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The only surefire way to leave the home was to go train a horse. This was a skill that her parents had taught her at a young age. Not being blessed with a brother to take on the trade meant that they needed to supply their one and only child to make the horses perfect to every command. It started with a love at the first breath, she had witnessed this horse's birth and every horse since she was five. It was important to be there, be a part of the process each step of the way. The horse would learn to stand, learn to walk, and she would get to experience the beauty of it all. A flutter in her heart at the sight of those big eyes and wobbly legs. Just as she had felt when she watched her own children's first steps.
This grey dapple had been perfect from the very beginning. The best temperament was seen in at least five years of breeding. Aikaterine always joked that maybe it would be the perfect horse for her son to ride around on and be noticed, but she didn't trust her son to train himself since her eldest daughter had lost her life. She had become quite protective, no matter how many times she had gone out on the pastures and cliffs around Meganea, her children were not allowed. It was always at the back of her mind that she might lose another.
Instead, they were left with the servant of the house and Aikaterine was tasked with taking the majestic creature past the trails and on to rougher terrain. The soldiers needed a horse that was willing to tackle any challenge and the lady planned on pushing it. The reins pulled to one side and then another, usually, but today she was going to make sure that this horse didn't need such excess. This horse was going to be able to turn, pivot, back up and all the other maneuvers with the pressure of a heel. Not all were dedicated to the time and effort to make a horse this way, but when it came to pulling a bow and arrow - a person couldn't waste time with trying to control a horse with the reins.
She started down the beaten dirt as she moved south of the stables and on her way. Her mind looking to the scenery in front of her admiring the summer weather with a gentle smile. Aikaterine lacked reasons to smile as of late, so it was a break for her facial muscles to escape the frowning. The trail was peaceful with only the sprinkle of light chirps from birds invading the silence. It was the relaxation that she needed after all the stress of the city. The moments she needed to contemplate what she was going to do next. There were so many times she felt as though her life was caught repeating the same day over again and again. It was a tragic nightmare she was beginning to be desperate to stop.
It had been a couple of hours of riding and training the horse to do her will, it wouldn't be done in a day. However, she felt as though they had made good progress by the time she had stopped in a small clearing. The rays against her sun warmed her to her core as she slowed and slid off the side. Her feet hit the dry ground with a thud with a bit of dust, even around the blades of grass coming up. Nature never bothered her. She was never destined to be the kind of lady that was holed up in a house, bathing daily, and weighed down by jewels. She was feminine but in a different way. The gala had been eye-opening and not necessarily in a good way.
"How about a rest, hmm?" The only one she knew of to hear her voice was the horse. Her hand patted his neck before she turned and found a spot that would suffice to sit down. Aikaterine didn't even notice that her guard was down as she just laid in the grass to soak up the warm late afternoon sun.
JD
Staff Team
JD
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This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
The only surefire way to leave the home was to go train a horse. This was a skill that her parents had taught her at a young age. Not being blessed with a brother to take on the trade meant that they needed to supply their one and only child to make the horses perfect to every command. It started with a love at the first breath, she had witnessed this horse's birth and every horse since she was five. It was important to be there, be a part of the process each step of the way. The horse would learn to stand, learn to walk, and she would get to experience the beauty of it all. A flutter in her heart at the sight of those big eyes and wobbly legs. Just as she had felt when she watched her own children's first steps.
This grey dapple had been perfect from the very beginning. The best temperament was seen in at least five years of breeding. Aikaterine always joked that maybe it would be the perfect horse for her son to ride around on and be noticed, but she didn't trust her son to train himself since her eldest daughter had lost her life. She had become quite protective, no matter how many times she had gone out on the pastures and cliffs around Meganea, her children were not allowed. It was always at the back of her mind that she might lose another.
Instead, they were left with the servant of the house and Aikaterine was tasked with taking the majestic creature past the trails and on to rougher terrain. The soldiers needed a horse that was willing to tackle any challenge and the lady planned on pushing it. The reins pulled to one side and then another, usually, but today she was going to make sure that this horse didn't need such excess. This horse was going to be able to turn, pivot, back up and all the other maneuvers with the pressure of a heel. Not all were dedicated to the time and effort to make a horse this way, but when it came to pulling a bow and arrow - a person couldn't waste time with trying to control a horse with the reins.
She started down the beaten dirt as she moved south of the stables and on her way. Her mind looking to the scenery in front of her admiring the summer weather with a gentle smile. Aikaterine lacked reasons to smile as of late, so it was a break for her facial muscles to escape the frowning. The trail was peaceful with only the sprinkle of light chirps from birds invading the silence. It was the relaxation that she needed after all the stress of the city. The moments she needed to contemplate what she was going to do next. There were so many times she felt as though her life was caught repeating the same day over again and again. It was a tragic nightmare she was beginning to be desperate to stop.
It had been a couple of hours of riding and training the horse to do her will, it wouldn't be done in a day. However, she felt as though they had made good progress by the time she had stopped in a small clearing. The rays against her sun warmed her to her core as she slowed and slid off the side. Her feet hit the dry ground with a thud with a bit of dust, even around the blades of grass coming up. Nature never bothered her. She was never destined to be the kind of lady that was holed up in a house, bathing daily, and weighed down by jewels. She was feminine but in a different way. The gala had been eye-opening and not necessarily in a good way.
