(121-08-29) A Royal Hunt
Details for A Royal Hunt
Summary: To celebrate the legitimacy of Eiris Hunt and just cause, there is a Royal Hunt in the King's Wood.
Date: 29th day of the 8th Turn of 121 A.c.
Location:
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The day is made for hunting. It is gorgeous and sunny, the temperature rising daily and with it means bugs begin to make themselves known. One forgets such things while in the depth of winter. Seated astride Petyr as the large party heads for the depths of the Kings Wood, Eiris makes certain to remain with Lynesse and the guards, keeping an eye on the little lady. In her customer riding leathers, Eiris has gone one step further and has had ribbons woven into the braid that wraps her head. Bright crimson and white stand against her ginger locks. Lynesse has had she same done to her hair.

As she slows, Eiris pauses and look about and as men rush by in hopes of finding something she hands her own reins to Arron, "Thank you…Lynesse, come here," she remarks and will help her down if she needs before the Lady Hunt moves to show her some tracks. "We are lucky it rained not long ago, you see," she motions to the boar scrubbings, nosings into the ground that give their quarry away. "IF they go too fast they will scare it away…look, it goes this way they are headed after older tracks." She says "We need to go this way," she says and glances up at the guards. "One of you alert the Lord Ormund, have him bring who he wishes," she will stay down, grasping at her riding skirts as she starts to follow the trail with great care.

Ormund is actually with the King! And the Queen and the princes and princess that are old enough for the hunt. It's a bit funny seeing Ormund in the King's presence, he's a bit of a fan boy, grinning ear to ear as they converse about politics and what they think they will get. When Arron comes riding up Ormund has a momentary look of anxiety, what has Eiris gotten into now!? But when he's informed that she's only found tracks he grins, "Would your majesty care to see the legend for herself?" Earlier they were teasing about the legendary woman that tracked the illusive Bristles. The jolly king oo-hoos and shifts on his large form on his large horse. "Let us see, indeed!" Arron has already started to gallop back to Eiris, "Uhhhh, no pressure m'lady. But he's bringing The King. Just thought you'd like to know…" Lynesse is staring at her mentor very wide eyed. "May the Old Gods guide us." Yeeeeah, she's still all about this Old Gods thing.

"The King..I should have guessed," Alicent is his cousin after all and the Queen is likely to be with the King. Eiris and her ginger hair with its. Hightower colors is easily seen as she sidles down an embankment when the group is riding up. Her skirts in her hands she lowers them when they approach and looks to Lynesse, "It is always the old and new, my lady. Please, we do not need to have your father swallow his tongue out of worry." She turns then and steps down in the rather craggy stream that is more like rivulets through the soft earth that give way to its presence. She pauses there, looking up at them all and dips into a low drop of her form, her skirts gathering.

"Your Majesties, my lord Hightower," she begins and then turns to point at the rutted and muddy ground that was not from the horses of the other hunters. "I am supposing if we are to follow this we will find sows in heat and fattened by the Spring," she says looks to Arron. "I would be glad to lead you if you will have me," she says, again dipping low to the royal retinue. Arron is already moving down the embankment to bring the Lady Hunt her horse, she grasps Petyr's reins and instead of climbing on horseback she begins the task of moving through the wet terrain to the other firmer dry land. "This way." She instructs and then is quiet as her green eyes begin to search the tracks pausing a few times until she turns them a little further towards the sun. She makes a motion not even a quarter mile later and looks to Ormund with a finger to her lips she keeps pressed to a tree and nods for him. Ahead.

Lynesse has a bit of bad timing as she doesn't realize how close the party is when she asks "Are you going to convert when you marry father?" But then there they are and she smiles sheepishly and bows to them as well.

"Lead the way Lady Eiris," Ormund instructs with a warm smile that does not hide the affection he feels.

"Ooo yes, Lady Hunt, do the trick. Tell me, how many will there be? How fat, will one have only one tusk?" The King bids and Ormund looks only a little guilty for telling the King about Eiris' talents.

