve at nine-thirty at night, he gestured to Eiryk. "This is my boyfriend Eiryk." Looking back at Eiryk he smiled and said, "This is the student I was telling you about, Marie, the one I just hired."
He smiled up at Marie. "Nice horse."
What else could he say? In truth he found the enormous animals somewhat intimidating. Alex was a fairly strong individual... anything else that had enough muscle to crush him without breaking a sweat made him a little... well, maybe not nervous. But definitely politely deferential.
He glanced at Eiryk when his boyfriend identified the horses, at first surprised that he knew enough to do so and then not so much as Alex realized Eiryk must have ridden horses at multiple points in his life.
A familiar voice greeted him by name and Alex looked at the second rider more closely as she pushed her scarf down. Small world sometimes.
"Marie," Alex exclaimed, straightening up a little. "Wow. Hi." Stumbling a little over introductions, which he hadn't expected to be performing out here in the middle of the Park and Preserve at nine-thirty at night, he gestured to Eiryk. "This is my boyfriend Eiryk." Looking back at Eiryk he smiled and said, "This is the student I was telling you about, Marie, the one I just hired."
He smiled up at Marie. "Nice horse."
What else could he say? In truth he found the enormous animals somewhat intimidating. Alex was a fairly strong individual... anything else that had enough muscle to crush him without breaking a sweat made him a little... well, maybe not nervous. But definitely politely deferential.
Ysabel
13 years ago
Settling herself firmly into the saddle Ysabel lifted her reins ever so slightly and Elegy came to a full stop. She relaxed her hand and the well-trained gelding stood quietly on the trail, lowering his head a little a stretching it out toward the two men there. Of all her horses Elegy was the one who seemed to like people the most, and Ysabel never minded when he greeted them; he was very gentle.
Marie appeared to know the taller of the two men, a very unusual occurrence. When Marie said his name Ysabel made the connection. Marie had wanted to get a part time job and it had seemed providential that she'd found a perfect opening close to the university. Ysabel hadn't minded as long as Marie was all right with working for a man.
Alexander introduced the man he was with as Eiryk, the one who'd noted their horses. Ysabel might normally have waited for Marie to introduce everyone but in this case, although the men didn't know it, she was Marie's guardian. So she nodded her head politely in lieu of a curtsey, which would have been impossible, and said, "Aha, you're Marie's employer, Alexander? It's a pleasure to meet you. You as well, Eiryk."
Having no names or titles annoyed her slightly but Ysabel was used to that in this day and age. "Marie mentioned she would be working with you soon. My name is Ysabel Yolgrave. Marie is my friend."
Marie had matured past an age where Ysabel could claim she was a parent of any sort. The women looked much the same age now, Ysabel having been turned when she was actually a bit younger than Marie's current age.
Marie appeared to know the taller of the two men, a very unusual occurrence. When Marie said his name Ysabel made the connection. Marie had wanted to get a part time job and it had seemed providential that she'd found a perfect opening close to the university. Ysabel hadn't minded as long as Marie was all right with working for a man.
Alexander introduced the man he was with as Eiryk, the one who'd noted their horses. Ysabel might normally have waited for Marie to introduce everyone but in this case, although the men didn't know it, she was Marie's guardian. So she nodded her head politely in lieu of a curtsey, which would have been impossible, and said, "Aha, you're Marie's employer, Alexander? It's a pleasure to meet you. You as well, Eiryk."
Having no names or titles annoyed her slightly but Ysabel was used to that in this day and age. "Marie mentioned she would be working with you soon. My name is Ysabel Yolgrave. Marie is my friend."
Marie had matured past an age where Ysabel could claim she was a parent of any sort. The women looked much the same age now, Ysabel having been turned when she was actually a bit younger than Marie's current age.
