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TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

"I'd ... like to believe that I am in a position to make my own choices," April says sadly. "But it's hard, never being quite sure."

She takes a long, unsteady breath, and continues with her eyes downcast.

"I overreacted," she admits. "You've been very kind to me, and I ... I feel that I owe you an apology."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 12:07 am Post subject:

Eric's compassionate hand squeezes her shoulder and he looks at her as she looks down. He says, "I don't think opening up requires an apology, April. It's only natural for you to feel this way. Besides, you would be apologizing for me being nice to you and I'll have none of that."

...

He gives her time to get more off her chest. If she does not he says, "Come on, I might as well take you around the castle. Then I can introduce you to your new mount."
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TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

At Eric's declining her apology, April murmurs "Thank you." Then, when he offers to tour her on the way to her new mount, she brightens. "I'd love to see more of the place," she says laughing. "It is passing strange to have seen Rebma before hand. It is close enough to tempt me to think I know my way around the place, but I can see already that such knowledge would guide me astray more often than not."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:20 pm Post subject:

"Which is a good way to visit places we don't mean to. Come on, I'll spare myself afternoon business for as long as I can..." He gets up and guides her to the door. There he offers her his arm and acknowledges his council as he walks past them. Lord Feldane isn't among them.

The Amber castle is a true reflection of Rebma's version, although some balconies extend further in Rebma, and walls curve slightly differently in certain places. It's hard for April to tell because everything is backwards in comparison to her experience in Rebma. Either way, she is introduced to many noblemen and women of the Amber court and soon enough, people begin whispering before and after they approach, all eyes on the King and his Rebman companion. Everyone is very friendly to her, and of course to their King.

After enjoying the main halls, galleries and salons, she is taken to the royal section of the palace, where Eric brings her to the royal library, which April now has access to. She recalls not being allowed in its Rebman equivalent. She is introduced to Count Similac, Master of Arms and keeper of the Royal training grounds. There is a large room, gymnasium-like where she can train with a variety of weapons and equipment. There is also an terrace outside that connects to the royal stables via a narrow stairway going down.

There, Eric brings her to the many stalls of the Royal stables. Four royal guards stand outside and bow their heads when Eric and April approach. There is only half a dozen horses here now and Eric says, "Do you mind if I let you get acquainted on your own? I will return momentarily." It is obviously a rhetorical question, for he takes April's hand and kisses it tenderly.
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TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

April smiles nervously. "I'll be fine," she says.

When the King has departed, she lets out a long, unsteady breath. Then, with a glance at the nearby guards, she composes herself, and looks over the horses. As she walks among them, she occasionally brushes at the back of her hand. She meanders from one horse to the next, checking musculature and coat and (yes) teeth. She easily passes over a lightly built Arabian. "Sorry, honey," she says as she walks by, "I'm sure you're very fast, but speed isn't everything."

When she settles upon a horse that she judges to have both strength and endurance, she focusses more fully. She reaches out to touch the beast, petting it lightly, and searching out its character with that uncanny intuition she shares with the rest of the family.

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 2:24 am Post subject:

The horse named Krugalt (according to the stall) raises his black head when April approaches and looks at her as he takes two steps back. He breathes her in a few times and stomps his right hoof twice.

He lets himself be pet for a while and she can sense a strong and sturdy spirit within him. He is not haughty but acts noble nonetheless. Krugalt's coat is black at the head from where his black eyes scrutinize April calmly. It gradually turns into a rich brown color, then an abrupt color change at about knee height, where his hair is bright white, his legs ending on black hooves.
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TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

"Hey Kru," April says softly. "I guess this is your unlucky day. If I get first choice, I'm gonna yank you out of your nice comfy situation here, and drag you all over, wherever I take a fancy to go."

Krugalt nickers and tilts his head.

"Oh, yeah, sure," April continues, "it sounds good now. You're the adventurous type, I can tell. We'll check how you feel about it all in a couple weeks, 'kay?"

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 8:20 pm Post subject:

Krugalt snorts and blows hair out of her face. A playful challenge, perhaps.

The two of them spend some time getting acquainted and soon the King returns. "Good choice," he says in a clear voice. "I've had Krugalt join me on evening strolls many times. He is clever and intuitive, and yours if you wish it, until you return." Krugalt makes his way around April to come look at the King.

Eric smiles and reveals a bottle of sparkling wine and two glasses. "I hope it is to your taste." April also notices he no longer wears the Crown, but rather a band of Gold with rubies every inch or so. The Jewel of Judgment was also left behind.

Outside, the sun is about to set.
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TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

"Thank you for the loan of Krugalt," April says warmly. She accepts a glass, and some wine, but looks at the King with a touch of confusion. "Wasn't there meant to be a dinner of some sort?" she asks. "Should I be letting Arianna get me ready or ... something?"

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:19 pm Post subject:

Eric moves closer to her and says, almost in a whisper, "Soon enough. For now, it is just you and I." He smiles at her seductively and clinks her glass. He takes a drink from his, looking into her eyes.
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TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

April looks down, takes a long swallow of her wine, and looks back up at him.

"Okay then," she says, and a smile spreads slowly over her face as her shoulders visibly unknot. "Good."

She lays her free hand over his, where he holds the wine bottle. "This has been," she says with obvious sincerity, "an incredible day. So ..." she laughs a little, "... thank you, I guess."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 7:31 pm Post subject:

After drinking most of his wine, Eric smiles as he sets it on the stall's wooden post.
Then, he simply takes her in his arms and holds her firmly. Eric says, looking deep into her eyes, the passion burning, "I hope you believe me when I tell you that I had an incredible time as well. It is I who should thank you..."

If she does not resist, he kisses her.
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TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

April doesn't resist ... indeed, as their lips meet she seems to relax, leaning into his arms. After a long kiss, she pulls back a fraction, setting her forehead against his and letting out a long ragged breath.

"Oh," she whispers happily, her lips close enough to brush his with each word, "This is such a bad idea."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 10:03 pm Post subject:

Eric embraces April more tightly and kisses her passionately for quite some time. Eventually, his embrace softens and he says, his mouth pressed to her ear, "I... suppose I should take you to dinner now."
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TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

"Yeaaaaah," April agrees reluctantly, "and I'm gonna have to go, after."