There is a huffed laugh, giving Ormund a look for all that he has said, "Well the tracks are not as clear as Bristles was…" she explains and notes, "I would think there is a large sow, the older of the three but there are two others with her, juvenile females by the size some of the prints are. I am certain there will be a full blown male not far from them."

This information imparted, Eiris is now at that impasse she led them to. Pausing before she hands her reins to Arron again and starts to pick her way carefully as the underbrush begins to get thick - prime spot for boars to bed down especially for the winter. As if on cue there is some snorting and snuffling going on ahead and some movement can be made out beneath the greenery and she goes instantly still for she has no spear and boards like to charge.

"The trouble with this one, sometimes she's too good at what she does. On Dawn!" Ormund could see the trouble brewing from up on the rise and together they leap and gallop down the gorge to the angled side of the thicket from his love and daughter. To drive the boars a bit deeper into the thicket and away from the ladies. "Flank."

Arron immediately gets into position and together they slap their spears into the thicket, "Petyr." He very well might be talking to the horse himself, either way his tone is very, 'Get on the horse Eiris!' "Here we go your majesties!" "Lynesse, to higher ground. Sound the horn." She pouts a bit but when Diamond starts to get jumpy she obeys her father and goes up to where the royals are and she gives her little horn a good blow.

Taking the reins in hand, Eiris is quickly to saddle without having to be told twice and with no spear or will to take on boars she moves to follow Lynesse and comes to put Petyr at the bottom of the incline. The colors of Hightower how they shine in her hair and there is a secret smile as she watches Ormund throw himself to the task -even still she prays to the old Gods beneath her breath.

Petyr side steps with the sounding of the horn and Eiris looks upwards, watching closely as she notes one of the boars is slipping around the back and grins. The females won't be able to do much she is watching for the male she thinks might be near especially when grunting turns to a squeal. Then there is a deafening squeal-roar and her eyes widen, "There he is.." she says below her breath and she lifts her fingers to her hand and whistles sharply to alert the men at their task. Male incoming. She shifts a bit apprehensive in her saddle but this time there is no snow, no avalanche but the danger is still there.

There is just around a hundred hunters in the wood right now, and that's just their party and extended fringe parties of theirs. Ormund and Dawn both lean and turn together like they have the same mind and soon enough all those that rushed past them earlier are thundering through the wood and one sow is quickly downed, but the King, Ormund, Arron, Asten and a good lot of the King's Men are after that male and the battle is a blur of leaves, fur, Hightower Colors, Targaryen Colors and from above it can be seen that there are several times that Ormund could get the killing blow, but instead he jabs it and turns it and herds it towards the King. Finally, the king gets the spear held just right and gives it a thrust and the large male boar falls onto its side and everyone cheers for the King.

"Did I miss all the fun?" The most sarcastic and apathetic sounding voice comes up towards the ladies. The Queen reaches out to give the young man with purple eyes and platinum hair's cheek a little cup, "Afraid so my Son." Prince Aegon II then spots the eye-catching redhead and offers her a charming smile. "I was busy downing a female." He chuckles for some private reason and then he sighs and seems to just relax into the saddle, looking like he has absolutely no intention of lifting a finger to help out with the hunt below. "Who are you?" Is aimed at Eiris.

Pride swells her chest as she watches Ormund forgo his shot to give it to the King. Her smile radiates and it gives her a brilliant appearance as she leans in towards Lynesse having joined the Queen and the young Hightower on the ridge. "Your father, did you see what he did? " There is a nod of her head, a supportive thing as she leans forward to brush her hand to Petyr's mane. His ear flicks and she goes further, lifting into her stirrups to scratch at his ear.

