Setting out for a Royal Hunt, 10 AM, 11/10

[Nigel Harrington]

While most of the courtiers were coming out to join the Royal Hunt, Nigel was coming in to meet it. He had set out before first light, to get familiar with the terrain in the Great Park again. He had spent a great deal of time in the forest around Windsor when last he had been here but it had been snow covered then and Nigel wanted to get the lay of the land again.

Heather's yammering over whiskey had gotten him talking about the Bastards and feeling nostalgic, Nigel had wore his greens and blacks. Not his old uniform but close with his dark green trousers and coat, with black piping and dark bone buttons that did not shine. The black waistcoat was more vest that coat and matched against his black cravat.

Even Nigel couldn't quite match Lord Mountjoy this day. Nigel had his twin swords at his left side, balanced by the basket hilted parrying dagger on his right. A brace of pistols in his belt and another brace in saddle holsters. His prize Blackheath foundry rifle was scabbarded at his saddle pommel and the twelve Apostles dangled from his baldric. Finally, a light cavarlyman's lance was balanced in one of Nigel's hands, it's butt in a metal socket near his stirrup.

Nigel's man Bingingham moved out to meet him as he joined the "hunters". Bingingham led a couple of remounts and was armed with a Blackheath rifle as well. Nigel wasn't feeling to chatty so he kept moving at his warhorse's slow walk. His sight did pass over the Lord Mountjoy and took in his garb and armaments.For years now I have heard these creatures prattle on about Lord Mountjoy's sense of style and fashion...I guess I never noticed till now how true that was. To Nigel's eyes, Charles looked positively civilized.

[Mirtel Hardwick]

“Ah! We should go shopping sometimes. I would love to gain your insight into fabrics and colours. Far too often do I find myself unable to decide by myself,” Mirtel christabel responded to Darlene’s murmur with a flare of genuine interest. She took care to dress properly, but she had never had an eye for fashion or even style really. And while she could always rely on her brother to have a good suggestion to offer, there was something so very pleasing with going shopping with another lady. Especially if the lady was known to be fashionable. “La! Do tell me you shall think of it!”

There were others who were drawn to their company besides Captain FitzJames, Mirtel Christabel inclining her head in greeting to all of them. “Lady Alyth,” she greeted the lady, taking note of the gun attached to her saddlehorn. Mirtel Christabel herself had never cared much for guns because she didn’t like the smell of gunpowder and after shooting a gun even a dab of her favoured scent of lavender and lemongrass never seemed to cover it up wholly. “Lord Mountjoy, you do indeed look most prepared for the hunt,” was directed to Charles with a smile. Conversation flowed freely for a few moments before Lady Oakham excused herself and just a moment later the king appeared in view. Surely the hunt would begin shortly now.

“Ah, a deer hunt. In case I cannot find the opportunity to do so later, let me wish the best of hunting luck to everyone,” Mirtel Christabel said with a bright smile to her companions as the royalty moved forward to mount up and lead the hunt out. “La! Captain FitzJames?” she wondered a bit more hesitantly after a moment as she turned to the Scotsman. “Ah, I’m really sorry to trouble you, but might I ask for your assistance in mounting Phae?” With her weak ankle she would have no luck in getting on top of her horse by herself, although she could always head over to the mounting block and use that to get in saddle.

Once she was safely seated in saddle, she spent a moment gathering her reigns properly in one hadn and grasping the riding crop in another, for one couldn’t ride sidesaddle without a crop, she paused to take a glance around. There was a merry little wave to Heather, who was wearing her trademark red once more, as well as consideration as to who else might be participating at the hunt from amongst her acquaintances. The princess’ cousin perhaps or Lord Avon or Lord Henry Howard Jr? Ah, but surely she’d get a clearer view of that once they had rode out. With that thought in mind, Mirtel Christabel turned Phae towards the gate and paused to wait for the signal to move out from te gates along with the rest of the court.

[Catriona MacGregor]

Cat had to laugh at her brother's words. "Well you know, brother," she said with a wink. "Hunting is a favored past time back in Lochend, the game being plentiful," she added to her companions. "Father had us on horseback and holding a weapon as soon as we could sit a horse." It was the only time she ever had her Father's approval, the cold bastard. That, she opted not to voice out loud.