"How about a rest, hmm?" The only one she knew of to hear her voice was the horse. Her hand patted his neck before she turned and found a spot that would suffice to sit down. Aikaterine didn't even notice that her guard was down as she just laid in the grass to soak up the warm late afternoon sun.
The only surefire way to leave the home was to go train a horse. This was a skill that her parents had taught her at a young age. Not being blessed with a brother to take on the trade meant that they needed to supply their one and only child to make the horses perfect to every command. It started with a love at the first breath, she had witnessed this horse's birth and every horse since she was five. It was important to be there, be a part of the process each step of the way. The horse would learn to stand, learn to walk, and she would get to experience the beauty of it all. A flutter in her heart at the sight of those big eyes and wobbly legs. Just as she had felt when she watched her own children's first steps.
This grey dapple had been perfect from the very beginning. The best temperament was seen in at least five years of breeding. Aikaterine always joked that maybe it would be the perfect horse for her son to ride around on and be noticed, but she didn't trust her son to train himself since her eldest daughter had lost her life. She had become quite protective, no matter how many times she had gone out on the pastures and cliffs around Meganea, her children were not allowed. It was always at the back of her mind that she might lose another.
Instead, they were left with the servant of the house and Aikaterine was tasked with taking the majestic creature past the trails and on to rougher terrain. The soldiers needed a horse that was willing to tackle any challenge and the lady planned on pushing it. The reins pulled to one side and then another, usually, but today she was going to make sure that this horse didn't need such excess. This horse was going to be able to turn, pivot, back up and all the other maneuvers with the pressure of a heel. Not all were dedicated to the time and effort to make a horse this way, but when it came to pulling a bow and arrow - a person couldn't waste time with trying to control a horse with the reins.
She started down the beaten dirt as she moved south of the stables and on her way. Her mind looking to the scenery in front of her admiring the summer weather with a gentle smile. Aikaterine lacked reasons to smile as of late, so it was a break for her facial muscles to escape the frowning. The trail was peaceful with only the sprinkle of light chirps from birds invading the silence. It was the relaxation that she needed after all the stress of the city. The moments she needed to contemplate what she was going to do next. There were so many times she felt as though her life was caught repeating the same day over again and again. It was a tragic nightmare she was beginning to be desperate to stop.
It had been a couple of hours of riding and training the horse to do her will, it wouldn't be done in a day. However, she felt as though they had made good progress by the time she had stopped in a small clearing. The rays against her sun warmed her to her core as she slowed and slid off the side. Her feet hit the dry ground with a thud with a bit of dust, even around the blades of grass coming up. Nature never bothered her. She was never destined to be the kind of lady that was holed up in a house, bathing daily, and weighed down by jewels. She was feminine but in a different way. The gala had been eye-opening and not necessarily in a good way.
"How about a rest, hmm?" The only one she knew of to hear her voice was the horse. Her hand patted his neck before she turned and found a spot that would suffice to sit down. Aikaterine didn't even notice that her guard was down as she just laid in the grass to soak up the warm late afternoon sun.
The sweet smell of a horse and the comforting grip of leather reins in her hand had always been a balm to the mind for Nephele, right from the first moment she rode a horse. It was freedom. Not pure control, not easy either, but the thunder of hooves and the wind whipping through her hair would forever be the highest form of escape for her. More and more, it was an escape she resorted to as responsibilities and pressure sprang from nowhere in her once peaceful life. It was an easy choice for her to leave once more, her face turned from the sight of her father and her ears deaf to the malignant silence that lurked in her home. Only in the faraway places like this, the silence of the woods and peace of the trail could she be herself, open and free. She leaned forward and rubbed a slender but reassuring hand along Bellerophon's neck. Thin fingers carded through his fur a moment before she withdrew, eyes still focused on the trail ahead of her. Silently, she shook the fears that nagged her from her mind. This was the present, and it was indeed a gift, one that she needed to appreciate.
And she would. She urged the spirited horse beneath her into an easy canter, plenty of care taken to keep his pace lazy, despite his willingness to fly into a gallop. He was a fine horse and it wouldn't do to lame him or injure him on the uneven ground. For the first time that day she smiled as the sun dappled her skin in shades of gold, only interrupted by they leaves and branches overhead. A quiet sigh of contentment was all the noise she made, paired well with the deep breaths of Bellerophon beneath her. It was a circuitous path, one she was only vaguely familiar with and one she enjoyed.
But an unexpected one, as it happened. One that guided her to meet another. She slowed her pace at the flicker of movement hidden by trees and scrub and her horse flicked his ears forward, both curious and proud in the same breath. She slipped from his back with a huff, feet lading with a puff of dirt and a thump. It was no matter to her, dressed practically for the exertion of a ride in a green chiffon and boots made for riding, but her mother would have chastised her all the same. Privately, for a moment shewas glad that neither of her parents were here to see her in disarray. Then, she swept it from her mind in favour of leading her stallion closer, round the bend of the trees.