Marie
13 years ago
Marie blushed a little having forgotten to introduce everyone properly but then again she didn't know Alexander's boyfriends name so it would have been hard. Ysabel took care of it though. She might be eighteen and technically an adult now but Marie was still rather on the shy side, especially around men. So she was happier letting Ysabel take the lead any way.
She'd take her time deciding to work for Alexander and that he was trustworthy. He'd never given off any creepy vibes at all. His boyfriend Marie wasn't sure about, but since Alexander obviously liked him well enough he was safe for now. That and she was on Adagio's back and hardly likely to be vulnerable. So she smiled and nodded and found a polite hello for the blond too.
"Thank you. Ysabel let's me ride him, she's been giving me lessons too. Isn't it cold out for a walk?"
And dark. Marie wondered if one of them was a vampire too. Well it couldn't be Alexander, he worked during the day. Maybe Eiryk was, of course she tended to see vampires everywhere since moving in with Ysabel and Ambrose.
She'd take her time deciding to work for Alexander and that he was trustworthy. He'd never given off any creepy vibes at all. His boyfriend Marie wasn't sure about, but since Alexander obviously liked him well enough he was safe for now. That and she was on Adagio's back and hardly likely to be vulnerable. So she smiled and nodded and found a polite hello for the blond too.
"Thank you. Ysabel let's me ride him, she's been giving me lessons too. Isn't it cold out for a walk?"
And dark. Marie wondered if one of them was a vampire too. Well it couldn't be Alexander, he worked during the day. Maybe Eiryk was, of course she tended to see vampires everywhere since moving in with Ysabel and Ambrose.
Eiryk
13 years ago
Eiryk grinned when the big black horse stretched his neck out a bit. He held out his hand, flat palm up, by way of greeting and was rewarded with soft lips and warm breath on his hand.
Noting the woman's old fashioned dress he figured that she would at least expect more formal manners. He didn't bow or anything silly but he did politely incline his head.
"Eiryk Jensen miss. A pleasure to meet you both. They are beautiful, can I ask where you found them? I haven't seen a Friesian in years."
He spoke to the, well she seemed older to Eiryk, although she was just more confident and at easy. They certainly looked about the same age. He also wanted to ask her where she got the cloak as it was rather smashing, but he'd save that question.
Ah this was the student Alex had hired. She looked to be a sweet thing, although maybe a little quiet. She also didn't look like she needed the money. With any luck she wouldn't eat Alex out of house and home. He smiled encouragingly at her aware she was watching him, trying to figure out what to make of him.
Noting the woman's old fashioned dress he figured that she would at least expect more formal manners. He didn't bow or anything silly but he did politely incline his head.
"Eiryk Jensen miss. A pleasure to meet you both. They are beautiful, can I ask where you found them? I haven't seen a Friesian in years."
He spoke to the, well she seemed older to Eiryk, although she was just more confident and at easy. They certainly looked about the same age. He also wanted to ask her where she got the cloak as it was rather smashing, but he'd save that question.
Ah this was the student Alex had hired. She looked to be a sweet thing, although maybe a little quiet. She also didn't look like she needed the money. With any luck she wouldn't eat Alex out of house and home. He smiled encouragingly at her aware she was watching him, trying to figure out what to make of him.
Alex Aristos
13 years ago
Alex smiled at the woman who'd introduced herself. "Nice to meet you, too, Ysabel," he said. She seemed friendly enough. He had to admit, he sort of dug the English accent. He wondered if she went to the university with Marie; they seemed about the same age in spite of their unusual clothing.
At Marie's question Alex just shrugged his shoulders. "We both like the cold," he explained. Neither he nor Eiryk minded it much. "It seemed like a nice night out and we were nearby so we figured, why not?"
He wasn't about to ask why they were riding horses at night; Alex had always assumed that was sort of a daytime only activity. Looking at the trail they were on, however, he could see how it might be fun at night and not too dangerous. It was fairly well-lit.
