She had woke early that morning, to make sure that everything was set up and that there was a good stew in the kitchen to carry Coop through to the next day if needs be. She had also made sure to bake several loaves of bread, and set them all aside to cool, and a couple pies into the wee hours of the morning after everything had died down at the Back Water, and any patron spending the night had left the main room. But she had done two days worth of chores around the place, and left a note for the man who was as close of a father as she'd ever get.
[color=#2ecc40]Gone to the beach with Colton Young. There's a good quality stew for you in the little pot, and a watered down one to serve the main room. Loaves of bread and pie are in the normal place, and I made sure to tap new kegs under the bar for the normal ales. Back tonight, or at latest, tomorrow morning-ish.[/color]
She signed the note off with a little [color=#2ecc40]Mx[/color] at the bottom, and tucked the note against Coop's door, knowing he'd find it there and not worry too much. Then again, she wasn't sure if he would worry or not, but she'd rather just apologize when she got back than ask permission and possibly get a no. It was too important to have this "date" out with Colt to be told she needed to stay for some reason. Least of all that someone was courting her.
So, with a darker colored dress wrapped about her frame, she had walked to the property stone, a waist high boulder that signaled the corner of the land Coop owned, and was the Back Water's domain. She could barely see the curl of smoke from the main chimney as she hopped up on the stone and took a seat. The bottom edge of the dress was wet, and clung about her ankles from where she had done through the dew covered grass, past the stables and the storage sheds, and past the little cottage that had fallen in disrepair over the years, it never had it's roof thatched and so it was just a stone shell. There was another one, further back on the lands too, but it was in equally bad of a state. Easier to live in the Inn than have a little cottage out away from the main site.
So when she heard the sound of horse hooves on the ground, she perked up, and tried to make sure her silver hair was back properly in the braid she had done, and her dress was smoothed down and presentable. She, Little Mina, was about to go the furthest from her home she ever had, in her entire life. With the man that, against everything, had made a little home inside her heart, and was currently taking up residence for the long term. Cheeky one, he was.
He’d taken a great deal of care working his schedule so he’d have the few days needed to get his plan in order. The last thing he wanted was to head out from Kirkwall and be run down for a last minute job, word or thing to fix. No, some other fucker would have to grease up their fingers and tinker locks free for a day or so, Colt was busy and even before the sun rose he was off, attempting to make good time. It was a day's ride to the Back Water and he wanted to pick her up early to make full use of their time alone.
One pack slung over his mount had a number of items, mostly a variety of clothes, blankets, towels… an extra shirt for her to take home, the last one had likely lost his scent by now, but they could swap it on the return. His parting gift for her. The other had a tent and tarp wrapped around a small stove. That was more for an emergency and they needed to stop somewhere, either due to weather or having to take a detour that delayed them. They should be able to make the trip in a day, but Colt prepared knowing the shifting sands of things.
His final tasks were checking his weapons and then later, picking up the flowers on route, even if he hadn’t the faintest idea what the difference was. Carnations and something called Rose Lilies were handed over when he stopped half way, and Colt suddenly found himself with a problem, how was he going to ride and carry these? The blessed florist took pity, adding an extra layer of paper to cocoon them and securing the bundle to a pack. The thief could breathe a little easier the next morning when kicking the horse into a fast pace to speed him towards the Back Water.
He was letting his mare enjoy a rest the last mile, his mind often losing itself in a shifting dream and nightmare. Colt tried to put it down to nervous excitement, yet the thought of Ruth being around as he dropped by niggled at the back of his mind, teeth nibbling his lower lip. What if she didn’t want to go with him then? His shoulder jerked, face turning to look at the calm serene face of his horse. [color=#c10300]“What you think, Bessie? I like her, I think we try…”[/color] his voice trailed off, something in the distance causing his eyes to squint, clearing up the figure waiting up ahead.
That glint of silver nearly made his heart stop, his gait faltered but he tried to make it look natural… as natural as a trip could look anyway. His gaze wandered, finding her after regaining the balance and use of his limbs, Bessie meanwhile continuing to follow the track unhindered by his fumbling. Colt waited till the distanced had closed some, before shouting out to her,[color=#c10300] “I’m here for a Miss Wilhelmina? Also known as Mina. The Wee Lady. Madam Snuggler.”[/color] Colt snickered at the last one, increasing his gait some so the pair would draw up closer.
