Lord Edmund was familiar with the activity bustling about the stableyard. Young lads carried buckets of water while others had the unpleasant task of shoveling manure. Here and there a horse neighed, its outstretched snout peering over the fence rails, nostrils flared to catch scent of any familiar passing person or tasty treat. Edmund loved the smell of the horse itself, that musky odor that instantly brought images of countryside and open road. Freedom. The steady drum of shod hooves beat around him as he paused to glance within the hold pen. One in particular caught his attention, a large dark bay colt which pranced about in a proud display of youthful resolve. Edmund estimated him to be about two years old, give or take a few months. He had some more filling out to do, a little height to gain, but he would mature into one fine speciman. As if the youthful horse knew of Edmund's positive appraisal, his lips parted to issue a shrill whinny. The Lord smiled, watching as an older mare then nipped the offensive colt, causing him to squeal and trot off with his tail cranked high.
"You see?" Edmund asked his companion, a homely looking young servant. Gibbs nodded enthusiastically, sharing his Lord's passion for equines.

Moving on, Edmund and Gibbs rounded the side of the corral, both leaning against the wooden railing as they scanned the distant forest. The blending shades of greens were pleasing to the eye and Edmund made a note to Gibbs to schedule a hunt in the near future. For now, he had simply gotten out for some air and the scenery of course. Edmund fancied coming here and he nodded a greeting to several servant boys as they recognized him and called hello. Spotting the yearning within his own manservant, Edmund kindly released him from further duty. Grinning, Gibbs thanked him profusely and proceeded to scramble ahead to catch up with the stable boys. Edmund shook his head in that manner of amused nonchalance. He and Gibbs worked fairly well together though their relationship was kept to minimal degree. Gibbs was pretty quiet and Edmund preferred it that way.

Now standing alone, the lord was about ready to head back. He casually glanced around, his emerald sight home to eyes that never ceased their moving depths. Emotions revealed and hidden beneath clouds of haunted mystery. Lord Edmund could speak without his mouth ever parting.

And if you wanted
We could fly away on the moon
And only the depths of angels
Would ever know your name

It had taken a while to get settled in, to brush the cobwebs from her case and shove it unceremoniously under the bed she now had. She had changed from her traveling clothes into her second, silver, dress with silk and satin - and laughed uproariously when she caught a glance of herself in a mirror. Why, Cecily, looking done up like a princess!

Her sides nearly bursting from the deep breaths she was taking to calm herself, her slippered toes danced over the cobblestones, and it was a couple of minutes before she realised she was in the stables. Almost at once her eyes became aware of a man, standing there, seeming not to see much at all, but with strong emotions on his face. Was he waiting for someone? Had she intruded upon some secret meeting?

An unpleasant heat crept up her back, but her mind laughed at it. Ooh, Lady Cecily getting all worked up about some unknown man! The girls back home would laugh so. It was this thought that made her bristle, and she squared her shoulders and half-stormed towards the man, with the air of one fighting some kind of internal battle.

"Good day, Sir. If you are waiting for someone, like I think, just say so and I shall flounce away again."

The manners instilled in her from a few days training from her Mother showed. Why, she had never been that polite to a man before! Usually she slapped him on the back and pulled his hair and kissed him just to see what he'd do. Her face lifted defiantly into the air, for she was not as tall as he, she stared with all the rudeness and contempt she could muster, as if it was his fault her conscience ached.

Lord Edmund nearly startled as he caught the aggressive look an approaching Lady aimed directly towards him. He quickly searched his memory to place her, drawing a blank and wondering if her stare was perhaps intended for someone else. Thinking she misidentified him, he only watched as she spoke. Her words themselves, though, were properly offered without any trace of ill manner, lest what he could detect... so she hadn't mistaked him for another. Edmund returned her disapproving glare with one of reserved amusement. His brows lifted slightly as the corners of his mouth tugged upwards, the faintest hint of grinning. Giving a brief bow, the lord straightened before answering her in reassurance. He wasn't waiting for anyone in particular, merely enjoying the respite from court.
"No need for flouncing my lady," he replied. His voice was kept steady and completely void of sarcasm. In fact the only hint of his teasing answer was the deepened storm clouds his eyes revealed. In all of his encounters with the female gender, he had never been greeted with such obvious contempt displayed upon a courtier's face. Least not unless they had known of his father and labeled him the equivalent. No, Edmund thought, she does not know who I am and I have not ever met with her. That much gave him some relief. Edmund would remember a lady he had shared closeness with for such discreet interludes were not a frequent occurance.