The brilliance of her admiration for Ormund remains as the Prince arrives with his Targaryen coloring. Her head turns and red and white ribbons gleam in her ginger coronet of hair. She looks from him to the Queen and her brilliant smile has faded a measure as her head dips low, Petyr rocking her about as her riding skirts fan out over the rump of her gelding. He's a simple thing but perfect for what he does. "Your majesty, I am Lady Eiris Hunt. I traveled with the Lord Ormund Hightower's retinue. My father is the Master of the Hunt." She keeps her eyes low for a moment before they lift once more, casually sweeping back out over the hunters as they go to gathering the boar up

"Oh so this is Eiris Hunt, Congratulations are in order, I'm sorry I missed your legitimizing ceremony now." He guides his horse that is golden coated with black mane and tail. He parks the horse so close to Petyr that it makes the gelding give the prince the side-eye. "Well, it looks like we're going to be feasting tonight. Hope to see you there. Have you ever been to the Red Keep. I'll have to show you some of the best spots there. You've come a long way. Don't wish for you to come all this way to watch a bunch of nobles kill the animals that you found."

Hands grip at her reins and she dips her head to acknowledge his compliment, "Thank you, your majesty. I was blessed enough to have your Queen Mother to attend to me. I had not even expected that much," she says so. Her green eyes look back at Lynesse before her chin lifts and she must bear the weight of a violet gaze. Targaryens. She affords him a faint smile. "You are kind to offer, your majesty. And now I have never seen it. But I fear my father is by himself and I would be remiss if I did not escort him to the feast. He honored me with accepting me into his House." She ducks her chin again and then tries to glance ahead at the hunt. "I do not mind, your majesty. I rather like a job well done and your father was quite the sight to behold taking down the male with a single thrust." Her shoulders straighten and she struggles to adopt a nobler like air but it never quite reaches her green eyes that once more find violet ones so near her.

"Then I shall simply have to summon your another time." "Aegon, how's Helaena?" The Queen inserts, trying to distract her son with the topic of his wife, "Pregnant, very pregnant. The Maesters are about to put her onto bed rest." He smiles over to Eiris, "Twins." "Perhaps you should bring her some flowers. You know how she loves the blue ones that grow in the meadow to the south." Aegon's no fool and knows what his mother is up to. So Eiris is safe from any further flirtation for now. He nods his head in a farewell to her and then leans to kiss his mother's cheek before he rides off.

"Yes, your majesty," Eiris says, not wanting to try to upset him or likewise draw any further attention. As the conversation dips to the Princess mild relief shows in her smile. "Congratulations," she offers the Prince and dips her head. As he turns to go, the Hunt Lady shifts in her saddle and dips her head if he looks back but then she looks like a bobbing bird at this point. She lets out a held breath and sits up a little straighter in her saddle and rolls a shoulder. She won't acknowledge what Alicent did verbally but she gives a Queen a soft smile, her gaze lingering before her attention turns to those who are triumphant. "Shall we go congratulate them, your majesty? Lady Lynesse?"

The Queen shakes her head, "I hate the stench. I'm very good up here. Perhaps the child should stay as well, there could be more down there. Wouldn't want her to get swept up in all the excitement if that should happen. You go on Eiris, congratulate everyone for me." The queen has been on so many hunts it's a bit boring for her at this point. She would love some company from the girl everyone says reminds them of Alicent at that age. Well now except for being a heathen. But everyone can't be as perfect as Alicent.

"Very well, your majesty, I am sure the Lady Lynesse will enjoy your company immensely," she says and nods her head to the young Hightower before offering a further bend in the saddle to Alicent. Off she turns Petyr and herds him off towards the others with a soft trot that has her moving in the saddle. As she approaches the slits in her riding skirts flare red and white, marking her for the rest of the Hightower Retinue.

As she gets close she angles herself for Arron first, giving the guard a bright smile. "Well done," she congratulates him for being one of the first to engage. She's grown fond of the man, much like she would the brother she never had.

Lynesse does look a little bit disappointed, but then again she gets to hang out with the Queen, so not all bad!

Arron gives Eiris a huge grin when she joins, "Hey, I've learned one thing's for certain, always close to the action when on your duty." One of the other guards that's not exactly a fan chime in, "Aye, just pray you don't end up like the last lot she took for a hunt." Arron frowns at the other guard, "Shut your hole of I'll give you a new one to talk out of." The other guard actually didn't really realize that he spoke loud enough to be heard and sneers a bit and pulls the horse away. "Sorry, M'lady. He's Howard's lil brother. We all know you had nothing to do with it, he's just got a bitter pill he can't swallow."