[color=#c10300]“Her Towering Knight is here… unless you're here to tell me she got better things to be doing today… like… I dunno. Latrine duty or somethin’?”[/color] Gods he hoped not, she looked too done up to wading through shit.
As soon as he had drawn up near enough, she had gone to stand on the boundary rock, and unfortunately for her, it only gave her a head over him, but if she wanted to hug him at the moment, it would certainly give her a chance to placed his head right between her nearly non-existent breasts. Another time. Today, she didn't have to worry about any of that, she could be something other than a whore, because today was a real date. And as he made it to the boundary stone, she leaned over, and just fell into him, arms wrapping around his shoulders at the last moment into a full body hug.
She made sure when the length of her fell into him, that she kept her knees and hip bones well away from tender areas that might get a work out today at some point. No, bad, she scolded herself, bad. Date only. Today was a trip he had planned for her, but she couldn't help that she found him attractive, couldn't help that she really had missed him the past few days. Her profession was starting to not be as fun as it once had been for her, and she knew it was because of what ever this thing that was growing between them was.
And right now, that was the smile across her face as she pressed her face to the side of his neck and gave a small kiss there, happy to once again have him near. "[color=#2ecc40]Oh, Knight, the Wee Lady has missed you, and has no such chore today. I woke up early and made sure everything was set up for Coop, food, bread, the wine and ale, and even bailed and refilled the tubs and everything. Every chore, was done before dawn. I took a nap for a little while and then came out here[/color]."
She grinned as she slid off him, back to sitting on the boundary stone, even as she pulled him with her if she could, her knees splitting unconsciously to fit around his hips. It was something she had done a million times at this point, so there had been no thought to it, only to hug him close and not make him hold the weight of her at the same time. She liked, that as it were now, her eyes were level with his lips. She didn't have to look up so far to them, or his eyes. "[color=#2ecc40]How ready are you for today, really? Because I have thought about nothing but today for so many hours now that I've lost track of when I wasn't thinking about it. Mop the floors, Colt and the beach. Bake the bread, Colt and the beach. Escort me, my Knight, for the furthest I've ever been from home?[/color]"
She offered him her hand to help her down off the stone.
Colt laughed watching her scurry her way up onto the stone, his grin wide. It wasn’t often someone was taller than him and he had to look up, but he’d store this view away alongside the one with her in his shirt fresh just out the bath. And then she was falling onto him, dropping the reins instantly to wrap both arms around her tiny waist in some support. The suddenness pulled a slight scoff of a laugh from him, cheeks already on their way to a nice rosy colour.
He forgot everything for a long moment, words slowly fumbling out of his mouth while a pleasant shudder ran through him at the light kiss. Even more when she added she’d missed him, using his own words to disarm him that at first all he could do was offer an awkward chuckle. [color=#c10300]“I. Um. I’m glad.”[/color] Grin wide, Colt would chew his lip a little, releasing his grip around her to fall loosely against her sides when she decided to slip back onto her chosen high ground, pulling him with her.
He’d peck her head with a light kiss, attempting to regain some ground despite it not even being a competition. [color=#c10300]“Missed you too, Snuggler. You... did all that?”[/color] Brows rose then his eyes squinted a little in the Back Water’s direction, his head tilting to one side, before he eventually looked back to her. [color=#c10300]“You don’t think it’s time Coop brought on an extra pair of hands? It ain’t fair you get landed with all that…”[/color] but it wasn’t his call either, [color=#c10300]“Sorry, that’s a bit… that’s you two’s business. I shouldn’t have said anything.” [/color]
Idly his fingers played with the fabric spilling over the stone, the closeness he was fast realising he had been missing since leaving before. He could smell the scents used, though Colt was never one to fuss much, her own scent was enough inhaling it during the course of a night that he could pick it out among the masking notes of the others. [color=#c10300]“Pretty ready, I think,”[/color] he’d offer with a playful shift in expression. [color=#c10300]“Had to do a few favors, but I think I got it squared away all good, can’t disappoint the Wee Lady, can I? Promised you, I did.” [/color]
Though she offered him her hand, Colt shook his head. [color=#c10300]“The Lady gets the horse. For a little while anyway, you’ll get the best view from up on Bessie.”[/color] Slightly bending at his knees, Colt brought a hand behind to her back, the other sneaking around to the dip at the back of her knees. [color=#c10300]“Your steed, Wee Lady,”[/color] body swivelled around to the patient mare, though Colt looked between the two, [color=#c10300]“Both sweet girls, though Bessie might as well be bomb-proof, ain’t nothing freaks her out. You’re in good han- well, hooves really.”[/color] Was he blabbering? He was sure he was blabbering.