At the query of what they were hunting, she shrugged. "Last Royal Hunt I was on, we were after boar. Last winter, they went out after wolf, as Lord Mountjoy showed yesterday," she said as Charles joined them. "Ah, this shall be a fine hunt, no matter the prey." Her joy in the hunt was evident in her eyes. She had gained the King's attention on a hunt because she didn't lose her stomach at the sight of a slaughtered animal or bucked at gunfire. Scots weren't known for being wimps.

Darlene's aside had her smiling and nodding at her friend. "I can not live in sadness for the rest of my life. My friends and family have made me realize this and for that, I will be eternally grateful," she said softly. Then, the King arrived and the prey announced. One brow rose as 'ladies prey' was mentioned. Cat had never thought to aim for small things. She preferred aiming high.

As everyone began to mount, she hoisted herself up on to Scathach's back, the mare steady as her rider got settled into the saddle, adjusting the rifle for ease of use. She nodded to Heather as she manuevered her mount into the hunting group. The light of excitement flared in her eyes as she caught sight of Nigel. His note from the day before made her a bit more settled with the sight of him. Angling her mount, she edged slightly closer to him. "Milord," she said with a nod. "It is good to see you."

[Charles Blount]

With the din of the people and horses Charles had to lean forward and concentrate on Douglas’s words so as to understand them but he got the gist of the Captain’s meaning if not all of the words.

“Ah yes, I feel it is best to be prepared and as I have not has much chance to polish my hunting accoutrements of late I availed myself of the opportunity to indulge myself.”

He said to Douglas and laughing at Heather’s quip he took off his hat in greeting and returned.

“I am in camouflage Madam! Tis easier to stalk yon beasties without startling them with the magnificence of my fashionable heels.”

Indeed for hunting Mountjoy made due with boots of standard and practical construction as opposed to his usual choice of footwear at Court.
Charles used the slight chaos the general mounting caused to quickly approach the royal party and offer to assist Princess Karoline in mounting her horse. A groom could very well have done the task but as he was soon to be her Equerry he thought it would set a good precedent to reinforce Karoline’s position at Court.
With a deferential ‘May it please your Highness’ he offered her a leg up and then quickly mounted his own horse and took up a position slightly behind the Princess. In the heat of the chase his eagerness might take him away but he also knew that this was the Princesses first Royal outing and if he set the stage for the other Courtiers to attend to and flock around Karoline all the better.

[Douglas FitzJames]

The conversation moved back and forth between those gathered in a pleasant round of banter. Douglas tipped his hat to Darlene as she excused herself and headed for the carriages, and he caught Heather's teasing look as she approached, flashing her a smile and a wink in turn.

The attention of all those gathered was drawn however when the King made his appearance, along with the Princess and an interesting selection of courtiers. Douglas removed his cavalier's hat and bowed as the royal party appeared. So they would be hunting deer then, as well as some other prey. That pleased Douglas no end, it was a prey at which he had a lot of practice, and a taste for.

As soon as the royal party moved to their mounts, others were scrambling for theirs. As they did so he heard Mirtel call out to him for assistance. "Acoorse, Lairdy Mirtel; tis nae trouble at all." He assured Lord Chilchester's sister. "Hauld this beastie fer a wee minute Cat."* He asked, handing his sister Daemhan's reins as she was already quickly ahorse.

Catching Phae's reins, Douglas dropped to one knee and offered Mirtel a steadying hand, that she might use his knee as a mounting block. It wasn't a trick to try next to a horse one didn't know - doing that next to Daemhan would be asking to get bitten or stepped on - but Douglas knew Phae was well behaved. As he handed Mirtel up into the saddle he took the opportunity to plant a kiss on her fingers, then he was away and retrieving his mount from his sister and quickly astride the big black Arab. The stallion pranced irritably and flattened his ears back a moment, then settled at a word and a touch to his neck.

Astride, Douglas noticed Lord Mountjoy aiding the Princess; no doubt there where his loyalties lay, but then the Scot had heard as much. He himself had tried to support the Princess, but she had apparently deemed his efforts insufficient. Well stuff her. He had a sneaking suspicion it had much to do with his birth, and had decided that the loss was hers. The King seemed to be content to ignore him for now and Monmouth had been downright disdainful. The chance he had been looking for had come from the most unexpected direction; York. The world was a very strange place.