He didn't approach the big horse when Eiryk did; Alex preferred to keep his distance. It was a magnificent animal. He looked up at Ysabel when Eiryk asked about them, waiting for her answer.
At Marie's question Alex just shrugged his shoulders. "We both like the cold," he explained. Neither he nor Eiryk minded it much. "It seemed like a nice night out and we were nearby so we figured, why not?"
He wasn't about to ask why they were riding horses at night; Alex had always assumed that was sort of a daytime only activity. Looking at the trail they were on, however, he could see how it might be fun at night and not too dangerous. It was fairly well-lit.
He didn't approach the big horse when Eiryk did; Alex preferred to keep his distance. It was a magnificent animal. He looked up at Ysabel when Eiryk asked about them, waiting for her answer.
Ysabel
13 years ago
Ysabel listened to the exchange between Alexander and Marie before turning her attention to Eiryk and his question. She beamed down at him. "I brought them over from England when I moved a few years ago," she explained. "My father breeds them. This is Elegy and that is Adagio."
She couldn't dismount from a sidesaddle without assistance unless she wanted to float down and that would be impossible to explain. So, she remained mounted and carried on the conversation from horseback although she felt a little impolite doing so.
"Do you ride as well? I don't often run into people who recognize the breed. They're gaining popularity here in the States, but not very quickly."
Ysabel was always interested in anyone who expressed interest in her horses. She looked over to Alexander, who had not appeared eager to be close to them, and smiled encouragingly. "They don't bite," she said.
She couldn't dismount from a sidesaddle without assistance unless she wanted to float down and that would be impossible to explain. So, she remained mounted and carried on the conversation from horseback although she felt a little impolite doing so.
"Do you ride as well? I don't often run into people who recognize the breed. They're gaining popularity here in the States, but not very quickly."
Ysabel was always interested in anyone who expressed interest in her horses. She looked over to Alexander, who had not appeared eager to be close to them, and smiled encouragingly. "They don't bite," she said.
Eiryk
13 years ago
That was money. Shipping horses for a college student, especially one who was probably only a transfer student and didn't plan on staying in Nachton. Eiryk quickly concluded that Ysabel was a vampire, probably Anatnya as he didn't recognize her. Not that he knew everyone in Evenhet or anyone in Tacheran.
"Musically inclined Frisians."
He chuckled, doing his best to look harmless for the girl's sake. He looked back at Alexander a little surprised he was being cautious of the animals, but not pushing.
"I haven't ridden in years, I used to though, quite a lot. But I do travel a considerable amount I've only really seen them in Europe. They look smashing under harness. Do you drive them as well?"
With a firm, familiar pat to the neck of Elegy Eiryk stepped back a bit to be closer to Alex.
He was quite tempted to ask Ysabel if he could take her picture, it would have helped if he had a camera, but her appearance on the horse would have been a wonderful finishing touch to a room he was working on. All it would need would be a bit of photo shopping. Why didn't he have a camera?
"Musically inclined Frisians."
He chuckled, doing his best to look harmless for the girl's sake. He looked back at Alexander a little surprised he was being cautious of the animals, but not pushing.
"I haven't ridden in years, I used to though, quite a lot. But I do travel a considerable amount I've only really seen them in Europe. They look smashing under harness. Do you drive them as well?"
With a firm, familiar pat to the neck of Elegy Eiryk stepped back a bit to be closer to Alex.
He was quite tempted to ask Ysabel if he could take her picture, it would have helped if he had a camera, but her appearance on the horse would have been a wonderful finishing touch to a room he was working on. All it would need would be a bit of photo shopping. Why didn't he have a camera?
Marie
13 years ago
"At least it isn't crowded out. Too cold and dark for most people."
Marie offered with a smile. It was a good enough reason for her, especially since Alexander had to work all day. He wouldn't have time to hike while giving lessons or minding the store. She really did hope she could help with that. It seemed to Marie that he needed to have some time to himself. Especially if he was in a relationship. And she had to admit they were sort of cute together.