"[color=#2ecc40]Coop and I are able to take care of it, we're not needing anyone just yet. I've taken over a couple things, but he takes care of a lot of the brewing and the horses and outdoors stuff. I don't think I'd be able to do all the stuff with the horses. But, you couldn't know all that, you only see what you see when you're here. So no need to be sorry, you couldn't know.[/color]" She gently put a hand to his cheek and looked up into his eyes, keeping him there with her, to let him see that she wasn't mad or upset or anything by his line of inquiry. Her and Coop, they did the best they could by one another, and he was still the closest thing she had to any sort of family, but she was opening up that invitation now to Colt too -- the both of them might really take to one another, with these dates, which meant letting him see stuff that not everyone always saw. "[color=#2ecc40]You were talking from the heart, with concern for the both of us, that ain't nothing to be sorry about, Colt, if anything it makes me appreciate you even more that you'd take time to worry about the two of us. Well, me mainly, because I am the more important here.[/color]" She teased then, grinning to take a bit of the edge of seriousness away.
"[color=#2ecc40]Good, I'm glad you're ready, even if it involved a couple favors, anything I can help you in paying back in the future?[/color]" Because when you lived hand to mouth, like the both of them did, favors often times could be more than just a favor, it could mean a meal, or a nights sleep, or even a few days of covering for someone. And she wasn't about to have him owing too many people on her behalf, not when she could help pay it back with him, so they could have this time together like this.
And then he was lifting her, and setting her up on the horse, her hands seeking out the pommel and reins then, even as the horse sat patiently under her, even with all her telegraphed nerves atop the beast that made about 8 of her. But she liked that it put her up to where his mouth was level with her -- and she pushed that thought from her brain immediately, taking a deep breath and trying to stop herself from thinking too much about how badly she wanted him in less than pure ways. "[color=#2ecc40]Aww, Bessie? And she's as sweet too, and a good thing, I get kind of nervous around the horses, on account of them being so much bigger than me, and well, one kick and little ol' Mina goes flying to the ground. And the ground hurts.[/color]" She grinned as she leaned down and placed a kiss on his head. "[color=#2ecc40]I think I could get used to the view though, having you down there.[/color]" She was quickly clearing her throat then and closing her eyes. "[color=#2ecc40]I promise, that I will behave, I am trying my best. I want things to go well for us, and I'm going to try my hardest to not make it weird.[/color]"
Coop had always been fair, heavy handed sometimes, but the lads that came through were troublesome and sometimes in need of a slap or dressing down. Colt gently smiled gaze taking in her look as she tried to reassure him. For the short term, Coop would one day come up against bad odds, Colt just had to stop by more often.[color=#c10300] “That makes me feel a bit better, but if I’m ever prying too much or speaking shite, just say so.” [/color]His head gave a small nod, reaffirming he meant it and with a grin he leaned a fraction into her palm. [color=#c10300]“Dunno about that, I don’t talk well and I ain’t all that good with words. I just don’t like folks taking advantage o’ your grace. You do enough.” [/color]
Colt’s head shook, brow creasing again,[color=#c10300] “Na, na. Ain’t no favors you need worry about. Most of ‘em owed me anyhow.”[/color] Not an outright lie, but he’d prefer to keep her out of Coterie business, keep her hands clean of the not-so-legal stuff. [color=#c10300]“Gotta head to Rivian in a few months, but I think I won out on that. It was gonna be Ferelden and that place is as wet and damp as mud.”[/color] A rare grimace of dislike crossed his face. He didn’t like it much, it might have had to do with the fact every time he had, the entire trip was done in the middle of a “historic” downpour. [color=#c10300]“Probably the one place I won’t take you. It’s shit.”[/color]
His support didn’t leave her until she was secure, adjusted enough that he could let one hand fall on the back lip of the saddle, the other gathering the reins loosely. Bessie was a smart beast, well experienced too and Colt had no concerns of her bolting suddenly. [color=#c10300]“You wanna sit properly or just hang your legs?”[/color] He’d adjust the stirrups if so, guiding her small feet into them. [color=#c10300]“No worries with her though, she knows, horses understand and feel everything about the person on their back. If you're relaxed, she is too, but Bess is sound so I ain’t worr-.” [/color]
That kiss to his head short circuited his brain for a second,[color=#c10300] “Huh. I…”[/color] a light rosy hue began filling his cheeks, mumbling, [color=#c10300]“I forgot what I was… Oh yeah.”[/color] Clearing his throat, Colt’s eyes narrowed on her, grin beginning to curl playfully. [color=#c10300]“It’s fine. If you fall I’ll be able to catch you. Long legs and all. You got the high ground, I can be your cushion so.. is all good.”[/color] Flashing her a wink he moved to walk on, Bessie’s feet slowly shifting to follow him unheeded.