Then comes more cheering as they've gotten the boar up on a pole and that up on tripods. Coming down from the top of the ravine is a rather effete looking man with a large canvas and a piece of charcoal on his lap in the saddle and he comes to a halt and starts to direct many present to stand a certain way. Yes, after the King makes a kill he has the royal artist sketch the scene. The king picks who gets to be in the picture, Arron is unfortunately skipped right over but the last one to be selected is, "Lady Hunt, if you could do like you were doing, squat down and look like you've just spotted some tracks." Meanwhile, he strikes a pose with a sword in one hand stabbing at the boar while his other hand holds the spear. He puts on a battle face that grows more and more comical the long her tries to hold it.

Meanwhile, Ormund is standing to the right of the king. straight-backed and proud. He doesn't seem too certain he cares for her being in the mud for the painting but the king has his whims of fancy and it's usually best to just let him have them.

"I know that the trip was not what any of us planned," Eiris says. "I nearly lost a foot and we nearly lost the Lord as well," she frowns a measure but gives Arron a soft smile as she glances to him. "There are always those that are affected for ill with any action," she says and then is motioned to, told where to go and she hesitates. "Hold Petyr, please, Arron?" She asks of him and getting out of the saddle she hands him in the reins. "He trusts you, as do I."

Lady Hunt is not like to tell the King no, not when she just became Lady Hunt and so she moves her skirts and arranges them to truly shows off the Hightower colors and sets her hand to her knee and the other extends a little. The newly minted lady can affect a more candid shot then the two who are poised not far from her. She tries to hold her pose, but can feel her legs starting to cramp in the prolonged position.

Her father has ridden up at this point and sits in his saddle with an amused grin on his face. A shake of his head and she catches the look, giving him a warmer smile before she goes still. Eiris will not say no. She will do as she is asked it is better that way. She starts to falter a little and moves her leg out just so - skirts hide this so its all and well.

The King has a very bad position to hold and his physique and physical health have him thankfully growing tired of holding positions first. Because of this, the royal artist if very good at taking quick and accurate sketching that will be painted over later at the palace. "Very good your Majesty! Fine specimen." The king dismisses the artist and everyone sort of does a collective sigh as they unfreeze. "Thank you my fellows. Oh! And good Lady of course." She really is the one woman in the collective at the moment. He gives a jolly chuckle and then spanks the spitted boars rump. "Let's get this son of a sow back to the palace and eat him!" Cue more rejoicing and cheering and the king's retinue works on that.

Meanwhile Ormund comes over to Eiris and stands close, but not too close. "What do you think Lady Hunt…" He holds up his thumb and index fingers at an angle together like a frame like the artist just did towards Asten. "I'm thinking for all of his long long years as Master of the Hunt, I should commission a portrait. A great artist that takes his time really capturing every little detail for hours on end, and only then does he start to paint.." Ormund is down right playful at the moment. Thrill of the Hunt, being back on with the woman he loves, and their future looking brighter than it ever has, he is almost giddy.

Rising with a thankful sigh, Eiris brushes at her skirts and dips her chin graciously to the king, "Your majesty," she says. As the others disperse she remains, looking first to Arron, about to move for the reins when that tall rather familiar presence is beside her. Eiris looks at Ormund and tilts her had, a little, coming just close enough to look through his finger picture frame. It means he can smell the rose oil that was in her soap. "I think he deserves it. A nice long standing position," she says and then Asten sees them both looking at him and sits up in the saddle from his lean into the pommel. He looks between them and his smile is faltering as he notes his Ormund's.

Eiris can not help but laugh a little at her father's reaction. Her head turns to look up at Ormund smiling as he is and she can not help but want to touch him but holds off from doing so. "I will see you back at the palace, my lord. Ride with me?" She asks as she moves to take Petyr's reins before rising up into her saddle which finally puts her taller than him so she can look down into that giddy expression. Her own face flushes with joy. "My lord?"