Instantly, she understood why the stranger had chosen to break here. It was a beautiful little glen and she wondered at it's beauty for a moment before she focused on the other lady, leant and relaxed in the soft grass. She paused a moment, debating if she should intrude before her curiosity won and she opened her mouth. "That is a gorgeous horse." It rolled off her tongue a little awkwardly and inwardly she cringed. But it was done, and furthermore, it was true. A beautiful colour, dapples of pale grey accenting the dark coat. She couldn't help but admire the other woman's horse.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The sweet smell of a horse and the comforting grip of leather reins in her hand had always been a balm to the mind for Nephele, right from the first moment she rode a horse. It was freedom. Not pure control, not easy either, but the thunder of hooves and the wind whipping through her hair would forever be the highest form of escape for her. More and more, it was an escape she resorted to as responsibilities and pressure sprang from nowhere in her once peaceful life. It was an easy choice for her to leave once more, her face turned from the sight of her father and her ears deaf to the malignant silence that lurked in her home. Only in the faraway places like this, the silence of the woods and peace of the trail could she be herself, open and free. She leaned forward and rubbed a slender but reassuring hand along Bellerophon's neck. Thin fingers carded through his fur a moment before she withdrew, eyes still focused on the trail ahead of her. Silently, she shook the fears that nagged her from her mind. This was the present, and it was indeed a gift, one that she needed to appreciate.
And she would. She urged the spirited horse beneath her into an easy canter, plenty of care taken to keep his pace lazy, despite his willingness to fly into a gallop. He was a fine horse and it wouldn't do to lame him or injure him on the uneven ground. For the first time that day she smiled as the sun dappled her skin in shades of gold, only interrupted by they leaves and branches overhead. A quiet sigh of contentment was all the noise she made, paired well with the deep breaths of Bellerophon beneath her. It was a circuitous path, one she was only vaguely familiar with and one she enjoyed.
But an unexpected one, as it happened. One that guided her to meet another. She slowed her pace at the flicker of movement hidden by trees and scrub and her horse flicked his ears forward, both curious and proud in the same breath. She slipped from his back with a huff, feet lading with a puff of dirt and a thump. It was no matter to her, dressed practically for the exertion of a ride in a green chiffon and boots made for riding, but her mother would have chastised her all the same. Privately, for a moment shewas glad that neither of her parents were here to see her in disarray. Then, she swept it from her mind in favour of leading her stallion closer, round the bend of the trees.
Instantly, she understood why the stranger had chosen to break here. It was a beautiful little glen and she wondered at it's beauty for a moment before she focused on the other lady, leant and relaxed in the soft grass. She paused a moment, debating if she should intrude before her curiosity won and she opened her mouth. "That is a gorgeous horse." It rolled off her tongue a little awkwardly and inwardly she cringed. But it was done, and furthermore, it was true. A beautiful colour, dapples of pale grey accenting the dark coat. She couldn't help but admire the other woman's horse.
The sweet smell of a horse and the comforting grip of leather reins in her hand had always been a balm to the mind for Nephele, right from the first moment she rode a horse. It was freedom. Not pure control, not easy either, but the thunder of hooves and the wind whipping through her hair would forever be the highest form of escape for her. More and more, it was an escape she resorted to as responsibilities and pressure sprang from nowhere in her once peaceful life. It was an easy choice for her to leave once more, her face turned from the sight of her father and her ears deaf to the malignant silence that lurked in her home. Only in the faraway places like this, the silence of the woods and peace of the trail could she be herself, open and free. She leaned forward and rubbed a slender but reassuring hand along Bellerophon's neck. Thin fingers carded through his fur a moment before she withdrew, eyes still focused on the trail ahead of her. Silently, she shook the fears that nagged her from her mind. This was the present, and it was indeed a gift, one that she needed to appreciate.
And she would. She urged the spirited horse beneath her into an easy canter, plenty of care taken to keep his pace lazy, despite his willingness to fly into a gallop. He was a fine horse and it wouldn't do to lame him or injure him on the uneven ground. For the first time that day she smiled as the sun dappled her skin in shades of gold, only interrupted by they leaves and branches overhead. A quiet sigh of contentment was all the noise she made, paired well with the deep breaths of Bellerophon beneath her. It was a circuitous path, one she was only vaguely familiar with and one she enjoyed.
But an unexpected one, as it happened. One that guided her to meet another. She slowed her pace at the flicker of movement hidden by trees and scrub and her horse flicked his ears forward, both curious and proud in the same breath. She slipped from his back with a huff, feet lading with a puff of dirt and a thump. It was no matter to her, dressed practically for the exertion of a ride in a green chiffon and boots made for riding, but her mother would have chastised her all the same. Privately, for a moment shewas glad that neither of her parents were here to see her in disarray. Then, she swept it from her mind in favour of leading her stallion closer, round the bend of the trees.
Instantly, she understood why the stranger had chosen to break here. It was a beautiful little glen and she wondered at it's beauty for a moment before she focused on the other lady, leant and relaxed in the soft grass. She paused a moment, debating if she should intrude before her curiosity won and she opened her mouth. "That is a gorgeous horse." It rolled off her tongue a little awkwardly and inwardly she cringed. But it was done, and furthermore, it was true. A beautiful colour, dapples of pale grey accenting the dark coat. She couldn't help but admire the other woman's horse.