As the last courtiers mounted up Douglas's blue eyes scanned the crowd and glanced towards the carriages, noting that Darlene had settled with three whom he had never seen before. So many new faces about court. Unsurprising really, given the wedding. This would no doubt prove an interesting season.

Subtitles
* "Of course, Lady Mirtel; it's no trouble at all. Hold this beast for a minute Cat."

[Temperance]

At the carriages

The strange man paused somewhat hesitantly as he glanced at Darlene and Joanna. The mischievious teasing from earlier in the morning still rang in his ears and he wasn't convinced he wished to be in female company again so soon. Angelina had insisted on his presence however and while he could ride he would much rather take a seat in a carriage with the small reference book he had hid in his pocket. But whether he wanted female company or not it would be rude to back away and go in search of another carriage.

"A pleasure, my ladies, my lord." The Italian bent his shoulders in a small bow before following Eadgar into the carriage and settled in next to him. Once he had manouvered into the seat he smiled lightly at the company at large and went ahead with introductions. "I am Peter Saluzzo. Don Peter. Thank you for allowing me to take up this seat here." The man paused before opening his mouth again as if to say s ome thing further, before changing his mind and closing his mouth again with a small shake of his head.

[Hope]

A man in his blue naval uniform arrived to the growing group, within his saddle holster was a long arm, while goodness knew what was within the bulky saddle bag upon the opposite side. With a well prepared aura, his gaze slid around the faces of courtier, looking for one in particular.

Spying her, Captain Russell touched his hat in giving her a nod of greeting across the way.

[Darlene Hamilton]

The Carriages
"Enchanted," she replied, concealing her disenchantment to see that Eadgar had prerance for Joanna over herself. Nodding to Joanna's explanation, she then greeted the Itailian man. "How do you do, Don Peter. Why, I believe I am soon to meet your sister, my cousin has invited me to join them both in town this afternoon."

Her eyes drifted outwards, she had attended the hunt with intention to be a spectator - to oh and ah over what she saw, and cheer on her friends. Locating her husband, she gave an optimistic wave to Thomas

[Charles Whitehurst]

It had taken longer than he would have liked to have Fireshot saddled; but, Charles arrived before the King had proceeded with the hunt. There were many fine horsemen in the crows and Charles was no exception. There were many a fine horsewoman as well.

Charles' hunting attire was no different than his every day attire. He best served the King by being in uniform and, he knew all too well, that he looked dashing in it. Unlike many of the hunters, he needed no portable armory. His manservant did not follow him with spears, lances, rifles and cannon. No, Charles stood out with but a sword at his side and a pistol at his belt. His mount was not weighed down with weapons, thus meaning he would be able to race ahead of all the more wary hunters. Unless they were hunting bear or boar, there was little need to fear. Besides, all the weaponry would obscure his dashing uniform and interfere with the winks, nods and salutes he offered any admiring lady. What lady would cast an inviting look to a man with a six foot spear, the metal kind? Hunting was a social event, not one for combat ... at least in his eyes.

So it was that Charles rode to the front of the crowd and bowed in saddle to the King and his illustrious guests. It was his expectation to take the lead and be one of the more mobile outriders. If he saw game, he could charge it. If not, he could play the role the head of the King's security detail. Either way, he was sure to have a few feminine hearts beat faster with dreams of giving him a kiss perhaps.

Along the way, there was a hat lifted in smiling salute to Heather, Cat, Blount, Douglas and Mirtel. He liked them all. There was a good morning to Darlene, who he spotted in a carriage. He did not recognize the others in the coach; but then, he was passing rather quickly.

From the front, Charles observed a dark shape laden with every sort of weapon. If he didn't know better that hulk of a man looked like Nigel. Fortunately, he knew that meddlesome lord to be dead.

[Eadgar Setch]

Eadgar, Joanna, Darlene & Peter

Saluzzo? As in, the Doge of Genoa's family? How fascinating! Why, he was practically in the company of royalty! Catholic royalty... Doubtless, Don Peter was here for the wedding; why else would he be so far from home?

Noticing that Lady Oakham and Don Peter already had some common ground, Eadgar sought to include Lady Joanna in conversation, although he could not fathom why she was present.
"Is everyone looking forward to the hunt to-day? I feared that I might embarrass myself if I try to ride a horse, so I decided only to spectate, in the end."