Clearing his throat, he offered a kinder smile as he continued to speak, "I am Lord Edmund, my lady, of the Duncan family. I would rather enjoy your company if it so pleased you," he motioned to the equine pen behind them, nodding his head as he asked, "are you familiar with horses?" He was curious as to what had brought her to the stable. She was dressed well and her confident demeanor left him guessing which family claimed her name.

And if you wanted
We could fly away on the moon
And only the depths of angels
Would ever know your name

Her eyes were fixed on him, particularly his mouth, while was showing hints of curving into a smile. Her vexation peaked, and as it did some of the laughter returned. Why - she must have looked so idiotic! Storming up to some man she didn't know, demanding who he was meeting, half-yelling at him. At least her words were somewhat respectful.

Her smile shone through, not altogether unexpected for her, who knew that she was capable of almost anything in a mood such as this. It lasted only a second but it let out some of her emotion - she was no longer anything now except herself.

"Well then, flounce I shall not. But be warned, flouncing is a very natural impulse for me and if you offend me in any way then be sure that flouncing will occur. And unless you are some strange man who enjoys flouncing, I pray you cause me no reason to flounce, as I am rather enjoying your temperament."

She listened to him explain who he was and attempt to -what was it?- soothe her, or something of the like. Why, she hated when people did that. But maybe it wasn't soothing at all. Maybe he was stating... she couldn't tell by his tone. No more could she tell what mood he was in by looking at his eyes, for although they held emotion she wasn't very accomplished at the art of eye-reading.

Having lived in near-isolated places all her life, she was unfamiliar with the outside world. Duncan... Duncan... she wished she knew a little more about him and resolved to ask someone. Until then, however, she'd just have to pretend to understand what he was talking about. She nodded wisely, as if she understood precisely who he was and what his business was here. At his comment about being familiar with horses, she started laughing - she couldn't control herself.

"Horses? Of course I am familiar with horses, who is not? I have probably ridden more horses than you in my lifetime and just because I am a 'Lady' does not mean that I am incapable of hopping on a steed's back and riding off like the Devil himself is after me!"

She laughed, almost choking from the air that was expelled from her lungs in such short bursts. Obviously the man would be frightened - who wouldn't be? She prayed he had good nature enough that he himself would not flounce off or call the meeting to an end, but the prospect of her being unfamiliar with horses was laughable! She loved the creatures - and it was with a few deep gasps her man-like laughter ceased and she was left clutching her side, positively beaming.

Upon catching her brief smile, Edmund mistakenly thought she were simply reassuring him of her previous misplaced hostility. That is, until she spoke of flouncing again. Lord Edmund could not even utter a single word as her reply left him grasping for understanding.He was a smart man but she spoke in strange riddle to him. As she then voiced her enjoyment of his temperament, Edmund must have looked downright comical. The man who tried so hard to remain gentlemanly was caught off guard at being compared to some beast. Temperament? He wasn't sure whether to be offended or chuckle in good humor. This lady had no idea of his personality and he certainly wasn't willing to be reduced to the milling horses behind him.
As it was, Edmund had no time for worry since she broke into uncontrolled laughter and retorted some nonsense about retaining more horsemanship skill than he. His eyes had carefully reserved judgement but now he honestly wondered if she were half mad. Lord Edmund gazed at her in silence, his manner one of cool disbelief, while she managed to quench her episode and aim that shining grin towards him.
Edmund said the only sentence brought to mind, his tones traced with faint disapproval, "Well M'Lady.... I take it you have a strong repoir with these magnificent creatures. I apologize if my question offended you in some way."
He studied her, the elegant gown seeming to mock her unfamiliar behavior. Lord Edmund may not have been borne into the easiest family but he was not without proper etiquette. Never would he intentionally insult a Lady and even now he carefully masked whatever perplexing emotion he felt towards her. It wouldn't due to upset her state of mind as he speculated how stable such may be. His lips pursed into a thin line of self-control, his stance displaying his confidence. She hadn't offered her name so he was left to request such detail.
Peering to her, he asked in curious tones; "Would my lady honor me with a rightful name?"

And if you wanted
We could fly away on the moon
And only the depths of angels
Would ever know your name

She caught his expression at the word 'temperament' and immediately began trying to think of what it meant. Of course, it seemed right for her, but then her and the girls had used the wrong words all the time growing up, and she was a tad nervous about what it could possibly mean that she didn't understand. She wasn't very learned, after all. Realization dawned on her face about what he might possibly be thinking about.

"Oh - oh! I am not quite positive if 'temperament' was the right word to use there... I merely meant that many a person I know would have either scolded me right away or thought me completely mad, which is not a helpful scenario. It is really quite nice that someone has the good grace to put up with me and my strange moods - and not think I am mad. At least, I assume you do not."