Ormund just gives Asten a tiny bit more of a cheeky smile but then he dampens it down to just be a friendly thing. "It will be done. You'll have to go shopping with him, make sure he gets something appropriate. A lilac pink with peacock feathers perhaps?" Really everyone around him has either never seen Ormund in such spirits or like Asten hasn't seen him like this since Juleen died almost five years now.

"I am happy." He looks up at her unapologetic. His hand and arm were offered to help her up and much like a loved one would check the seatbelt buckle was firmly clicked, he uses his body and her skirts to hide the fact that he makes sure her foot is in the stirrup securely. He just has to snap his fingers a certain way and Dawn pads forwards to lower her face so he can easily gather up her reins and mount up. "Arron, make sure about Lynesse please?" Arron of course bows his head and as usual easily takes the hint to give his lord and favorite lady some space. "Even in the mud you are gorgeous. I love seeing you in those colors." His voice filled with talk of marriage without even saying anything close to it, tricky noble-speak!

Asten looks uncomfortable now, seen muttering something beneath his breath and those nearby might be 'What did I get myself into?' He turns his horse about and heads out with a few more of the group leaving the scene of the crime behind.

"I am glad," comes Eiris' easy reply as she smiles down upon him after settling into her saddle. When he makes sure her foot is in the stirrup she casts a quick glance around and reaches her fingers down to comb through his curls gently before withdrawing her hand before others can see. When he finally steps away and Arron leaves, she brings Petyr closer to Dawn and turns him about so the two are facing each other side by side.

She colors ever so slightly and then says, "I love wearing them," she says. She gives shake of her head braided so daringly with the red and white ribbons. She does not let him get the headstart and with a heel to Petyr he takes the slight incline like a champ, picking up the pace as she glances back at Ormund with a brilliant smile and some of her ribbons in his house colors trailing behind her.

Ormund is in such a good mood that even if they were caught sharing a bit of hair petting he wouldn't care. He smiles and his eyes lid as his curls are raked through. "I look forward to the day you wear them more often." Another unsubtle hint to wanting to make them her colors.

He enjoys hanging back a little bit having full view of her as they go. That smile fades a bit when Prince Aegon suddenly rides into view with a bouquet of flower separated from a large bouquet and he holds out the group of yellow flowers to her, "Thought that the gold would look good on you. Congratulations again. I hope to see you soon for that tour." The prince gives her a smile that's spread more legs than the entire westerosi cavalry astride their horses. Then he turns to catch up with his mother and father. Yeah, all the giddy goes right out or Ormund. "I see you've met Prince Aegon."

"I will always wear them, Ormund," Eiris keeps her voice low so those nearby will not hear the loss of his title. Her smile comes easily and she looks…herself. More herself than she ever has since those days spent alone together in a Wildling tent.

She looks back over her shoulder from her place ahead of him, mouthing /I love you/ with a resplendent smile. Until that moment the Prince comes up alongside her. Her eyes shift to him and her smile all together falters as she looks surprised and then briefly worried and anxious as the flowers are given to her with his words attached to them. Hesitant, she finally reaches for the flowers and in a much more subdued tone she says, "You are too kind, your majesty. Thank you." She says nothing of the tour.

She lowers her eyes to the flowers in her hand only to start when Ormund speaks. Her green eyes note his own change of demeanor and her heart tightens. "I will remain steadfast to you in all things." She says, reminding him of her words on the roof. The joy is gone, but her smile is true as she looks to him. "Well done today, I saw you route the boar," she intones.

"Let me make it clear that it is not you that I am concerned about. Princes just have a way of getting what they want." He frowns but then offers her a smile. "Much like Princes, you let the King have the kill. Goodness I hope that's never been the case with me. I'll have to make sure your father knows no more of that if it's the case." He strokes his goatee and then slides his hand through his hair to get the curls from out of his face after a breeze picked up.