Picking up on Ysabel's cue Marie nodded encouragingly at her boss to be.
"They really are very gentle. Haven't you ever ridden before?"
It was said both cautiously and curiously. Alexander was very enthusiastic about outdoor activities. It seemed rather odd he'd missed this one.
Marie offered with a smile. It was a good enough reason for her, especially since Alexander had to work all day. He wouldn't have time to hike while giving lessons or minding the store. She really did hope she could help with that. It seemed to Marie that he needed to have some time to himself. Especially if he was in a relationship. And she had to admit they were sort of cute together.
Picking up on Ysabel's cue Marie nodded encouragingly at her boss to be.
"They really are very gentle. Haven't you ever ridden before?"
It was said both cautiously and curiously. Alexander was very enthusiastic about outdoor activities. It seemed rather odd he'd missed this one.
Alex Aristos
13 years ago
Alex couldn't really follow the conversation between Ysabel and Eiryk, as it quickly filled with equine references he didn't understand. So he focused on Marie, who he didn't mind getting to know better anyhow. He shook his head at her.
"Nope. Bikes and kayaks and such, but I've never ridden anything with a mind of its own."
He shrugged; horses hadn't been part of his family's lifestyle. Growing up in Maryland there had been plenty of farms around but Alex hadn't really had anything to do with livestock. Since the women were encouraging though and he didn't want to be rude he drew his glove from his hand and approached Marie's horse with his palm out flat like Eiryk had.
He didn't flinch as the horse lowered its massive head but he did give a slight start when it blew a hot breath onto his skin. it didn't seem interested in biting him; just gently pushed its muzzle into Alex's hand. Alex obligingly rubbed the skin around the flaring nostrils, surprised at the softness.
"Huh. It feels like velvet," he said. Emboldened, he ran his hand up the horse's nose to it massive forehead and scratched.
"Amazing. And they don't mind being out here in the dark? It's not too cold for them?" Alex clearly knew two things about horses: jack and shit. But he had to agree they did seem much more gentle than he would have assumed. Neither horse had so much as twitched during the conversation. If he'd had to guess he'd say they looked pretty bored.
"Nope. Bikes and kayaks and such, but I've never ridden anything with a mind of its own."
He shrugged; horses hadn't been part of his family's lifestyle. Growing up in Maryland there had been plenty of farms around but Alex hadn't really had anything to do with livestock. Since the women were encouraging though and he didn't want to be rude he drew his glove from his hand and approached Marie's horse with his palm out flat like Eiryk had.
He didn't flinch as the horse lowered its massive head but he did give a slight start when it blew a hot breath onto his skin. it didn't seem interested in biting him; just gently pushed its muzzle into Alex's hand. Alex obligingly rubbed the skin around the flaring nostrils, surprised at the softness.
"Huh. It feels like velvet," he said. Emboldened, he ran his hand up the horse's nose to it massive forehead and scratched.
"Amazing. And they don't mind being out here in the dark? It's not too cold for them?" Alex clearly knew two things about horses: jack and shit. But he had to agree they did seem much more gentle than he would have assumed. Neither horse had so much as twitched during the conversation. If he'd had to guess he'd say they looked pretty bored.
Ysabel
13 years ago
Ysabel laughed softly at Eiryk. "It's partially true, even without the names. We do ride to music quite often."
She considered the man before her. He was young for being so well-traveled and well-versed. Ysabel wondered what he did for a living that took him to Europe. Not enough people experienced the world nowadays; they went to school and went to work and never got out of that routine. She was hoping it would be different for Marie; she knew it would be, really.
She kept an ear tuned to Marie and Alex's conversation, which seemed innocuous enough, even as she answered Eiryk.
"They all drive, but Elegy here is the most used to it. Adagio is fairly well-versed too, and I have a third, Vivace, who hasn't done nearly as much as these two but he's learning. Elegy and Adagio have gone singly and together in harness many times."