Aikaterine had no idea how much time had passed as she lay out in the sun of the mid-summer. The beams baked against her pale skin. She never lingered like this away from her home. Her kyrios would ask too many questions. However, there was something about the day that had spoken to her. She wanted to feel the breeze pass over her face and just sit in the quiet away from the children, away from everything. She loved them. But, she knew that she was a woman and her choices in life were not her own. She only had to come to terms with this.
Her eyes had settled. Her lids flit as she had nearly fallen asleep due to the peace of the country. It was a freedom she would never fully be able to enjoy. But, if she could manage to live in the moment for just one minute. She could have it right now. Until she heard the sound of hoofs with rumbles radiating through the ground she was laying on. Aikaterine startled some as she boosted herself up on to her elbows with a glance to the lady. A lady she had seen from afar in town sometimes. The dark skin was an easy indicator, but it wasn’t a girl that she had ever been acquainted with.
Kat moved to her feet quickly. It was improper to be so lazy out in the open. This was the public and she felt that she should have known better. Her eyes quickly looking at the horse that she had with her. Her own personal favorite as her eyes emulated kindness. The horses had always been her best friends. ”Thank you, Lady?” Her last word begged for an answer. She felt that she maybe should have known who the lady was based on the small population of Meganea. However, Aikaterine rarely was far from her home. Only recently had she been able to start taking tame adventures. ”I am Lady Aikaterine of Meganea.” She added as she gave her own introduction.
”Yours as well. Perhaps we have the same desire to enjoy such a beautiful day.” She attempted at some kind small talk. It was easy to start with the weather. It was so obvious and it was the reason, well one of the reasons, that Aikaterine had come around to take a ride. There were trails that were useful for training, but mostly she was able to just get away from the life that she had been handed.
JD
Staff Team
JD
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This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Aikaterine had no idea how much time had passed as she lay out in the sun of the mid-summer. The beams baked against her pale skin. She never lingered like this away from her home. Her kyrios would ask too many questions. However, there was something about the day that had spoken to her. She wanted to feel the breeze pass over her face and just sit in the quiet away from the children, away from everything. She loved them. But, she knew that she was a woman and her choices in life were not her own. She only had to come to terms with this.
Her eyes had settled. Her lids flit as she had nearly fallen asleep due to the peace of the country. It was a freedom she would never fully be able to enjoy. But, if she could manage to live in the moment for just one minute. She could have it right now. Until she heard the sound of hoofs with rumbles radiating through the ground she was laying on. Aikaterine startled some as she boosted herself up on to her elbows with a glance to the lady. A lady she had seen from afar in town sometimes. The dark skin was an easy indicator, but it wasn’t a girl that she had ever been acquainted with.
Kat moved to her feet quickly. It was improper to be so lazy out in the open. This was the public and she felt that she should have known better. Her eyes quickly looking at the horse that she had with her. Her own personal favorite as her eyes emulated kindness. The horses had always been her best friends. ”Thank you, Lady?” Her last word begged for an answer. She felt that she maybe should have known who the lady was based on the small population of Meganea. However, Aikaterine rarely was far from her home. Only recently had she been able to start taking tame adventures. ”I am Lady Aikaterine of Meganea.” She added as she gave her own introduction.
”Yours as well. Perhaps we have the same desire to enjoy such a beautiful day.” She attempted at some kind small talk. It was easy to start with the weather. It was so obvious and it was the reason, well one of the reasons, that Aikaterine had come around to take a ride. There were trails that were useful for training, but mostly she was able to just get away from the life that she had been handed.
Aikaterine had no idea how much time had passed as she lay out in the sun of the mid-summer. The beams baked against her pale skin. She never lingered like this away from her home. Her kyrios would ask too many questions. However, there was something about the day that had spoken to her. She wanted to feel the breeze pass over her face and just sit in the quiet away from the children, away from everything. She loved them. But, she knew that she was a woman and her choices in life were not her own. She only had to come to terms with this.
Her eyes had settled. Her lids flit as she had nearly fallen asleep due to the peace of the country. It was a freedom she would never fully be able to enjoy. But, if she could manage to live in the moment for just one minute. She could have it right now. Until she heard the sound of hoofs with rumbles radiating through the ground she was laying on. Aikaterine startled some as she boosted herself up on to her elbows with a glance to the lady. A lady she had seen from afar in town sometimes. The dark skin was an easy indicator, but it wasn’t a girl that she had ever been acquainted with.
Kat moved to her feet quickly. It was improper to be so lazy out in the open. This was the public and she felt that she should have known better. Her eyes quickly looking at the horse that she had with her. Her own personal favorite as her eyes emulated kindness. The horses had always been her best friends. ”Thank you, Lady?” Her last word begged for an answer. She felt that she maybe should have known who the lady was based on the small population of Meganea. However, Aikaterine rarely was far from her home. Only recently had she been able to start taking tame adventures. ”I am Lady Aikaterine of Meganea.” She added as she gave her own introduction.
”Yours as well. Perhaps we have the same desire to enjoy such a beautiful day.” She attempted at some kind small talk. It was easy to start with the weather. It was so obvious and it was the reason, well one of the reasons, that Aikaterine had come around to take a ride. There were trails that were useful for training, but mostly she was able to just get away from the life that she had been handed.