Oh dear. He had managed to do nothing but point out his own flaws in conversation. He shuffled awkwardly in his seat, but at least the Italian gentleman didn't seem very socially capable, either.

[Joanna Craven]

Carriages

The cousin of Dona Angelina! Oh, how fortunate indeed that he had decided to sit with them! Joanna knew only a little about the Italian woman, but heard she had a knack for languages and played chess incredibly well. The latter Joanna knew nothing about, but she was quite admiring of someone who could speak as many languages as fingers on one hand! She would be quite fascinating to meet, though Joanna knew better than to try to weasel her way to an invitation. No, she was happy to get to know Don Peter better, for she knew very little about him.

"How delightful to make your acquaintance, Don Peter," Joanna said with a cheerful smile. "I hope that you and your lady cousin are finding Windsor to your liking." She did not say more than that, for she thought that Lady Oakham and he might want to discuss Dona Angelina briefly and she did not wish to intrude there.

Her attention turned to the other male party as he spoke. Ah, so that was why Eadgar was not riding! Joanna was rather surprised that he had admitted his lack of riding skills to virtual strangers, but it spoke well of him that he was willing to speak of his faults. She tried to do much the same with her own weaknesses and drawbacks, for she often found it better to seek humour than cower silently in shame.

"My feelings on the subject of horses were much the same," she told the young man with a sympathetic smile. "I do ride, but as you can imagine there are certain restrictions when one cannot see. I would have no place on a horse this morning. Still, I thought it would be nice to converse with others and 'observe' the hunt from a distance. I have never attended a hunt and am therefore looking forward to broadening my mind." No, it was not the most thrilling subject of study, but Joanna had respect for all sorts of knowledge. Anything that she could take in about the how society worked, she would absorb gladly and gratefully.

Even if the blonde could not see what was happening, she could chat with the others—a simple, but important pleasure of hers—and she would hear the latest gossip from the hunt. No doubt there would be boring or even awkward stretches along the way, but Joanna thought it was still better to participate in the only way she could than to eschew the grand event entirely. Those same feelings applied to the evening festivities, in fact. She could not dance and yet she would never dream of missing the masque!

[Alexandra Neuville]

Open Carriage

Alexandra had rose a bit later than usual and was helped in a day dress for the Royal hunt. She had decided upon a dark green ensemble as her hair was being arranged she asked for her sturdier riding boots. The terrain alone was rather unkind to her satin slippers.

She headed towards the Royal Mews and found an open carriage to enter figuring her husband would join either on horseback or in the carriage when he arrived having given him the opportunity to wake on his own. Despite her husband's late nights he always managed to make appointments that included Royalty.

The young lady took a seat noticing several open and closed carriages which allowed her to see everything ahead of her. There were quite a few already out and the anticipation of the Hunt to start could be felt as a palpable excitement in the air.

The fiery-haired woman did not wave to anyone in particular as she decided once again to be the observer unless she was joined by others.

[Kane Graas]

Rather surprisingly, Kane was actually a pretty good hunter. Granted, he was a lousy shot and his riding skills were mediocre as well. However Gustav had been an avid and passionate hunter and had always been insistent on dragging Kane with him when they were youths, so Kane had had plenty of opportunities to learn the basics of hunting and get some experience. His youth on the streets came in handy here as well. Kane had a healthy dose of common sense which helped in driving the animal where he wanted it, a well-functioning survival instinct and he had always been agile which made him pretty good in wielding pikes or impaling spears. He was at his utmost best at laying snares and traps – a delicate craft in which his mastery of his even the most miniscule finger movements had truly come handy – however he didn’t really have the opportunity to practice very often. Nor would he really have the chance today either he supposed.

Wearing a well-fitting and quality outfit of soft dove-grey and crisp white – Kane had never been one for flamboyant outfits or colours – Kane had idly made his way through the courtyard exchanging nods and greetings with people he knew and in one case even with someone he didn’t know. Turning an eye and ear towards the kings conversation with the leader of the hunt like the rest until everyone moved to mount their horses or climb into carriages, Kane followed suit. Pausing first to tug on a pair of black leather gloves, adorned by luxurious silver fox fur at the wrist – if he imported the stuff, he might as well advertise it a bit by wearing it himself, especially now with winter coming – before mounting his pitch-black 18 hands tall Friesian stallion. Altair had proven his calm character repeatedly since Kane had bought the large horse, so Kane didn’t have any worries about the horse giving him any trouble during the hunt either.