She considered the man before her. He was young for being so well-traveled and well-versed. Ysabel wondered what he did for a living that took him to Europe. Not enough people experienced the world nowadays; they went to school and went to work and never got out of that routine. She was hoping it would be different for Marie; she knew it would be, really.
She kept an ear tuned to Marie and Alex's conversation, which seemed innocuous enough, even as she answered Eiryk.
"They all drive, but Elegy here is the most used to it. Adagio is fairly well-versed too, and I have a third, Vivace, who hasn't done nearly as much as these two but he's learning. Elegy and Adagio have gone singly and together in harness many times."
Marie
13 years ago
"Well I've never been in a kayak so we are even then."
She must have been feeling rather bold and at ease to tease Alexander like that. Marie was not exactly outspoken.
They'd always been around horses, cows, chickens and the like growing up with family in the rodeo. She'd never thought twice about it even as a child. But kayaks were a mystery to her; there wasn't enough water in the desert to make them practical any way. Not unless you drove to a lake and even then they'd all been much more interesting in fishing and swimming.
Alex's flinch made her giggle a little, not unkindly just rather tickled. She was pleased he'd kept petting her mount and nodded at his observation about how soft their noses were.
"No, they undoubtedly like this better than going around and around in the ring and Ysabel's schedule can get very busy so they are used to going out at night."
She and her vampire had been together for several years now and the lie came simply and easily, without even thinking about it.
Marie stood up a bit in her stirrups and fished in one of her pockets for a small treat, she usually kept something with her for horses even when she wasn't with them. She didn't usually treat Adagio while they were riding but she wanted to encourage her boss. Leaning over she offered it to him, although she did look to Ysabel for approval.
"If you hold your hand flat again, he'll take it from you."
She must have been feeling rather bold and at ease to tease Alexander like that. Marie was not exactly outspoken.
They'd always been around horses, cows, chickens and the like growing up with family in the rodeo. She'd never thought twice about it even as a child. But kayaks were a mystery to her; there wasn't enough water in the desert to make them practical any way. Not unless you drove to a lake and even then they'd all been much more interesting in fishing and swimming.
Alex's flinch made her giggle a little, not unkindly just rather tickled. She was pleased he'd kept petting her mount and nodded at his observation about how soft their noses were.
"No, they undoubtedly like this better than going around and around in the ring and Ysabel's schedule can get very busy so they are used to going out at night."
She and her vampire had been together for several years now and the lie came simply and easily, without even thinking about it.
Marie stood up a bit in her stirrups and fished in one of her pockets for a small treat, she usually kept something with her for horses even when she wasn't with them. She didn't usually treat Adagio while they were riding but she wanted to encourage her boss. Leaning over she offered it to him, although she did look to Ysabel for approval.
"If you hold your hand flat again, he'll take it from you."
Eiryk
13 years ago
"Dressage then? I never did have the knack for that."
Although he was old enough to have seen some of those maneuvers used for their original purpose; some of them hurt too.
Three? Yes, she was either extremely rich or a vampire. Possibly both. Not that it mattered.
"I'd like to see that. Do you compete at all then?"
Obviously she was quite committed to the horses so Eiryk had no doubt the turn out would be impressive.
It wasn't extremely obvious but Eiryk did notice that Ysabel seemed to be keeping an eye on Marie and Marie seemed to be looking at Ysabel for approval. Of course that could just be because the horses were Ysabel's so he didn't read too much into it.
He was more interested in Alex's reaction to the horses at this point than the relationship between the women any way. Certainly the both seemed nice enough but they weren't Alex. Speaking of which, he turned and smiled at his boyfriend.
"Really? You've never ridden? We can fix that if you'd like."
Although he was old enough to have seen some of those maneuvers used for their original purpose; some of them hurt too.
Three? Yes, she was either extremely rich or a vampire. Possibly both. Not that it mattered.