"[color=#2ecc40]Trust me, if you're ever speaking shite at me, then you'll know in short order than you are.[/color]" Her cheeks went red as he pressed his cheek further into her hand, almost like a cat would, like the cat did, in the evening times when she was under the stairs alone, the small mouser her companion when her preferred companion, Colt, wasn't with her. But he was here now, and she let her thumb stroke over his cheek as she searched his face. "[color=#2ecc40]Well, it's a good thing you're starting to see just how much you belong with me, hmm?[/color]" She teased. Mina like to tease him, like the way he would blush just as much with her. And she had missed him dearly since he had left last. One night of falling asleep, and waking up in the same set of arms, his arms, well, she was thinking about more than just their trip down to the shoreline.
And when Colt assured her there were no favors she needed to worry about, she felt a little more at ease. She was fairly certain he wouldn't tell her, even if they were, but the small confirmation eased her guilt just a little. She didn't like to think about the idea of him having to trade favors to have a date, a day out with her like this. "[color=#2ecc40]I'll side saddle for now, I'm afraid if I have a beast like Bessie between my legs that I'll never be able to behave appropriately for this entire trip. And I'm fairly certain neither of you will let me fall now. And I'm sure Bessie will be happier if you're the only beast I have between my legs, when it's the three of us.[/color]" If she teased any harder she might just throw herself at him.
But they were doing this right, and she liked the idea of doing things right. Especially when it made her feel special, like she was a treasure that he wanted to enjoy slowly. "[color=#2ecc40]But if I do happen to fall I will make sure I aim for you now that you've offered. Shall we be off then?[/color]" She pointed in the direction she thought they'd be heading off in, and then they were moving along as Bessie went to follow.
She liked the gentle sway of the animal. She'd never tell Colt now, but she knew the horses in the stables, her's and Coop's animals, the two sets of stallion and mares that they kept that ran to and from Kirkwall proper. They were a day's ride out from there, and they were the first of a network of horse switch stations that were becoming more and more obsolete as some sort of spell transportation thing was becoming more popular. Mina had no clue what it was called, or how it worked, but she'd never trust it. She had grown up riding horses, but she still always felt the nervousness around a new animal. "[color=#2ecc40]So boats, and ships, how much time have you spend on beaches in the past?[/color]"
[color=#c10300]“Yes Ma’am. Loud and clear,”[/color] and that would close the topic of his possible overstep.
Colt’s grin flickered higher at the brush of her thumb, cheeks already dusted red deepened. The urge to just wrap her up in his arms was almost enough to initiate the reaction, though that would scupper their entire plans for the day and he had made plans. A few extra treats, nothing fancy, but Colt had tried to anticipate a few things.
Somewhere though, there was an elf cackling that this was all just some “fairy tale shite,” her side saddled and led by some chump of a Prince. The locksmith paid it no mind, shaking away the lingering shadow of a healer. Now wasn’t the time to let the tiny doubt and worry that sought to clamp his mouth shut, win, Colt was already ahead. The blonde couldn’t claim to have stolen Mina away from the Back Water for a private few hours or day. Point to Colt, game on hamster.
She’d be right. He wouldn’t ever tell her the details of a favour, mundane or otherwise. He wasn’t sure how, but the minute her teasing hit his ear Colt choked, spluttering to clear it before simply dumbly nodding along. He helped her get comfortable before lightly guiding the reins onwards convinced she was pleased with the red hot beaming of his ears. [color=#c10300]“You gonna get yourself in trouble one day,”[/color] the curl of his grin tugged higher and he’d habitually flash her a wink in a vain effort to gain back some ground.
