Snippet #1502732

Looking surprised, Adelaide watched as Kervall stroked the horse with hesitation and then ease, before climbing onto Lilac's back without help from either herself or the stable boy. Meeting his eyes, she smiled prettily, before fiddling with the straps on Storm's saddle, which she promptly removed and shoved towards the boy, who looked shocked. The princess often rode without a saddle, though not many were aware of this. She would leave with a saddle on, before stopping to remove it and then picking it up on the way back. This time however, she swung a bag over his back, securing it. Storm bulked slightly at the sudden, unexpected weight. Running her hand along Storm's now bare back, Adelaide steadied him, before taking the reins in her left hand and hoisting herself elegantly up. Swinging her leg over, she seated herself comfortably, shifting slightly. Storm snorted, his prancing feet halting as he felt her weight. He was accustomed to the weight of Adelaide and knew what it meant. Instead he tossed his head against the reins, eager to get going. Smiling to herself, she ran a calming hand through his mane, the hairs there tangling between her fingers. He nickered ever so slightly, turning his head to look at her from one of his dark eyes. He stamped an impatient hoof to the ground, once, twice and then three times.

Clicking her tongue ever so slightly, she tapped her heels into Storm's side to get him to walk on. He did so obediently, his hooves making a clatter on the stones beneath them. Leaning forwards, Adelaide wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head against his mane, so that she was practically laying on his back. The reins were tucked underneath her, for she held no reason to have them to hand. Storm was simply go where he was told when she directed him with her legs. Glancing to her left where Lilac was walking slowly alongside Storm, she stared at Kervall, who did not look so much at ease as she did on the back of a horse. When he looked her way, she smiled, though not a word left her lips. Instead she focused on the ride as they passed through the gates, the forests looming in the near distance. Already the smell of blossoming flowers was behind them, replaced by the budding trees that lay in wait for them.

Tapping Storm's sides with her feet once again, she urged him into a steady trot, knowing that Lilac would follow suit without having to be asked by Kervall. The horse was a unique creature. Her stride was steady and smooth and she did not spook easily. She had been Raban's horse when he was much younger, but he had grown tired with the creature and given her to Adelaide to take care of. She was only more than happy to hand her over to Kervall if it would assist him.

Their destination wasn't far into the trees and once they broke the treeline, the princess slowed her horse to a walk once again. He transitioned smoothly without her even feeling it. Cracking branches and rustling leaves could be heard beneath them, but she was focused on the birdsong in the trees. The sunlight streamed through the leaves, sending mottled patterns across the ground. The smell of fresh leaves and grass filled her nostrils and she inhaled deeply. Straightening, she glanced around, redirecting Storm slightly towards a clearing. "How is Lilac behaving?" She asked with a small grin on her face. She knew the horse would be fine in Kervall's control. Lilac would behave in anyone's hands, even the cruelest of trainers. She was a placid creature.

Storm strode into the clearing before the eldest Winsler had a chance to reply. Soft grass filled a large area, swaying with the gentle breeze. Flowers shone brightly in the long grass, entwined together. To one side, a stream bubbled steadily, the sunlight reflecting off the clear water. A blanket had been placed on the bank, with a weaved basket which Adelaide had earlier filled with food. Smiling, she took another deep breath, enjoying the beautiful scene that surrounded them. Sincerely, she looked to Kervall with a serious face.

"I hope I have not been too bold, dear Kervall..."