Snippet #1502630

Quite pleased with himself for having come up with that little bit of improvised poetry, Kervall wore a large grin as he let Adelaide guide him through the gardens. Idly, he wondered what the surprise might be, but knowing Adelaide, it would probably be sweet and thoughtful, and touch his heart. As they came around the corner, Kurt saw Mary and the stable boy and the horses, and froze, his grip on Adelaide's hand tightening, his breath momentarily catching. It was an automated reaction, a fear ingrained deep within his psyche, and his muscles. He glanced nervously at the princess before letting his eyes roam, hesitantly, towards the pair of animals before them. He locked eyes with the bay, and she stared back at him, completely at ease, and probably the calmest he had ever seen a horse. As they stared at one another, Kervall's jumbled nerves slowly started to unwind. This was far from the half-mad creature that had kicked him ages ago. His sore ribs throbbed, as if echoing that injury that had nearly crippled him with his more recent yet similar affliction.

Kurt's hand tightened reflexively as Adelaide pulled away from him, and he was left standing alone, staring at this strange, temperate mare. Breaking the stare, Kurt ran a hand through his hair. What uncanny timing did Adelaide have. He had, in point of fact, been visiting the stables on a bi-daily basis, trying to get himself more accustomed to the smell and presence of horses without having every muscle in his body seize up. His gaze flicked to the stable-boy, who must have known about this whole thing while he had been visiting, and found the kid grinning at him like a fool. Nice. Kervall couldn't help but snicker at himself.

Taking a deep breath, the blond hobbled over towards the bay. The horse continued staring at him, its unshakable passivity surprising. Usually when Kervall approached horses they seemed to sense his nervousness and return it in kind, yet this one was so docile it was almost unnerving. Extending a hand slowly, Kurt reached up as if to touch the beast, but hesitated as his fingers were not quite there. His gaze flicked to the horse's eyes, which were trained squarely upon him. Still, Kervall remained motionless. Finally, the mare snorted at him, and sidled over slowly, brushing her flank against the young man. Kurt couldn't help but laugh, the sound a wobbly release of his tension and unease. Glancing up at Adelaide who was giving him a winning smile, Kurt's fingers moved up bay's shoulder, and down her muzzle.

"Lilac, huh? Well, I guess we could... Oh, you like that, do you?" Kervall had run his hand down the end of the horse's nose, and felt her push happily against his hand. He had had no idea horses could be so ... affectionate. They'd always seemed as nervous as he was around them. Grinning somewhat childishly, Kurt was about to turn to hand Mary his cane when he noticed something along the saddle. Adelaide, resourceful as ever, had thought to attach a special sheathe for his walking cane amongst the mare's tackle, which meant he would also have it when they dismounted, regardless of their location. Tossing her an impressed and appreciative glance, he slid the cane into the leather holster and grabbed at the saddle's pommel. The stable-boy moved to help him, but Kervall raised a hand to stop him. Injured though he may be, he was far from an invalid or a prissy courtesan. After another deep breath, he let muscle memory take over and vaulted himself up into the saddle. It hurt like hell when he landed, but he closed his eyes and let the pain die down quietly. Lilac remained completely motionless and steadfast under him, which helped him recover quickly as well as easing his nerves.

When he opened his eyes, he glanced down at Adelaide and that childish grin returned to his face. It had been a while since he'd had something to get this excited about, and it showed clearly on his face. "Well? Are you going to make me wait all day, my dear?"