[color=#c10300]“I will make it a point that the Lady doesn’t bruise her arse on the way down, yes,”[/color] Colt shot back, [color=#c10300]“if it does, well, a kiss better will see it right. That’s no invitation to fling yourself about, think o’ poor Bessie,”[/color]and poor Colt.Shit. Him and his blabbering mouth.
Scenery Colt, talk about the scenery. [color=#c10300]“Been on a few, not spent time on them long like we will. Most of the time we’d be smuggling stuff from ships to the shore or vice versa,”[/color] his shoulders jostled. [color=#c10300]“So… you wanna guess at what you might see, or you gonna be surprised by every corner?”[/color] His brows wiggled cheekily at her, head turning to look back on the path ahead of them. [color=#c10300]“I think you’ll like the water most.”[/color]
Here he was telling her that she was going to get into trouble one day, and she believed him because the next moment he was saying he'd kiss any bumps better and Mina couldn't help the sound she made. She had given her word that she was going to behave though, and behave she would, even if she was now clutching Bessie's reigns tightly to keep herself from trying to touch him, or herself, and making short work of what little willpower they had a precarious hold of when it came to one another.
To do things right. To do them proper, so they had the grace with one another that falling into bed immediately wouldn't give them. Mina had to keep reminding herself, that the wait would be worth it, he was worth waiting for, from everything she could tell. And the way he treated her, well, he treated her proper, like she was a lady. "[color=#2ecc40]One day? I was thinking today was going to be the day I got into a lot of trouble.[/color]" It was a tease, of course.
She was giggling by the end of it though, as she nodded, "[color=#2ecc40]I will not try and throw myself from the saddle just for the reward of having you kiss my ouches away. Even if that is remarkably tempting and I have little to no willpower not to do just that. You'll have to keep me in line I guess.[/color]"
"[color=#2ecc40]Guesses, a lot of water, I'm sure. Bigger than the pond in the field for the horses, that only comes to my waist, and it fills up with water every time it rains. But, I'm not sure how much bigger.[/color]" Her imagination wasn't equipped to think of water as far as the eye could see, it just didn't make sense to her, so her mind couldn't quite give her a picture of what to expect. "[color=#2ecc40]I do like the creek, and baths, and the pond, even if it does get a little muddy. Water is good after all, it's fun to play in.[/color]"
She grinned down at him, with those eyebrows of his, as she leaned down against Bessie's neck, so that her face was closer to his, and not so far above him. She didn't like it, he was the tall one, and she liked looking up at him. "[color=#2ecc40]If the water your favorite part? Or is there something you like better?[/color]"
Her reaction seemed to mirror his, though Colt wasn’t completely sure either. Both of them seemed lost in their own attempts to keep things above board and not ruin the moment and he was first to apologise. Sorry, but na. No trouble gonna befall the wee lady. Not with me about anyway. Squinting off into the distance though, Colt’s head would tilt, a slight grin tugging his lips back up soon enough. Maybe a hint of mischief, we’ll see. A shoulder bounced leaving the outcome hanging on to the events of the coming day together.
His brows soon wobbled in concern as the idea of her thrown from the saddle came flashing through his mind. Hey now, don’t say that, tone gentle, but meaningful, I’d feel sore in places, if something happened to you on our trip. Coop, for one, would whoop my ass good and I’d just take it… but the elf?. Rather I be the one who got hurt. Though a stray thought then had him pausing and leaning an arm on Bessie’s neck to tip his head at her.
Or this you asking I come up there with you and we really get a move on? That wide grin of his quickly burst across his face, cheeky but soft, matching the playful glint in his eyes. It’s a smart move honestly, means you won’t ever fall and we get there faster.
It took him a mere moment to place one hand on the pommel, his foot placed in the loop of the stirrup while his other hand gripped around the lip of the cantle behind her. Readied to mount Bessie alongside her, Colt paused, thinking on her question, grin wide in amusement. Yeah, it’s a lotta water, chuckling and then uttering a grunt as he hauled himself up. His other foot found the opposing stirrup with ease while his rear and arms came around to adjust, accounting for his front passenger.
Um, how’s that? If you scoot.. Uh.. back a little, should be a bit, uh better, yeah? His feet instructed Bessie to move on, Colt then offering a hand to take the reins. We can go a bit faster once we’re out the woods. Not much longer.