He spends some time in thought, occasionally itching his nose as he is usual to do. "Would you be upset if we perhaps started to prepare to go home?" Aegon has him worried indeed.

"I know, my lord," others are around and so she is attempting to moderate her responses. Eiris offers a smile and a nod as they plot along slowly through the wood. A few smiles are sent his way but for the most part she is content to ride with him in silence. When he finally speaks and they are leaving the wood the sun seems much more brilliant than beneath the canopy of trees and a soft sheen of sweat dots her brow due to her layers of clothes.

"If that is what you wish. I will not deny that I would enjoy returning to the normal rituals of life. I feel uncertain of my footing here," she expresses. Her eyes trail ahead to the royals and those wishing to be near them. Eiris is not in such a rush to do the same thing as she holds that bouquet still. Later, when out of sight she will likely feed it to Petyr.

Ormund gives Dawn a little urging and she comes up to ride right by Petyr, to the point of their knees and calves brushing occasionally. But it's all the horse's fault! So it's completely proper. "I want to take the Lady Hunt home, I must admit." Much like what Eiris said to her father, Ormund knows he is outside his realm and that he's powerless in some cases here and it is not something he normally likes. Especially when it is the well being of the woman he loves. He's happy that she does love him so. Plenty a lord has been cockled by faithful wives to the possible future king and his charms and allure. "Did you hear the story about those Wildlings?" There is no story, that's his code for telling her he loves her in return since he was interrupted from doing so by the Prince earlier. "Or the one about the chandler and his red candles." A bit more Eiris and Ormund code for 'I need to be with you alone.'

"Will you?" Eiris says with a soft smile for him and the way she looks at him? It will be their undoing. As much as she tries to hide it her face shows her true feelings for she's never had to hide or play the court games before. She is his Wildling through and through. Her chin dips, a soft shy smile coming to her face as her hand starts to stray to his leg and brush fingers there. It is a quick motion before it is withdrawn and she looks ahead. "I have heard a wonderful story about Wildlings caught in a storm..and their love for each other." Pause, her smile returning before she attempts to beat it back again. "I think you should tell me more about this other story..with its red candles." Green eyes flit up to him. During this whole exchange Arron is attempting to move his horse in such a way as to block views but there may be other eyes that note their interaction.

Ormund is much less careful himself. Perhaps a part of him wants to make it clearer that the Lady Hunt is spoken for when it comes to certain people (princes). Not that it would matter to Aegon truly, but Ormund doesn't realize that. Nor does he realize that he's even doing it in the first place. "Well, there is a shop at the end of a tiny little alleyway in Volantis. It is known that he has a bit of magic in him and that he makes candles out of secret ingredients and the come out a brilliant red. When lit in the hands of two people, if the wick curls into the shape of a burning heart and the flame is pink, they are blessed and will live all their lives together happy and in love."

Eiris is so caught by the story she smiles all the more up at him. "That sounds like a very enchanted candle. Would not the Seven object even if the two were meant to be together happy and in love? And what if…"she pauses, drawing a breath. "Those two people already were? I would not think they need a candle to prove that to each other. Would it not speak through their actions…their worry…their pain in their attempts to be together? I think it is the hard journey that keeps being walked that proves it more than a flame or wick. We need not go to Volantis," she says, slipping up a little as her eyes then quickly flit ahead and down.

As she speaks there is no mask of propriety put on, he simply cannot hide that with every little declaration about the inaccuracies of the story he just made up because she put him on the spot to do so has him tumbling head over heels more and more in love with her by the moment. "No, no we do not."

Arron suddenly makes a coughing fit, loud and choking like a bit of dandelion fluff got in his throat. Talk about lack of subtlety, they are all failing in that today it seem. But his warning is for good reason as Lynesse grew in wondering where they were and it is with the Queen that she comes back towards her father and Eiris. "Lynesse was wondering where the pair of you had gone to. I promised Lady Eiris I would take good care of her, so here she is." Those clever eyes scan them both, "She tells me that she is certain that her father plans to remarry. If this is true, I certainly hope to receive an invitation." Ormund just looks a bit stunned and slack jawed his shocked gaze goes to his daughter who curls up a bit sheepishly. The queen has a great deal of mirth in her tone as she nods and turns her horse, "Good." Then away she rides with the queens guard flanking her. "Lynesse Hightower." Ormund tsks. "I didn't say when or to who!" She tries to defend herself, but she knows she goofed up.