"I'd like to see that. Do you compete at all then?"
Obviously she was quite committed to the horses so Eiryk had no doubt the turn out would be impressive.
It wasn't extremely obvious but Eiryk did notice that Ysabel seemed to be keeping an eye on Marie and Marie seemed to be looking at Ysabel for approval. Of course that could just be because the horses were Ysabel's so he didn't read too much into it.
He was more interested in Alex's reaction to the horses at this point than the relationship between the women any way. Certainly the both seemed nice enough but they weren't Alex. Speaking of which, he turned and smiled at his boyfriend.
"Really? You've never ridden? We can fix that if you'd like."
Alex Aristos
13 years ago
"I see," Alex said. He couldn't tell one way or the other what the horses liked but obviously Marie could.
He took the little treat from Marie and eyed it, and the horse, somewhat suspiciously. That was a very big mouth. But he held the treat out as directed and quite possibly also held his breath as the big head lowered eagerly, nostrils flaring as it sniffed.
Alex didn't move as the horse's upper lip brushed his hand, then the treat, and then actually wiggled back and forth in the manner of a searching elephant trunk or something similar, before the mobile lips gently made the treat vanish. The horse's jaw moving and there was a crunching noise as the treat was demolished, and then Alex found himself face-to-muzzle with a very interested horse once more.
"Woah, killer," Alex said, stepping back just a bit. Turning to Eiryk, he shrugged. "No, I've never ridden. And maybe."
They were very big and had a mind of their own obviously. but Ysabel and Marie seemed to be having no trouble with them at all. That fact was intriguing.
He took the little treat from Marie and eyed it, and the horse, somewhat suspiciously. That was a very big mouth. But he held the treat out as directed and quite possibly also held his breath as the big head lowered eagerly, nostrils flaring as it sniffed.
Alex didn't move as the horse's upper lip brushed his hand, then the treat, and then actually wiggled back and forth in the manner of a searching elephant trunk or something similar, before the mobile lips gently made the treat vanish. The horse's jaw moving and there was a crunching noise as the treat was demolished, and then Alex found himself face-to-muzzle with a very interested horse once more.
"Woah, killer," Alex said, stepping back just a bit. Turning to Eiryk, he shrugged. "No, I've never ridden. And maybe."
They were very big and had a mind of their own obviously. but Ysabel and Marie seemed to be having no trouble with them at all. That fact was intriguing.
Ysabel
13 years ago
Ysabel nodded at Marie's questioning look; of course it was all right for her to give Adagio a treat, especially in the interest of getting to know her new employer better. She had to admit she was intrigued; Marie didn't take well to men normally. Alexander, however, seemed like the quiet, kind sort. The sort Marie could work for. And it was only for a few hours during the weekdays. Marie had said he lived upstairs as well, so if any trouble arose he would be nearby.
"Dressage, yes, sometimes," Ysabel answered Eiryk. "Also some hunting and jumping, and Marie has been teaching Adagio how to barrel race." She quirked up one side of her mouth. "It's a work in progress."
Her friesians were versatile; they were, as a breed, versatile. Ysabel liked to keep their training that way. It highlighted their intelligence.
All eyes seemed to fall upon Alexander, who evidently was the only one of the four of them who had never ridden. It wasn't an uncommon trait in humans. Many of them had never ridden a horse. It was the age of the car, of the plane, train, and bus. Th age of the horse had passed.
It never occurred to Ysabel not to offer to take Alexander and Eiryk along with them some time. This was Marie's new boss and therefore Ysabel treated him the same as she would have treated anyone with whom she planned to get along.
"If you'd like, we could meet here again some time," she offered. "If riding doesn't suit you then perhaps you'd like to start by driving? It's just as much fun."
"Dressage, yes, sometimes," Ysabel answered Eiryk. "Also some hunting and jumping, and Marie has been teaching Adagio how to barrel race." She quirked up one side of her mouth. "It's a work in progress."