Nephele watched ruefully as the other lady got to her feet, regretful she had disturbed her from her comfortable seat. It hadn't been her intention, especially a place so remote as to blur the line between public and private. Her hand fiddled with the reins a moment and she covered any discomfort with a small smile, polite and ever so crooked. Her eyes, however, stayed just as sharp and fiercely intelligent, something of the lady's face familiar to her. Where had she seen that face before...? It took a moment before she remembered the glimpses she had gotten of this lady and her family. More near to Nephele, her husband, both a customer and a competitor. She had been only peripherally aware, the days where Nephele had been well acquainted with him were long gone and she had been young, besides. But she knew him and his family all the same, in the same way you were familiar of your neighbours down the lane.
With the lady's quiet question, however, Nephele realised she had not so much as introduced herself or made any of the polite overtures in the slightest. Her face coloured subtly and she dipped her head, so that her poor manners not be highlighted by a lack of composure. "I- My name is Nephele. Nephele of Meganea. It is good to see you in good health, Lady Aikaterine. Apologies if I interrupted your day."
She looked back up the lady continued. polite smile growing a little more genuine at the mention of the bright sun and lack of clouds overhead. "It is, isn't it? The perfect sort of day for riding. I admit, I find myself a little jealous you claimed this spot first, as it is the perfect place for a noon break." Nephele's gaze slid to the left as her mount snorted and stepped forward, clearly unhappy at being made to stand on ceremony. Spirited was the name of the game with her father's horses, and that meant a certain intolerance of doing nothing. The palamino stallion stretched his nose forward and inhaled deeply, soft nose pressed close to Aikaterine's shoulder. Nephele kept a careful gaze on his body language, even as she smiled at her stallion's antics. "It looks like he is a fan of flattery. You may end up with two horses at the end of the day if you inflate his ego any farther."
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Nephele watched ruefully as the other lady got to her feet, regretful she had disturbed her from her comfortable seat. It hadn't been her intention, especially a place so remote as to blur the line between public and private. Her hand fiddled with the reins a moment and she covered any discomfort with a small smile, polite and ever so crooked. Her eyes, however, stayed just as sharp and fiercely intelligent, something of the lady's face familiar to her. Where had she seen that face before...? It took a moment before she remembered the glimpses she had gotten of this lady and her family. More near to Nephele, her husband, both a customer and a competitor. She had been only peripherally aware, the days where Nephele had been well acquainted with him were long gone and she had been young, besides. But she knew him and his family all the same, in the same way you were familiar of your neighbours down the lane.
With the lady's quiet question, however, Nephele realised she had not so much as introduced herself or made any of the polite overtures in the slightest. Her face coloured subtly and she dipped her head, so that her poor manners not be highlighted by a lack of composure. "I- My name is Nephele. Nephele of Meganea. It is good to see you in good health, Lady Aikaterine. Apologies if I interrupted your day."
She looked back up the lady continued. polite smile growing a little more genuine at the mention of the bright sun and lack of clouds overhead. "It is, isn't it? The perfect sort of day for riding. I admit, I find myself a little jealous you claimed this spot first, as it is the perfect place for a noon break." Nephele's gaze slid to the left as her mount snorted and stepped forward, clearly unhappy at being made to stand on ceremony. Spirited was the name of the game with her father's horses, and that meant a certain intolerance of doing nothing. The palamino stallion stretched his nose forward and inhaled deeply, soft nose pressed close to Aikaterine's shoulder. Nephele kept a careful gaze on his body language, even as she smiled at her stallion's antics. "It looks like he is a fan of flattery. You may end up with two horses at the end of the day if you inflate his ego any farther."
Nephele watched ruefully as the other lady got to her feet, regretful she had disturbed her from her comfortable seat. It hadn't been her intention, especially a place so remote as to blur the line between public and private. Her hand fiddled with the reins a moment and she covered any discomfort with a small smile, polite and ever so crooked. Her eyes, however, stayed just as sharp and fiercely intelligent, something of the lady's face familiar to her. Where had she seen that face before...? It took a moment before she remembered the glimpses she had gotten of this lady and her family. More near to Nephele, her husband, both a customer and a competitor. She had been only peripherally aware, the days where Nephele had been well acquainted with him were long gone and she had been young, besides. But she knew him and his family all the same, in the same way you were familiar of your neighbours down the lane.
With the lady's quiet question, however, Nephele realised she had not so much as introduced herself or made any of the polite overtures in the slightest. Her face coloured subtly and she dipped her head, so that her poor manners not be highlighted by a lack of composure. "I- My name is Nephele. Nephele of Meganea. It is good to see you in good health, Lady Aikaterine. Apologies if I interrupted your day."
She looked back up the lady continued. polite smile growing a little more genuine at the mention of the bright sun and lack of clouds overhead. "It is, isn't it? The perfect sort of day for riding. I admit, I find myself a little jealous you claimed this spot first, as it is the perfect place for a noon break." Nephele's gaze slid to the left as her mount snorted and stepped forward, clearly unhappy at being made to stand on ceremony. Spirited was the name of the game with her father's horses, and that meant a certain intolerance of doing nothing. The palamino stallion stretched his nose forward and inhaled deeply, soft nose pressed close to Aikaterine's shoulder. Nephele kept a careful gaze on his body language, even as she smiled at her stallion's antics. "It looks like he is a fan of flattery. You may end up with two horses at the end of the day if you inflate his ego any farther."