She paused for a moment, as if debating whether or not she cared if he thought she was insane. Pushing it to the back of her mind she let out a half-shrug and turned to the horses, watching them softly. Her eyes traveled over their gleaming coats, their steely eyes, sinewy muscle. The horses here were so much better cared for than the ones at home - she softly reached out a hand towards one's nose, before hearing his question. She decided to ignore the first half of his speech - it hardly seemed necessary to answer.

"I am Lady Cecily."

She granted, slowing down her speech. She really was a fast speaker and sometimes it shocked her how fast her speech could be. It seemed that not everyone had quick ears like they did back home - these people seemed bound by so many rules. It seemed like one of the main ones to not show emotion willingly. It really was quite frustrating and she hoped she could change some of the courtiers' dull ways.

She was a sharp observer and had effectively hit gold when she voiced her hope he hadn't assumed her crazed. The corners of Edmund's mouth refused to stay neutral as he fought a grin now. It wouldn't do to have her think he had actually wondered that exact notion. Her moods were lightning quick to him and he silently wondered where she hailed from. She was quite unlike the other Ladies he had met in court though her dress would make most burn with envy. Edmund was intriqued by this woman. He remained feeling slightly off-guard though, finding it difficult to predict her next response. She kept him on his toes and that Lord Edmund surmised was not something he had found in any female... until now.
As she kindly spoke her name, Edmund did smile. So she didn't completely despise him after all else he doubted she would have mentioned it. He caught the lack of last name given. No matter really, for Edmund knew he most likely wouldn't have recognized her family name. He was still struggling to catch up in court himself, having of course found an entirely new cast of courtiers than when he last arrived. Last arrived as in a decade ago. If Lady Cecilia had met the younger Lord Edmund, they would probably both have seen that similar untamed passion she voiced with such strong feeling. But now, Edmund had conformed to the proper, even rigid, path of respectful code. The only clue remaining of his bygone mischievous ways was the inner gleam that still lit within that mesmerizing emerald gaze. It wasn't always detectable but as of late he had felt more light-hearted than he had in years.

Edmund was keen and he easily detected the slowed pace of her speech. He brushed aside his earlier speculation about Lady Cecilia, knowing there was more to her than he had first assumed. She either thought him dumb or wished to converse peacefully. Hoping for the latter, the lord's genuine smile charmed his face as he nodded in acknowledgement. He sensed she was touchy about probing inquiry so he refrained from asking more detail. Instead, a nicker brought to mind the gathered horses. Watching Cecilia carefully, he briefly wondered if he would upset her again but decided to risk asking anyway.
"Lady Cecilia, would you care to accompany me on a buggy ride through the countryside?" His smile turned devilish as he teased, "though my riding skills have been sorely questioned, I assure m'lady I am an experienced swordsman. You will be safe with me, you have my word."

And if you wanted
We could fly away on the moon
And only the depths of angels
Would ever know your name

She watched as he appeared to be remembering something. Almost shockingly, she saw a smile come to his lips. She didn't really know why she looked at people's mouths when they spoke - it was natural to her. Maybe it was something to do with the fact that she hardly listened and replayed their mouth movements subconsciously, so that she actually saw and heard what was being said. She really was a terrible lip-reader so it didn't help much, and as much as she tried to control it she couldn't.

"Cecily."

She corrected absent-mindedly, though not worried about it. Many a person had got her name wrong before, but she just wanted to make sure that they didn't feel idiotic afterwards, calling her the wrong name throughout a whole conversation. It was one of the few times she had respect for people's feelings truly, because she had been in that situation before and it wasn't very nice. Her expression was curious as he asked her to go buggy riding - she hadn't gone before, her parents didn't want to grace her with such an honour.

"Why of course! I have never been on a buggy before, it shall be quite an exciting experience! Pray tell, how fast do the horses go? And what colour are their pelts? How do they stay attached to the buggy and if they are going down a hill does not the buggy race into them?"

She remembered her speech and slowed down, possibly because it seemed polite though most likely so he could hear all her questions.

"And does not the horse get terribly frightened by a thing chasing it all day long? If they rear, do they pull the buggy upwards as well? Is it common for people to be thrown off buggies? I imagine it would not look very ladylike to be cast from a buggy into some sort of muddy puddle... have you ever been cast into a puddle?"

Her curiousness prevented her from thinking of the ignorance and forwardness of her questions, as she was racing to quite a fevour now. Her eyes were quite sparkly, lost in her bubbling words, and they still stared rather indiscreetly at his mouth. As she remembered the second part of his speech she laughed, still quite manly-ish, but somewhat softer and less funny as thoughtful, cheerful. Why, she didn't really care about all that swordsmanship 'I shall die to protect a Lady' kind of thing. It didn't really occur to her that she couldn't protect herself, as in her home town there had been no need. Remembering some of her manners just in time, she spoke in a dignified voice, as if expelling any notion that she was not completely Lady-like.