Mina smiled to herself as she watched him, before she was again raising a brow at his words, Coop wouldn't be too sore long, he may stare at you good and hard and make you think he was all scary and going to hurt you, but he's all soft inside when it comes down to it. Don't tell him, but if he asked me, I'd stop making money the way I do. Of course, if either Colt or Ruth asked, she would also stop. That was the way of her world, her men, her lovely lovely men, she would give up the sun and the moon for, but all in good time. The elf would be rather insufferable though, so best if we do the smart thing, and have you up here and get there faster.
She fell quiet a moment, as he talked about the water, and then adjusted every which way, had her gulping. He was so warm against her back, and it was so easy for her to lean into him there. It made her wish she wasn't side saddle in that moment because she knew if she were astride properly, she'd be able to feel all manner of parts rubbing against her behind, but, she promised him. She had promised him. So she pushed it from her brain and instead, and followed his offers to scootch back a little, and realizing that that would dig her hip into him uncomfortably, she finally did swing a leg up over Bessie's head and sit astride, so that she was leaned back into him, and no hip to dig into his family jewels in the mean time. Plus, this way meant she could fully lean back into him. I like the pace we're at, especially now that I got both your arms around me Colt. Being held is always the best.
The elf leaned her head back against his shoulder as they meandered through the woods still, taking in the sights, the different trees, the different flowers in bloom around. I can't wait honestly. I've had dreams about the beach before, from the stories, of course, but never had the opportunity to see it myself. The stories have given me a lot, you know, after I learned how to read, but seeing it with your own two eyes is much much better.
Joining her up on the saddle Colt mulled over her words. I’d still pay penance o’ some sort. It wouldn’t sit right with me. Still would shove the elf in the river if he used magic on me. No fair.
Her little dance brought a wide grin across one side, chuckling quietly to himself until she finally settled down. Aye, some things were going to rub along the way, but the clearing scenery would soon distract her from it all. Maker’s Mercy, he hoped so at least. He couldn’t deny though, holding her was always best. Well, you a snuggle bug that’s why, he teased playfully. This pace is good, but once it flattens out we can pick it up a bit, means more time at the beach for my wee Lady.
Bessie moved on, her strides sure and Colt had little need to adjust the mare’s course, shifting the reins into one hand while the other wrapped around her middle. Firm, but loose enough for her to move around as she wished without risking a slip or stumble by Bessie to cause her to fall. The woods would start thinning out until the two came to a more well trodden crossroads and established network leading onto the ancient Imperial Highway that spanned the continent.
Now, take a good look about. Cos in about five minutes we’re gonna have Bessie bolt for a good bit. The arm around her waist gave a slight squeeze. No worries about fallin’. I got you, Mina.
Mina laughed, a real laugh, as she imagined Colt up-ending Ruth into the river near-by. He'd be so upset at it, but... the grin it gave her spread from ear to ear. Ruth was one of the last of her "clients", and since she and Colt were having more and more of these dates, the day would come when she'd tell Ruth no more -- that was rapidly approaching, and to be honest, the two of them loved one another in a way that what she had started to feel for Colt wasn't, and she knew now why it wasn't, and she was happy for it. Now, if she could find Theo someone nice to curl up with, that would be the last of her favorite clients list to try and find alternatives for.
Of course I'm a snuggle bug, I have a good snuggler at my back that keeps me nice and warm and safe, who wouldn't want to snuggle up with someone like that. She laid her head back to his shoulder as she watched the trees and the flowers that were blooming around the wooded area. There were trees she hadn't ever seen before, and there was a bloom she had only read about in books right there that they just passed. And, the dew hadn't yet been burnt off the leaves and grass there under the canopy, so everything looked like it dripped in crystal when a beam of sunlight caught it.
And then there was the opening, when it came, and the launch into gallop down the road, the wind scaring her at first, until she realized that Colt wouldn't let anything happen her, and she knew he wouldn't, so her arms went out, and she let him hold her down from flying away, or so she felt like -- they couldn't go fast enough for her to fly, but in that moment she felt like she could.