She brushed the ordinary fabric of her chiton. Not quite what one might expect to be adorning a lady of her wealth. Her husband had always been a greedy man and well, her kyrios was much the same. There was no money to splurge on those kinds of luxuries. Aikaterine was used to it. And she wasn’t set to impress anyone up in Meganea. If she could last until her son was an adult - she would be under his kind care. Though, she didn’t want to burden her son for decades. It was like being in a rock and a hard place. A place she didn’t much share with the outside world.
”It is quite alright. I assure you, it was about time I was riding back home anyhow.” She waved it off with kind words. Aikaterine couldn’t stay in the woods forever. Though, she liked to think that if she were to disappear - it might have been nice for herself. However, far too traumatic for her children. At least if she were just remarried and her son and perhaps daughters stayed with Cretheus and his wife, she would still write and they would know where she was. Not just some unknown.
Her hands reached out to greet the palamino tinted horse. A small smile playing upon her lips. Kat had always believed that horses were the only ones she could trust. They were honest and not at all selfish. They worked hard and as long as one knew how to read their signals, it was easy to get along with the domesticated creatures. ”Most are.” She mused as she continued to pet his nose, but only for a moment more because she knew her own ride would become jealous easily.
”They are a silly, but rewarding animal.” She spoke up again as she stepped away and towards her own horse. A hand brushing against the mix of soft and coarse hairs that made up the pony’s coat. ”I can be out of your hair, if you wish. I have much to attend to at home.” She did. She had three children and many more horses. Even with servants, it made for a busy day. ”I have some olives with though, if you want to share the spot for a while.”
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This post was created by our staff team.
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She brushed the ordinary fabric of her chiton. Not quite what one might expect to be adorning a lady of her wealth. Her husband had always been a greedy man and well, her kyrios was much the same. There was no money to splurge on those kinds of luxuries. Aikaterine was used to it. And she wasn’t set to impress anyone up in Meganea. If she could last until her son was an adult - she would be under his kind care. Though, she didn’t want to burden her son for decades. It was like being in a rock and a hard place. A place she didn’t much share with the outside world.
”It is quite alright. I assure you, it was about time I was riding back home anyhow.” She waved it off with kind words. Aikaterine couldn’t stay in the woods forever. Though, she liked to think that if she were to disappear - it might have been nice for herself. However, far too traumatic for her children. At least if she were just remarried and her son and perhaps daughters stayed with Cretheus and his wife, she would still write and they would know where she was. Not just some unknown.
Her hands reached out to greet the palamino tinted horse. A small smile playing upon her lips. Kat had always believed that horses were the only ones she could trust. They were honest and not at all selfish. They worked hard and as long as one knew how to read their signals, it was easy to get along with the domesticated creatures. ”Most are.” She mused as she continued to pet his nose, but only for a moment more because she knew her own ride would become jealous easily.
”They are a silly, but rewarding animal.” She spoke up again as she stepped away and towards her own horse. A hand brushing against the mix of soft and coarse hairs that made up the pony’s coat. ”I can be out of your hair, if you wish. I have much to attend to at home.” She did. She had three children and many more horses. Even with servants, it made for a busy day. ”I have some olives with though, if you want to share the spot for a while.”
She brushed the ordinary fabric of her chiton. Not quite what one might expect to be adorning a lady of her wealth. Her husband had always been a greedy man and well, her kyrios was much the same. There was no money to splurge on those kinds of luxuries. Aikaterine was used to it. And she wasn’t set to impress anyone up in Meganea. If she could last until her son was an adult - she would be under his kind care. Though, she didn’t want to burden her son for decades. It was like being in a rock and a hard place. A place she didn’t much share with the outside world.
”It is quite alright. I assure you, it was about time I was riding back home anyhow.” She waved it off with kind words. Aikaterine couldn’t stay in the woods forever. Though, she liked to think that if she were to disappear - it might have been nice for herself. However, far too traumatic for her children. At least if she were just remarried and her son and perhaps daughters stayed with Cretheus and his wife, she would still write and they would know where she was. Not just some unknown.
Her hands reached out to greet the palamino tinted horse. A small smile playing upon her lips. Kat had always believed that horses were the only ones she could trust. They were honest and not at all selfish. They worked hard and as long as one knew how to read their signals, it was easy to get along with the domesticated creatures. ”Most are.” She mused as she continued to pet his nose, but only for a moment more because she knew her own ride would become jealous easily.
”They are a silly, but rewarding animal.” She spoke up again as she stepped away and towards her own horse. A hand brushing against the mix of soft and coarse hairs that made up the pony’s coat. ”I can be out of your hair, if you wish. I have much to attend to at home.” She did. She had three children and many more horses. Even with servants, it made for a busy day. ”I have some olives with though, if you want to share the spot for a while.”