Her friesians were versatile; they were, as a breed, versatile. Ysabel liked to keep their training that way. It highlighted their intelligence.
All eyes seemed to fall upon Alexander, who evidently was the only one of the four of them who had never ridden. It wasn't an uncommon trait in humans. Many of them had never ridden a horse. It was the age of the car, of the plane, train, and bus. Th age of the horse had passed.
It never occurred to Ysabel not to offer to take Alexander and Eiryk along with them some time. This was Marie's new boss and therefore Ysabel treated him the same as she would have treated anyone with whom she planned to get along.
"If you'd like, we could meet here again some time," she offered. "If riding doesn't suit you then perhaps you'd like to start by driving? It's just as much fun."
Eiryk
13 years ago
"I wouldn't have thought there would be much hunting around here."
It was a rural sport. Granted there was open land to be found on the outskirts of the city but Nachton was an urban center. Even if there was room for the sport there wouldn't be that many enthusiasts.
The idea of one of these massive animals barrel racing though made him laugh. He turned his good humor on Marie, very careful to keep it gentle, he hadn't missed the way she kept half an eye on him even though she was talking to Alex.
"How big are the barrels?"
Eiryk couldn't help but grin as the big black horse shifted his weight slightly and reached his nose toward Alex, apparently hoping for another treat.
The only reason Eiryk still wound up on horseback now and then was because Angus favored monasteries that were more than a little out of the way. Often you couldn't get a vehicle back there for any thing.
"I'd be game if Alex is."
Marie and Alex could work out the details, he'd make a few calls and see about renting some horses. Eiryk wouldn't dream of just assuming Ysabel would provide them all with mounts.
It was a rural sport. Granted there was open land to be found on the outskirts of the city but Nachton was an urban center. Even if there was room for the sport there wouldn't be that many enthusiasts.
The idea of one of these massive animals barrel racing though made him laugh. He turned his good humor on Marie, very careful to keep it gentle, he hadn't missed the way she kept half an eye on him even though she was talking to Alex.
"How big are the barrels?"
Eiryk couldn't help but grin as the big black horse shifted his weight slightly and reached his nose toward Alex, apparently hoping for another treat.
The only reason Eiryk still wound up on horseback now and then was because Angus favored monasteries that were more than a little out of the way. Often you couldn't get a vehicle back there for any thing.
"I'd be game if Alex is."
Marie and Alex could work out the details, he'd make a few calls and see about renting some horses. Eiryk wouldn't dream of just assuming Ysabel would provide them all with mounts.
Marie
13 years ago
Again Marie giggled at her employer's reaction. He wasn't scared, not really, not as near as she could tell. He just wasn't used to horses and there was nothing wrong with that. She was glad that Adagio was as gentle as he was and that he only shifted his weight as Alexander stepped back. Not that she would have let him crowd her new boss but she was still pleased he didn't even try.
When the blond man addressed her she blushed a little, more from shyness than actual embarrassment.
"As big as I can manage."
Marie loved the Frisians especially Adagio, and they were an amazing breed but the didn't quite have the same speed and agility of say a quarter horse. So she used bigger barrels, which wasn't easy as she was a bit on the tiny side. She never had had that promised growth spurt and was only an inch or two taller than when she met Ysabel.
Quietly she nodded at Alexander, it would be nice if he said yes. He seemed like a very nice guy so far.
When the blond man addressed her she blushed a little, more from shyness than actual embarrassment.
"As big as I can manage."
Marie loved the Frisians especially Adagio, and they were an amazing breed but the didn't quite have the same speed and agility of say a quarter horse. So she used bigger barrels, which wasn't easy as she was a bit on the tiny side. She never had had that promised growth spurt and was only an inch or two taller than when she met Ysabel.
Quietly she nodded at Alexander, it would be nice if he said yes. He seemed like a very nice guy so far.