His answering reply just as personal leaves Eiris smiling, radiating her joy until that /cough/. Arron gets a concerned look but then she realizes it's all for show and she goes a bit more tense as Alicent and Lynesse come riding up. She doesn't try to jerk Petyr away, not in the slightest - guilt would fall upon them. Instead she offers a pleasant smile to the Queen and dips her head graciously. The words however, where Ormund is stunned Eiris has the wherewithal to just smile save that her cheeks begin to dark in color. "How very good for you, my lord." Lady Hunt says.

"My lord, I would point out that the Queen seemed quite supportive of your possible marriage to whomever it would be. She did not even ask. I think she likes the idea of you no longer being alone and that your children have a mother. Would you not say that is a blessing that she gave you?" That said her eyes flit to Lynesse and she gives the young lady a warm smile. "Did you enjoy today? You were wonderful with the horn and no doubt charmed the Queen."

Lynesse makes a bit of a face, she's totally grateful for Eiris sticking up for her, but she does have one counterpoint that makes her feel like she's still in trouble. "She did say, "Well look at those two." When we were riding back. I'm sorry!" The question gets a nod, "I had the most wonderful time. The Queen is very nice. She told me that her first bird was a kestrel too! The King said that I look just like the Queen did when they were married. Why does everyone think I look so much like her?" "Because you do." Is her father's simple answer. "Did the whole party hear about my future intentions or just the Queen." Oh, how do those pretty brown eyes shift about in the little ladies head.

The last however has Eiris hesitating, "They all know?" Her eyes glance ahead to the royal party seeking out one particular amongst them as her hands tighten upon the bouquet still in her hand - kept so to keep up appearances. Her back goes a little straighter and her smile has faded a measure or two. "My lord," she begins to Ormund. "Would it be possible to go tomorrow? Or is that asking too much?"

Ormund takes a deep breath. "The moon for you my love." Is his answer to if they can leave. "Arron, make it so." The man nods his head and spurs his horse into speeding off to the villa where he'll get things set into motion. Arron might not have any official title, but the whole household knows how he's climbed in favor to the Lord of the House and they won't question that what Arron says is truly what the Lord wants. "We can leave soon as we get back." Yes, he's willing to skip the feast. "We'll give our excuses, Arana needs us home. It will be alright." Lynesse doesn't understand why they have to go so soon and she looks very sad about it all.

Her father notices this and angles Dawn to lean over and whisper something to her. "The sooner we get home, the sooner I can ask for Eiris' hand." Sadness turns into glee on her face at whatever he whispered and she looks like she might well want to spur her horse and join Arron so they can go home right now!

Relief, even more so when he says that evening has her nodding her head. "Thank you." All worry has fled her and she glances down to Petyr. "We have more miles to go, my dear friend," she says and then glances aside to father and daughter, brow arching as she herself hurries Petyr forward. The horses are going to need a quick rub down and food before they go after today's hunt. "Lord Ormund, I will see to Dawn and Petyr and the rest of the horses to be sure that the stablehands hurry along their readiness. We should let them eat and relieve themselves. I would like to brush down Petyr and clean his hooves…or at least oversee it. We have a long road ahead," she says with a smile upon her lips. An eager one.

Ormund nods with a smile, there is some worry only in the back of his mind about the repercussions there could be for skipping out and going home early. But they are miniscule in the face of worry about Eiris. "Yes, I think we should ride in the wagon for the first stretch so that they can get some rest after such good work today. Both Petyr and Dawn's necks are patted and rubbed by the Lord. "Not to mention give us a bit of rest as well." Them with just the kids and nanny's allows them to be themselves together. The nanny's very used to them behaving like a family already.

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