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Post by Rebecca on Jan 28, 2008 2:02:22 GMT -5
*Becca showed Rudolf to the stables after quickly changing into breeches for riding and picked a likely horse for him--not knowing it happened to be the Comte's personal stallion. No one was riding these horses, anyway. She saddled the brown gelding for herself and let Rudolf help her to leap upon his back.*
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Post by Rudolf on Jan 28, 2008 13:25:54 GMT -5
*Once he was sure Rebecca was secure on her horse, Rudolf easily swung into the saddle of the one she'd brought for him*
"Lead the way? I'm afraid I might get lost in the unfamiliar countryside."
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Post by Rebecca on Jan 28, 2008 14:01:28 GMT -5
"There's some lovely downs off to the west," *she said, pointing. A slow smile spread across her face.* "I'll race you." *She twitched her heels against her horse's flanks and shot off ahead of Rudolf.*
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Post by Rudolf on Jan 28, 2008 19:46:02 GMT -5
"That's not a proper start!" He hollered, urging his horse after her.
It was a good run, and he was starting to catch up to her.*
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Post by Rebecca on Jan 28, 2008 19:49:27 GMT -5
*Becca glanced back over her shoulder, her laughter carried to Rudolf on the wind, her long dark curls flying back as the horse thundered along, carrying her with it. She spoke softly in the horse's ear and it redoubled its efforts at speed, keeping just ahead of Rudolf even as he caught up.*
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Post by Rudolf on Jan 28, 2008 20:01:12 GMT -5
*The wind kept throwing his hair in his face, but he didn't let that distract him as he followed Rebecca on their chase through the countryside. He was wearing a grin on his face as he guided his horse around hers, attempting to pass*
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Post by Rebecca on Jan 28, 2008 20:18:27 GMT -5
*Becca glanced at him and slyly slid one foot from the stirrup, standing carefully balanced on the other and reaching out to gently nudge his horse, tickling its ribs and sending it veering off-course, whinnying.*
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Post by Rudolf on Jan 28, 2008 20:25:25 GMT -5
"Cheater!" He called, focusing his concentration on getting the horse back on track. He was grinning, though, as he brought his horse around--though by then, Rebecca had gotten a good lead.*
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Post by Rebecca on Jan 29, 2008 1:17:15 GMT -5
*Becca easily took the horse over small jumps--a fence, a stream, a low rock wall. Becca burst from the woods into the open, rolling meadows and drew on the reins, letting her horse walk a bit and get some of its breath back.*
"I win," *she said smugly.*
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Post by Rudolf on Jan 29, 2008 1:20:02 GMT -5
"You, madame, are amazing. Also a cheater."
*He was grinning, keeping pace with Becca so they were side by side*
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Post by Rebecca on Jan 29, 2008 1:22:49 GMT -5
"Thank you, I come by it honestly," *she said with droll sarcasm and a trace of pride.* "On both counts."
*They rode a while in a companionable silence.*
"Thank you, Rudolf. For coming with me today. I--thank you," *she said with some emotion, smiling at her friend though it did not reach her eyes.*
((Guuuh showertiem.))
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Post by Rudolf on Jan 29, 2008 1:45:13 GMT -5
*He noticed the smile didn't quite reach her eyes, and gave her a somewhat subdued smile in return*
"You're always welcome. I know we haven't known one another long, but...if you ever need a friend, don't hesitate to seek me out."
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Post by Rebecca on Jan 29, 2008 1:51:27 GMT -5
"Would you--"
*She stopped and bit her lip. Her dark eyes stared at the horizon as though she wished she could just continue chasing it forever.*
"I'm to be married tomorrow," *she blurted.* "...and...and circumstances will not permit my father or...or my remaining brother...to attend." *She tried to smile it off, as though it were a joke, and failed. She drew her horse around so she could face Rudolf, her eyes sad and serious.*
"Please--as you are my only friend in the world--would you do me the honour of giving me away?"
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Post by Rudolf on Jan 29, 2008 2:34:32 GMT -5
*After absorbing all the information, all he could think was...*
Poor thing.
*The thought gave him pause. It wasn't only because of her circumstances, but he somehow got the feeling that it wasn't a marriage made out of love.
He didn't let his thoughts show, though*
"I would be honored, Rebecca." He said sincerely.
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Post by Rebecca on Jan 29, 2008 2:41:39 GMT -5
"Thank you," *she said with a more genuine smile. She squinted into the distance, then pointed.*
"See the cherry tree? Round about it once and then back to this spot. A fair start, this time. And I'll still beat you."
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