Clicking his tongue lightly, Kane guided Altair closer towards the gates to be amongst the first to ride out after the call to hunt came. He might as well enjoy the view from the front after all. A most gracious decision and choice from it as it allowed others coming behind to admire his backview. Kane just modestly hoped it wouldn't make any blondes amongst the women, who had decided to join the hunt, swoon.

[Heather O`Roarke]

The Countess laughed merrily with Lord Mountjoy and then cheerfully waved at Charles. So many handsome men in scarlet today. Who needed black? Even the King received a charming, beaming smile as she bowed her head. Things went along swimmingly until...

Heather watched the form of Lord Blackheath approach, sitting on the only part of his body that did not have scars. Her temper flared again, enhanced by the memory. Pointedly she moved Marino out of the way without greeting him, deliberately ignoring the warhero. Two could play the game of being cold. Oh, if she had not been on top of a horse she would have stamped her foot in frustration.

"Master Graas," she greeted Kane in soft murmur, offering her right hand to be kissed while her left held a red riding crop with a feather which looked rather silly "You remember Marino, the horse that won you the Albemarle race?"

[Temperance]

The carriages

Darlene, Joanna, Eadgar, Peter

"The pleasure is all mine. And Windsor is pleasant. Si. A nice change to London." Peter could not get accustomed to the grey and dreary city. There seemed to be no light, not energy, no bright colours and smooth white surfaces he was so accustomed to at home.

"My sister? Ah, Angelina. She is my cousin." Peter observed Darlene with far greater interest as she revealed that she would also be party of the outing Angelina had been chattering on about for what felt like ages. Peter did appreciate Countess Atherstone, but he was aware that the lady was known to be of a libertine bent. However he did not recall similar rumours wafting about Lady Oakham. "My lady, might I request a favour?" With a quick glance around Peter located Angelina who was laughing at something a young lord near hersaid while perched on her horse. Her chaperone was mounted next to her and eyeing the young man with a disapproving look. Of course Celia disapproved of everything and anything male.

Pointing her young cousin with her chaperone out to Lady Oakham, Peter leaned slightly forward as he made an entirely sincere request. " Angelina has been begging me to let her go without her chaperone and I finally agreed that if she keeps to the company of the other ladies at all times her chaperone will merely escort her to town and back. Do look after my cousin, if you would." Angelina could find plenty of trouble of her own but for all of her gusto and entrepreneurship she had been shelthered all her life. Peter couldn't help but feel worried about the outing although he had decided to allow his cousin a bit more freedom from her unrelenting chaperone.

"I believe it is evident we all chose a carriage over a mount by now. I did not have much desire to ride along with a gun myself either." Peter admitted, although he did not reveal what he had been hoping for when choosing the carriages as his mode of transport. And now it was too late to change ones mind anyway as the carriages started to move to roll out through the gates before the mounted riding party.

Alexandra

Just as the carriages were about to roll out another person climbed into the carriage. An older but dapper looking man wearing a slightly ill-fitting brown wig and a green coat. Huffing slightly as he settled into place the man carefully smoothed his coat and laid his walking stick and green felt hat in his lap before smiling at Alexandra and speaking in a relatively loud voice. "My pleasure, lady, my pleasure. A pretty woman makes the day much better. I say, these young lads don't know what they should be hunting!"

[Nigel Harrington]

Nigel rode back among the milling mass that was the Court on horse back. Oh how I would love to scatter this undisciplined pack will a nice charge. Nigel's practiced eye picked out the Royal's security arrangement. This folly will be a security nightmare, even for a disciplined and well led unit. Nigel then saw Whitehurst,Name the devil and he shall appear...is it just me, or does he look even younger than last time?

Nigel rode past Whitehurst, stirrup to stirrup, going the opposite way. As Nigel saw the realization and recognition on Whirehurst's face, Nigel gave a little jut of his chin to acknowledge the boy major and said "Queenslayer", as way of greeting as he rode past him. Which to Nigel's mind was a much nicer greeting than what he wanted to say to Whitehurst. Clearly, Nigel's talk with the King the day before about the social and political realities of Court had been heard clearly.