Alive. That's what it felt like. Being alive. The way her hair streamed out past her, the dress fluttering, air catching in her nostrils and making it so that she had to open her mouth to breathe, the sudden rush of air over her face making her feel like she was drowning for just a moment before she realized to open her mouth. Really Living. This was what it felt like, the exhilaration as her heart sped up, the fact she could trust Colt to hold her making her even more sure of herself than before. Yes, this was what living really felt like. And once she was breathless from the whooping, breathless from the excitement, from the open sky and miles of clarity to see, she sank back into his hold and tilted her head back, a kiss pressed to the tender skin of his jaw. Thank you.
Colt grinned to himself at hearing her laugh. Not a fake one either. Not one she’d feign in the company of others. Ruth had always rubbed it in his face, he deserved a little shit now and again. Now as they made their way through the tree’s and she relaxed into him, Colt let his chin rest against her shoulder, giving her an extra squeeze as she spoke. Good. Warm and safe is how you should feel all the time.
He’d straighten up once the path levelled out onto the established road of the Imperial Highway, not one of the stone or cobbled parts though patches remained in places, unclaimed by local residents repurposing the stone for crafting their homes or barns. His grip over her remained firm, tightening for the first few strides of Bessie’s trot to full speed, loosening enough to let her enjoy the change in speed. Even as her arms raised out, Colt merely adjusted, half-eyeing her with a grin while keeping watch on the path ahead. He trusted his mount, but it only took a rogue bird or fallen wall to leap out at the last minute.
Colt laughed, his head tossing back a second as she whooped, her arms spreading, fingertips feeling the air rush past, through her hair, and catching the tails of her dress to whip around. He laughed most of the way, joining in on crying out with excitement and encouraging Bessie until he felt the mare had shrunk enough distance for the trio. His legs pressed against the horse, ass planting itself firmly in the saddle to slow her down before drawing back gently on the reins.
Wooo, there Bess. That’s a girl, a hand shifting to pat the mare just as Mina sank back into him, pressing her lips to his neck. Colt shuddered, his arm acting instinctively to squeeze her with a snicker. God she made him giddy. Limbs jerked with an awkward, shy twitch, but he’d nuzzle the crook of her neck with his nose. Ach, not even the best bit yet, Mina. You wanna close your eyes, or you wanna see it as it comes? Their pace back down to a gentle walk and they’d be reaching a point where the sea would come into view, the rocky cliffs and the secret coves of beaches where they’d explore soon enough.
You pick us a spot, yeah? Which road you want us to take? He’d point to a few branching off, naming each destination as he went. Cullen, wee fishing village, got a beach too. Spey Bay, sandy beach and nothin’ but gulls, or… Rose-isle, bigger one, but she got dunes and shit. Shit, did she know what they were? Eh, dunes just these big… um… hills of sand. You can hide in ‘em.
The moment his face was in her neck it took everything in her not to let the vocal March what was firing off to her brain -- An eroggenous zone, yes, and the chemicals telling her that it felt good, he felt good started to send tendrils of stirrings through her. Stirrings she know they both wanted, but neither wanted to chance messing up what they were trying to build. Not yet. And not from a lack of want. Close em, until you can be standing in front of me, so yoy can watch.
Because deep down, as much as the trip was for her, she knew that's what he needed. He needed to see that wonder at the world on her face. He had lived in it, forgotten it's magic at times with the jobs he did, but her experience was new, and it would be something that belonged only to him. And that was a rare commodity for anyone. Rose Isle! We can hide and seek after the water and lunch. And make find a nice little valley to curl up for a nap in.
And that one sounded like it was a little further down the road, which meant that she had a little more time in his lap like this. Which, if she was being honest with herself, Mina enjoyed being in his lap without the pressures of intercourse. There was always the chance, yes, but Colt had never pressured for it, never acted like it was the only thing he wanted from her. He wanted to know her.
And she wanted that, a lot. I mean, if yoy don't mind playing a game like hide and seek, though I have a feeling that you're going to be the better of us at that game. I'll give a fair bit of competition, you know, I don't like losing, but, can't beat someone like you at being unseen if ya wanna be unseen. She grinned and then lifted her head up from where she had tucked it under his chin, grey eyes taking in the sky, and her nose started to pick up the smell. The faint trace of salt water, the way sand would get a bit of metallic and ozone scent, the closer they were getting, the pines, some of the only trees that would grow in loamy soil, it was a heady mix. Do you smell it, Colt? I've caught.. bits of it on the night air in the past, we're not so far inland that I couldn't smell it when we'd have a good strong breeze, but here, oh, it's so intense, it.. it's tickling my nose!