"Lord Edmund, I am thankful for your reassurances about my safety and your expert holding the sword. It would be a great pleasure to me if you would grant me your company, and I hope that in time we shall become dear acquaintances."

She said, her tongue hovering over the words 'dear acquaintances'. She would have preferred to shake his hand and say 'close chums' although she doubted he would have liked that very much judging my his disappointed earlier. A demure smile dawned on her face, and she felt close to laughing as she thought of the 'Lady-like' side she was showing him. She supressed her laughter with good grace and switched her gaze to his eyes, which she felt was a much more lady-like thing to do.

Lord Edmund heard her gentle correction and deepened color rose in his cheeks. Perhaps it was harder to note since his skin was tanned, his five-o-clock shadow in place but the shame was there. She was gracious about it, neither calling attention to the fact nor did he detect hard feeling but still, he felt foolish, especially after doubting her stability. Before he could truly apologize though, Lady Cecily's sudden excitement for the buggy ride was contagious. Edmund grinned as she rapidly fired questions at him, watching her animated expression. She seemed to be staring at his mouth and Edmund's smile spread wider. If she wished to admire his physique, well then, he wouldn't prevent her. Surprised at such unexpected thought, Edmund nearly lost his smile as he focused on her. She managed to evoke so many differing emotion that it left Lord Edmund feeling as if he were a pawn in a losing battle. He was taken aback as he wrestled with the notion of encouraging such attention.

Clearing his voice, he opted to answer her instead, again detecting the now slowed, dignified tones she used. Dear acquaintances? Mercy, Edmund, get a grip on yourself. This lady is unlike any you've spoken with. He imagined his sister Grace whole-heartedly laughing her head off had she been eavesdropping on their conversation. Lord Edmund was fascinated by her quick moods, hoping she hadn't labeled him a bore just yet. It was a new kind of challenge to him, just keeping up with her energy. Maybe it was this passion she had within her that intrigued him for Edmund now peered to her as if fully seeing her for the first time. She had eyes borne of a seductress, their rich chocolately depths glittered with evidence of that passionate way of life. He saw her small, dainty looking hands and silently wondered on the easy contrast between them and her stronger shoulders.

"Lady Cecily, it seems I have discovered an area of interest to you," he spoke, lightly teasing. Would she catch the humorous remark? Surely she showed alot of desire to learn more of driving horses but he hadn't forgotten that lingering stare aimed to the lower half of his face either. Edmund straightened, his posture having gotten a little too relaxed for his own good. "Let's discuss the answers to some of those questions as we ride in the buggy, shall we? That way I can demonstrate exactly how things all fit together." Stepping towards the barn, Edmund waited for her to walk alongside him. "I can show you the mechanics now though if you wish. First off, I shall need to hire a worthy horse complete with harness. You see, Lady Cecily, the traces of the harness are attached to the singletree..." Edmund pointed to the solid wooden item of a buggy not in use. "The horse itself stands between these.." his hands moved over the long shaves attached to the front. "And no worries, my lady, a buggy is outfitted with a brake, used to slow the ensemble so that the horse isn't run over while going downhill."

A stablekeeper had seen the nod the lord then aimed to him, fetching him over instantly as Edmund expressed his wish to rent a horse and buggy. They spoke in hushed whispers, leaving Lady Cecily to patiently wait. Discreetly passing a cloth bag to the servant's hand, Edmund thanked him as their deal was cemented by a handshake. The stablekeeper hollered orders to a couple young boys, each running in different directions then to return, one with a thickly built fleabitten gray horse. A leather harness had already been set atop his wide back as the second servant then backed him into the shaves. Their hands seemed to fly all around as the harness was hooked up, bit in place and the driving reins resting atop the seat. It was an open buggy, one bench seat. The buggy itself was older but sturdy. "He is called Jethro," a lad shyly told the pretty Lady Cecily. As if the steed recognized his name, he snorted in preparation for the ride and pawed the ground.

Lord Edmund practically leapt up into the seat, extending his hand downwards to help aide Cecily's ascent. "Are you ready, my lady?" Edmund was excited, the smell of the leather and horse instantly wakening his previous sullen mood. His sword and scabbard were secured across his back, ready to be withdrawn if needed. Edmund wouldn't chance a lady's safety and it was obvious he was in his element now.


ooc: I apologize for using the wrong name! Should we continue this thread in the Countryside now?

(OOC: Its fine lol don't worry... I used the wrong name too, before! Yeah, I think that would be good. I shall go post)