Nephele watched with a steady gaze as Aikaterine as showered with attention for a brief moment, impressed at the gentle touch the older lady had to her name. This shifted into a playful, mocking disappointment in her steed, only highlighted by the almost betrayed look on his long face. "Now this I definitely agree with you upon. They are well worth their quirks, tricky as they are." Nephele grinned at Aikaterine, something that was becoming more and more genuine by the word. She hadn't expected this sort of connection on a trail ride, but it was welcome nonetheless. Her smile dimmed for a moment at the possible intrusion of responsibility and obligation and she toed the dirt, unsure how to respond. She didn't want to delay the kind lady, but neither did she want to see her leave. It was nice to talk to someone else, especially someone else who appreciated the horse properly. There was not nearly as much pressure here, no harsh silence or resentful looks. Only two people glad to see each other and could see eye to eye on things.
Of course, this offer was quickly strung in both directions and Nephele's eyes lit up at the prospect. If the other was offering, surely she wasn't imposing on her good graces? She nodded a moment, smile bright. "I would be honored to, if you are willing to have me. I don't have much, but I have some wine and bread, if you would like to share?" She circled her horse and balanced on her toes, arm dug into the bag up to her shoulder to retrieve the food and skin of wine she had with her. It didn't take long and Nephele leaned back as she pulled her arm free, a tilt that would have seen her head over heels if she wasn't so limber.
Instead, she had both in her grasp and she held up the wineskin expectantly, bread tucked into the crook of her arm. The other gathered her horse's reins once more, careful not to let the spirited horse wander as was his wont. "Would you like to sit here? You don't have to stay long, if you have things that need your attention, but I have the time if you do." She sidled to the tree and deftly wound the reins around a lower branch, fully aware of how her horse misbehaved if she wasn't atop him to keep him in line. She'd like to spend a lunch break eating, not chasing a runaway horse.
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Nephele watched with a steady gaze as Aikaterine as showered with attention for a brief moment, impressed at the gentle touch the older lady had to her name. This shifted into a playful, mocking disappointment in her steed, only highlighted by the almost betrayed look on his long face. "Now this I definitely agree with you upon. They are well worth their quirks, tricky as they are." Nephele grinned at Aikaterine, something that was becoming more and more genuine by the word. She hadn't expected this sort of connection on a trail ride, but it was welcome nonetheless. Her smile dimmed for a moment at the possible intrusion of responsibility and obligation and she toed the dirt, unsure how to respond. She didn't want to delay the kind lady, but neither did she want to see her leave. It was nice to talk to someone else, especially someone else who appreciated the horse properly. There was not nearly as much pressure here, no harsh silence or resentful looks. Only two people glad to see each other and could see eye to eye on things.
Of course, this offer was quickly strung in both directions and Nephele's eyes lit up at the prospect. If the other was offering, surely she wasn't imposing on her good graces? She nodded a moment, smile bright. "I would be honored to, if you are willing to have me. I don't have much, but I have some wine and bread, if you would like to share?" She circled her horse and balanced on her toes, arm dug into the bag up to her shoulder to retrieve the food and skin of wine she had with her. It didn't take long and Nephele leaned back as she pulled her arm free, a tilt that would have seen her head over heels if she wasn't so limber.
Instead, she had both in her grasp and she held up the wineskin expectantly, bread tucked into the crook of her arm. The other gathered her horse's reins once more, careful not to let the spirited horse wander as was his wont. "Would you like to sit here? You don't have to stay long, if you have things that need your attention, but I have the time if you do." She sidled to the tree and deftly wound the reins around a lower branch, fully aware of how her horse misbehaved if she wasn't atop him to keep him in line. She'd like to spend a lunch break eating, not chasing a runaway horse.
Nephele watched with a steady gaze as Aikaterine as showered with attention for a brief moment, impressed at the gentle touch the older lady had to her name. This shifted into a playful, mocking disappointment in her steed, only highlighted by the almost betrayed look on his long face. "Now this I definitely agree with you upon. They are well worth their quirks, tricky as they are." Nephele grinned at Aikaterine, something that was becoming more and more genuine by the word. She hadn't expected this sort of connection on a trail ride, but it was welcome nonetheless. Her smile dimmed for a moment at the possible intrusion of responsibility and obligation and she toed the dirt, unsure how to respond. She didn't want to delay the kind lady, but neither did she want to see her leave. It was nice to talk to someone else, especially someone else who appreciated the horse properly. There was not nearly as much pressure here, no harsh silence or resentful looks. Only two people glad to see each other and could see eye to eye on things.
Of course, this offer was quickly strung in both directions and Nephele's eyes lit up at the prospect. If the other was offering, surely she wasn't imposing on her good graces? She nodded a moment, smile bright. "I would be honored to, if you are willing to have me. I don't have much, but I have some wine and bread, if you would like to share?" She circled her horse and balanced on her toes, arm dug into the bag up to her shoulder to retrieve the food and skin of wine she had with her. It didn't take long and Nephele leaned back as she pulled her arm free, a tilt that would have seen her head over heels if she wasn't so limber.