Nigel was pondering this when he saw Cat emerge from a pack of Courtiers and ride up to him. Nigel came to a stop, knee to knee, as they faced each other. Another lady of Court that I owe a personal debt to. Nigel's smile threatened to break out at any moment and he said, "Catriona, I imagine that hugging the King's mistresses for all the Court to see would garner all manner of disapproving stares but if My Lady would offer her hand, I would kiss it with savage devotion."

[Alexandra Neuville]

Open Carriage

As Alexandra was settling down in the open carriage, another older gentleman had entered as well. Keen eyes noticed the ill-fitting wig, and despite it how dapper he looked. His loud voice gave her the impression that he was naturally hard of hearing, had a problem modulating his volume, or rudely thought her as a foreigner that some people thought it was necessary to shout at them in an alien language to get nothing across but bleeding eardrums.

His compliment caused a blush to occur not quite expecting it as well but all in all managed to create curiosity from his behaviour. "Good morning." She greeted sweetly as she offered her hand, "Alexandra Neuville, granddaughter to the Constable of Cornwall. Who do I have a pleasure of sharing a carriage with?"

[Catriona MacGregor]

Nigel and Cat

Unaware of the animosity between her male friends (Nigel and Charles W), Cat pondered continuing her snit before a mischevious smile finally found its way on her lips. "Haven't you heard? His Majesty is being a good boy...at least until the vows are spoken," she said with just the hint of a laugh in her husky voice. "I should make you hug me, just for spite and to cause all sorts of delicious rumors, but I shall be nice for now," she added, reaching out one hand to grasp Nigel's. She could have dropped the reins, but with so many other horses around, she didn't want to tempt her mare. Scathach had a tendency to be a bit testy when surrounded.

"Now, how long have you been back and why the hell didn't you write me before?," the Scot demanded.

[Darlene Hamilton]

The carriages

Darlene, Joanna, Eadgar, Peter

Despite her misunderstanding of Angelina's relationship to Peter, to which she provided appropriately apologetic smile, Darlene found that the Italian man was particularly pleasant company. There was something about him, his manner perhaps, that struck her as being entirely capable. She decided her husband would surely like him, which was the highest compliment (in her mind).

"I would be delighted to, why it's quite natural that she craves freedom from her chaperones, why even till this day I find a secret joy in going shopping all by myself." she accepted the responsibility as he gracefully placed it upon her shoulders, with scant idea that it might be any real challenge. Perhaps wrongly Darlene supposed that being a catholic, Angelina would be a conservative woman, who's greatest daring might be to choose an English soap over an Italian one when they went to the baths later that day.

Her eyes located Angelina, as he pointed her out. Though her attention became distracted as, "Look, there is Lady Neuville!" she waved, yet not in time to beckon her friend to join them in their carriage. What a shame. Though disappointment did not rest upon her face, as she then saw Major Charles, and was happy to call her cheery greeting to his finely uniformed form.

Settling back into her seat then, she turned with contentment to her company. As the group came to ease with each other she chuckled, "Gentlemen, please." With her naturally flirtatious manner she chided softly, "Lady Joanna and I already know the truth of it. Neither of you ride horses, because you hoped for more charming company. I have never met a horse that lifted my spirits to laughter. I have naught but commendations for your choice... and perhaps, a little pity even, for all the poor fellows who opted otherwise." Eadgar was then gifted the lady's smile, and she added to his comment, "Spectating is awfully important too, I dare say we shall be the very best audience. Why, it is like we are in a moving box seat, and the theatre is all of the park, and our fellow nobles on horseback are the players in the play. Why, look how already they are prancing their horses around, flirting for our attention. I think they are all getting ready for the curtain to open."

Bright of eyes she looked towards the mounted people, and with a gasp reached to clasp Joanna's hand, "Darling, oh you ought see, I shall describe it! But Master Graas just arrived, and is wearing grey, that is nothing different, he always does. But, his gloves, are trimmed with fur. I think it's wolf fur! What a statement, he always is rather the dare devil." she exhaled upon gazing at said man. Kane had always set her heart to beat a little quicker, although their relationship was never more than platonic.

Already Darlene begun to enjoy the hunt, as she realised she might stand as commentator for it. Alas, the viscountess did like the sound of her own voice. The carriage lurched into motion, and needlessly, Darlene told Joanna, "Oh. We've started moving now!"

