OOM: In the Stables with Caspian

[ikissdhimbck]

It's still grey out when Kate makes her way to the stables for her morning chores. She's been in and out the last few weeks, taking care of things in Texas. Despite whether she walks in under her own power, or drags herself in limping and cussing, she's always out in the stables the next morning. It's her duty.

She issues her greetings to the stock as she makes her way along the stalls. They all have their own private hello, from a certain whistle to a softly muttered word. Kate's usually the first and only one here at this hour, so she pays no heed to how odd it must sound.

Comments

[ikissdhimbck]

"Are y'sure?"

She knew there was something to the way he keeps reaching to touch the back of his head. Men can't be trusted to look out for themselves, even when you hit them upside the head.

"Has anyone looked at you? I can't hardly sneeze 'round this place without Dr. Sandhu pullin' me in t'look me over. If y'know how t'escape that, you're gonna hafta share your secret."

She's fond, truth be told. Guppy's dear to her.

[the_seafarer]

"It's a bruise, nothing more," he assures her. "I made the mistake of being caught out by the Sheriff's men, and they managed to get a hit in while my back was turned."

If Kiseki hadn't panicked, he might have been able to hold them off -- but it was unlikely in the best of scenarios. One man on his feet, no matter how well-trained in combat, would never be able to hold off opponents on horseback with not only swords, but bows and arrows.

It would always have ended how it did: he's only grateful that Marian was hidden from their view.

[ikissdhimbck]

"Scoundrels. An' that ain't hardly a strong 'nough word for the kinda folk who attack somebody while their back is turned, but — "

She lifts her chin, looking decidedly shifty.

"I am a lady, after all."

When it suits her.

"Let's get the two of you some fresh air, if you ain't opposed."

[the_seafarer]

He ducks his head, smiling ruefully at her outburst and subsequent retraction before nodding, reaching for a halter and lead.

"Aye, I'm sure she'd like to be introduced to the paddock, given some space to stretch her legs."

She was almost certainly not taken out enough in the Sheriff's stable.

[ikissdhimbck]

Kate may never admit it, but her motives aren't entirely pure. Part of her is eager to see the mare in action, giving her the space to stretch those gorgeous legs.

She finishes off about half the coffee, and sets the mug down on her desk.

"If you're feelin' too awful taxed from yesterday's adventures..."

She sighs, a touch on the dramatic side.

"I reckon I could handle Lineave."

It will be a sacrifice, but Kate's willing to do it.

For the good of Caspian.

[the_seafarer]

The Milliways stable is full of beautiful animals, horses with noble breeding -- "threaded stock," as Susan Allgood might have said -- but Lineave is a particularly fine mare, carefully bred and trained to perfect behavior. Her action, what little Caspian has seen of it, is light and fluid, and he's as eager as Kate to take her out to the space beyond the stable and see how she works under the spring sun.

He'd never laugh at a lady, even one hinting so transparently as Kate, though the sea-gray eyes sparkle with amusement at her self-sacrificing sigh.

"Would you mind?" he asks, handing her the lead once the halter is buckled on. "Best not to accidentally jar my head, you know. And, being Marian's, I suppose she might prefer a lady's company."

Not that he won't be right there watching.

[ikissdhimbck]

She's as solemn as a nun on Sunday.

"We wouldn't want t'jar your head, precious commodity that it is. I'm sure I'll find some way for you t'make it up t'me."

She takes the lead with tender care, stroking Lineave's neck. A touch of mischievousness sneaks into her expression, and she's biting back a smirk when next she speaks.

"Of course, I may call on you t'relieve me, if she proves particularly spirited."

Sacrifice begets sacrifice, and generosity begets generosity.

[the_seafarer]

"Truly, you are ever thoughtful, lady," he tells her, quite as solemnly.

That twinkle in his eyes must simply be a trick of the light, but all he does is walk ahead to open the wide stable door a little further so Kate can lead the white mare out into the light.

There's no doubting Kate can handle the mare: she's well-mannered, impeccably trained, and Kate's as fine a horsewoman as he's ever known, but he nods at her comment just as though Lineave were as wild as any untrained stallion that's ever passed through their care (enough to give him a headache, he recalls).

"Give a shout," he says, walking with them out into the morning, smiling as Lineave lifts her head, pricks her ears.

"Seems she's ready."

[ikissdhimbck]

Kate can withstand a little twinkle in his eye, and a little mischief on his tongue. While their conversation, on the outside, is all graciousness and good manners, it's the conversation that goes unspoken between them that interests her the most. She chuckles under her breath, grateful for the banter in the wake of such unpleasant news.

Marian's steed is everything Caspian sees in her, and more. Kate's accustomed to wild and woolly mustangs, hardy stock, and work horses. Lineave is as fine an animal as Kate could ever hope to see.

"I do believe you're right."

She smiles, the look she casts Caspian a touch wistful for all the joy shining brightly. This moment would be all the more complete with Lady Marian returned to Milliways, whole and well.

Soon.

Until then, they will join together to nurture what is hers.