Instead, she had both in her grasp and she held up the wineskin expectantly, bread tucked into the crook of her arm. The other gathered her horse's reins once more, careful not to let the spirited horse wander as was his wont. "Would you like to sit here? You don't have to stay long, if you have things that need your attention, but I have the time if you do." She sidled to the tree and deftly wound the reins around a lower branch, fully aware of how her horse misbehaved if she wasn't atop him to keep him in line. She'd like to spend a lunch break eating, not chasing a runaway horse.
She paused for another moment as she looked in the direction of her home. Aikaterine knew that each minute she was somewhere else, it was a moment that she was not at home. The nanny did well with the children. The youngest Kat barely knew because her mind had been elsewhere. Her head always reeling and attempting to deal with the traumatic baggage she managed to carry around with her at all times. Cretheus would be fine. She forced herself to agree as she repeated it again and again. Riding out and training a horse was a way of good income, the man couldn’t argue with that.
Her attention was put back upon the girl who offered wine. Aikaterine soon smiled sweetly as she pulled the satchel of olives. They were just ripe and picked earlier that day. She pulled the blanket from the back of her mare and spread it on the green grasses in the opening between them. Once it was down, she dumped the olives in a pile in the center. ”I can make the time.” She wasn’t sure how, but the beautiful weather had been calling her and she so rarely spoke to anyone outside of the walls of her home. It was a treat in multiple ways.
Her fingers wrapped around an olive and popped it into her mouth while her eyes looked to the blue of the sky. It was the same sky that she looked at when she had visited for the flower festival in the city. She hadn’t been there since she had been a child. It seemed just as big as it had before and she was already trying to figure out another excuse to run off to the city without getting in trouble. ”Do you ever think it possible to leave Meganea behind?” It was a funny notion. Women were not allowed to just go somewhere else. Kat had no independent wealth. She needed a man to collect her dowry and then take care of her… like her husband once had. Not that he was any good at it.
She had thought long and hard about it on the long road and boat ride to the capital of their kingdom and she knew that she no longer wanted to reside along the cliffs of Meganea. She just wondered if anyone else had that idea also.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
She paused for another moment as she looked in the direction of her home. Aikaterine knew that each minute she was somewhere else, it was a moment that she was not at home. The nanny did well with the children. The youngest Kat barely knew because her mind had been elsewhere. Her head always reeling and attempting to deal with the traumatic baggage she managed to carry around with her at all times. Cretheus would be fine. She forced herself to agree as she repeated it again and again. Riding out and training a horse was a way of good income, the man couldn’t argue with that.
Her attention was put back upon the girl who offered wine. Aikaterine soon smiled sweetly as she pulled the satchel of olives. They were just ripe and picked earlier that day. She pulled the blanket from the back of her mare and spread it on the green grasses in the opening between them. Once it was down, she dumped the olives in a pile in the center. ”I can make the time.” She wasn’t sure how, but the beautiful weather had been calling her and she so rarely spoke to anyone outside of the walls of her home. It was a treat in multiple ways.
Her fingers wrapped around an olive and popped it into her mouth while her eyes looked to the blue of the sky. It was the same sky that she looked at when she had visited for the flower festival in the city. She hadn’t been there since she had been a child. It seemed just as big as it had before and she was already trying to figure out another excuse to run off to the city without getting in trouble. ”Do you ever think it possible to leave Meganea behind?” It was a funny notion. Women were not allowed to just go somewhere else. Kat had no independent wealth. She needed a man to collect her dowry and then take care of her… like her husband once had. Not that he was any good at it.
She had thought long and hard about it on the long road and boat ride to the capital of their kingdom and she knew that she no longer wanted to reside along the cliffs of Meganea. She just wondered if anyone else had that idea also.
She paused for another moment as she looked in the direction of her home. Aikaterine knew that each minute she was somewhere else, it was a moment that she was not at home. The nanny did well with the children. The youngest Kat barely knew because her mind had been elsewhere. Her head always reeling and attempting to deal with the traumatic baggage she managed to carry around with her at all times. Cretheus would be fine. She forced herself to agree as she repeated it again and again. Riding out and training a horse was a way of good income, the man couldn’t argue with that.
Her attention was put back upon the girl who offered wine. Aikaterine soon smiled sweetly as she pulled the satchel of olives. They were just ripe and picked earlier that day. She pulled the blanket from the back of her mare and spread it on the green grasses in the opening between them. Once it was down, she dumped the olives in a pile in the center. ”I can make the time.” She wasn’t sure how, but the beautiful weather had been calling her and she so rarely spoke to anyone outside of the walls of her home. It was a treat in multiple ways.
Her fingers wrapped around an olive and popped it into her mouth while her eyes looked to the blue of the sky. It was the same sky that she looked at when she had visited for the flower festival in the city. She hadn’t been there since she had been a child. It seemed just as big as it had before and she was already trying to figure out another excuse to run off to the city without getting in trouble. ”Do you ever think it possible to leave Meganea behind?” It was a funny notion. Women were not allowed to just go somewhere else. Kat had no independent wealth. She needed a man to collect her dowry and then take care of her… like her husband once had. Not that he was any good at it.
She had thought long and hard about it on the long road and boat ride to the capital of their kingdom and she knew that she no longer wanted to reside along the cliffs of Meganea. She just wondered if anyone else had that idea also.