[Charles Whitehurst]

Nigel Passes Charles

Like bile that slowly rose in one's throat, Harrington approached Charles slowly, leaving no doubt as to the man's identity. Rarely was there a man more disagreeable than Nigel. He proved it in his snide remark. Charles held his tongue, though it took great restraint. He was a gentleman after all.

Still, it crossed his mind that Nigel had been so disagreeable that Satan had refused to let the scarred man stay in Hell. That would explain the man's reappearance. As for the childish jibe about being a Queenslayer, Charles would have liked to ask how the man's rifle would have stopped the poisoning of the Queen. It was brusque blowhards like Nigel that gave soldiers a bad name, in Charles' estimation. They could not adapt battlefield tactics to court. They thought that weapons could solve anything.

As the man passed by, it felt as a shadow had lifted from an otherwise pleasant day. With no regard for where Nigel was heading, Charles kept his gaze in front, moving forward to serve as the vanguard of the hunt.

[Louis Killington]

Donning a burgundy velvet frock coat and dove grey breeches, the Earl of Basildon rode forward to join the mass of hunters. A sword hung at his side and a brace of pistols rested at his belt. Lisa had wanted to come along, but Louis instructed that she could only ride in the coaches given her delicate condition.

There was a nod to Alexandra in an open carriage. Likewise, there was one in the direction of Darlene's coach. Catriona was speaking with a brute of a man -- no doubt a Scot. Seeing Heather and Kane, Louis moved in that direction.

"Good morning," Louis called as he approached Kane and Heather. In fact, it was an overcast morning with a threat of rain. "Do we know what game is being hunted today?"

[Eadgar Setch]

The carriages

Darlene, Joanna, Eadgar, Peter


Eadgar was more than a tad surprised that Lady Joanna was able to ride: for shame, he was less skilled than a blind woman! Any ounce of awe he had for the young blonde's unexpected talent was crushed in a wave of resentment and embarrassment. He was loth to admit it, but his frame was weak and his co-ordination lacking; such traits were fitting only for a woman, and yet, Lady Joanna had unexpectedly outdone him. He would not let his wounded pride be shown, though. Not in the presence of Don Peter!

Already nursing his ego, Eadgar only felt worse when Lady Oakham uttered the words 'Lady Neuville'. Typical that everyone he met would be familiar with that brazen... Harlot! Even with the benefit of a night's sleep since their unpleasant exchange, Master Setch could fail to see what had caused Lady Alexandra to lash out at him so rudely. Shrinking into his seat to avoid being seen by her, Eadgar almost felt like slapping Lady Oakham's hand down to stop her waving. He refrained, though, and instead chose to sit on his hands.

Eadgar's moods were lifted, however, by Lady Oakham's playful analogy. Although the thoughts of decadant theatre left him with a sour taste in his mouth, he was willing to carry on with the comparison.
"I must say, the stage and set are most esquisite. Let us hope the story lives up to its grand surroundings!"
The young writer's pursed lips let out a small smile as he complimented himself on his addition to the conversation.
"You are right in calling Windsor a pleasant place, Don Peter; I have only been here two days, but already this castle has made a great impression on me. It must pale in comparison to fair Genoa, though; at least, the weather would be more clement there."
Eadgar looked up at the dreary heavens, worrying that the carriage would offer little shelter, should it rain.

[Joanna Craven]

Carriages

Darlene, Joanna, Eadgar, Peter

Don Peter was an interesting gentleman, Joanna noted as he answered her question briefly and adequately and then spoke to Lady Oakham about his cousin. He had a very straightforward way of conversing, eschewing the flowery prose of many nobles and remaining very much "on point", as it were. The Italian did not reveal much about himself, save for his concern for his cousin and apparent dislike of weapons, or at least of operating them himself. She could guess he would be a bit difficult to draw out given that he answered questions, but did not venture any of his own for the party. Polite, but perhaps not comfortable? Or did it simply appear that way because he was not speaking his native language? One could sound stiff when using foreign tongue, as Joanna knew very well. In any case, it was a good thing Joanna quite liked a challenge when it came to unlocking her personalities!

Her attention snapped to Lady Oakham the moment she pointed out that Lady Neuville was about. Joanna hoped dearly that the redhead might come to sit with them, but she had no way of knowing if that were possible or not! Cursed eyes… She was beginning to wish she had asked Deedee to come, if only so that she had someone to explain to her what was going on, who was passing by, in what direction she ought to smile and wave, et cetera.

Lady Oakham's rousing apology for spectating was extremely clever and wrung a smile from Joanna's lips, though inside the blind girl felt rather empty. It was in moments like this one that the severity of her condition really struck her. Still, she would take a deep breath and push through, as she always did…

Suddenly, Darlene surprised her by taking her hand and being so incredibly kind as to detail some of the "play" for her. Joanna squeezed her fingers, silently thanking the countess for taking the time to consider her disability. She never expected others to cater to her specific needs, so she was always so very pleased and grateful when they decided to do so.

"Wolf's fur!" she exclaimed, quite amazed. "I am not familiar with Master Graas, but he sounds like quite a fascinating gentleman! Perhaps I ought to seek an introduction? I can only imagine that he has many an exciting tale to tell!" There was little Joanna enjoyed more than listening to the thrilling exploits of others. What she could not experience herself she lived through the enthusiasm of others. She was quite the vicarious creature!

To Eadgar's remark about Genoa, Joanna smiled. "I hear it is a most beautiful place," she said in the tones of one who dearly wished she could verify the rumours for herself. "I grew up along the Yorkshire coast, so I have quite a love of the open water and the particular 'culture' it fosters. Why, I think I even enjoy the stink of fish!

"Of course, Genoa is far, far grander than anything I have experienced," she added, lest Peter think she was comparing her tiny home to the splendour of an Italian coastal city! "I hear that the art and architecture is quite breathtaking."

Would he open up a little now that they were talking of his homeland, she wondered?

[Temperance]

ALL

The carriages had already started moving forward while the royalty mounted and as they rattled out through the gates they were followed by a small group of mounted lifeguards as the king moved to mount. Charles might notice Lord Avon holding the king’s horse steady as the monarch mounted as he hurried forward to offer similar assistance to princess Karoline. This move brought him into the sight of the monarch as well who called out a jovial greeting. “Lord Mountjoy, now there’s a hunter of some renown to have by ones side. Come now, shall we make a wager of by whose hand the hart shall be laid down today? We shall discuss this while on the move.” An invitation for Mountjoy to approach the king during the ride out. Would there by any others to try to gain favour or notice during the trip?

Once royalty was mounted and the Master of the Hunt had sent a wisened look across the courtyard the man turned and lifted a hand in a signal, prompting a hunting horn loudly call the beginning of the hunt. Spurring his horse forward the king was the next to ride out with the princess just behind him and the rest of the courtiers trailing through the gates behind them before seeking the most advantageous spot for themselves as the caravan headed towards the nearby forest.

[Kane Graas]

Heather, Louis, Kane

It was with pleasure that Kane found himself in better company than he had dared to hope for. “Countess,” Kane responded to the greeting, dipping a non-existant hat with a gloved hand. There were many who enjoyed acrobatics on horseback and while Kane didn’t belong amongst that group he reached for Heather’s hand – after a dubious glance to both stallions although thankfully seemed to be behaving – and lifted it to his lips.

Heather’s greeting murmur made him tilt his head curiously as he studied the redhead and her horse with interest while his mind was busily connecting the dots. He had won the Albemarle race. At the restoration ball the king had said something fairly similar, however Heather’s words provided far more enlightenment. Kane’s lipcorners twitched in open amusement as he realised just what the countess was hinting at. “The king did have a somewhat befuddling conversation with me praising my skill in saddle back at the restoration ball,” Kane responded cheerfully. He had been meaning to look into the matter of his win but plan had gotten waylaid when he had gone abroad. But Heather’s words were quickly clearing this mystery up. “Thought I’ve always said I’m multitalented, so what’s a win here and there,” he tacked on with an unrepentant smirk. He didn’t particularly mind it, especially as ’he’ had had the grace to win and because there weren’t any disturbing rumours about him flirting or kissing some blonde girl. Feh. The thought of the last was already disturbing.

“Lord Basildon,” Kane responded to the greeting as Louis joined them. “Deer by what was said earlier. We-ell, suppose I should say hart as it’s a royal hunt.” Kane did find it a bit silly that royalty hunted hart while everyone else hunted deer, while in fact it was the very same animal.