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Ariadne turned her attention to her companion in time enough to see slightly before the elf got thrown to the mud. A laugh escaped her before she could rein it in, and she could only hope it was masked by the sound of rain against mud. She trotted Luciana down, peering at him with slight worry and stopping beside him with a just restrained smile. "Alive?" She asked calmly, glancing out after Larry. She would probably have to go fetch the wayward gelding, and she was not looking forward to it.
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He ignored the laughing but it was honestly reasonable, he was covered in mud. He'd have laughed too if it didn't still hurt a bit. "Unfortunately." He rolled over, groaning as he pushed up to his hands and knees. The unpleasant pain was somewhat subsiding enough for him to get to his feet quickly but not without any effort. He let his head hang for a moment, trying to take a deep breath but it wasn't working hugely well. "Okay. I will go get him." He looked up at her, glanced around and then started staggering off, directed vaguely to where the horse had ended up.
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"What a shame." Ariadne teased softly, watching him to get up before she accepted that he was alright- or, alright enough. She moved to dismount, blinking at her words and reseating herself for a moment. "Are you sure? Leafling, that was a nasty spill, and I'm quite capable of-" She cut herself off, watching him walk away with a slightly guilty conscience. The fact that he had volunteered warmed her, despite the fact that she did not wish it. She simply watched him, supposing she would intervene if necessary.
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He was slightly pleased by her insistence to stop him but he paid no attention to her, simply letting the rain pelt her concern into the mud. He touched his face this the back of his hand as he walked away, after a few steps he looked a lot less like he'd been trampled- which he had but he was on a mission. He pulled his hand away, his face must've been bleeding but he couldn't tell how bad it was. It merely stung and the rain washed it away. He found the horse pretty easily, his saddle was a mess and his reins were by his feet. He was breathing heavily and was pacing in the small thicket he'd managed to get trapped in. The elf slowed down slightly, light on his feet, humming quietly. The sound reached the gelding's ears quickly, and slowly he started to hang his head a little and stop moving. Soon the reins were in hands that comforted the gelding. They walked back together calmly. Meeting back with Ariadne on the trail.
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Ariadne walked her mare slowly toward the thicket, wary of his capability. But he seemed to regain his walking skills after a few moments, so she let the concern sweep away. He didn't seem all that hurt, so most of his injuries must have been minor. She glanced around into the woods, caution written on her face. This close to the manor, threats were minuscule- but the beasts that roamed Epirian forests were that of legend. And not the kind told to children for lulling. She was pulled from her watchful concentration and the familiar sound of his humming, distinct in a way nothing else could be. As soon as it started, she perked and stilled, listening and noting every single piece of the melody. Even after he stopped, she ran through it in her mind, her eyes glazing over. She blinked as he led the horse out, raising her eyebrows. "Is he well?" She asked carefully, observing her horse with a compassion she reserved especially for animals. She was already dreading what punishment he would ask, praying against it with all her might. Still, aside from that, it would be a lie to say that some part of his concern for the gelding warmed her to him. Even the mud over his body seemed to fade as she looked at him for a judgemental moment. She shook her head and spun Luciana to the side.
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On the other hand, he wasn't even thinking of faulting her, it was just a a spooky horse who got hit right on the nail. He looked up, searching her eyes. "He is fine, sure a few scratches but nothing serious." He said easily, coming to a stop by Luciana's side, leaving space between them. "He is still a little nervous. I will stay on my feet instead of riding." He squared his shoulders stiffly, rubbing his cheek again to see if it still bled. He couldnt tell of course, the rain made it hard to see. "Do you want to head back?" He asked, his free hand used for gently scratching the horse's neck. Edited at May 6, 2024 07:24 PM by Prismatic Cove
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Ariadne narrowed her eyes at the elf below her, figuring she wouldn't broach the subject of his idea for punishment unless he brought it up. It felt silly to believe that he would require nothing done, but his actions spoke to that more than his words. She gave a small nod at his words, still observing him like he was something brand new. "Of course. I would never ask Lareo to face more of this weather than he already has in this state." She said simply, reaching down a hand. "Ride with me." She ordered, shifting forward in her saddle. They were close enough to the barn that it didn't worry her.
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He watched some puzzlement grow on her face, he was curious but asked nothing, shifting his weight. Which he quickly brought back to the original leg because it wasn't very comfortable. He nodded. About to start walking back down the trail but her command stopped him. "No, I would rather walk," he dismissed it with a very non-combative tone. He had a couple reasons but simply left it..well, simply.
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Ariadne gave him a slightly surprised look, narrowing her eyes at him in a naturally haughty way. She could push, and force him to do as she asked. She didn't like being rejected, especially when she had the power to force him to obey. But she simply took a breath. "You are hurt. I ask that you ride with me." She reiterated, giving him a second chance to make the right choice. Especially after she felt he had just become less of a nuisance.
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He was slightly surprised by the calm reply, against her usual character. "It will ah, hurt more if I get on." He admitted, itching the back of his head, looking at the ground. The other reason being he didn't want to touch her, worried he'd do something wrong. He didn't want to add to his growing reputation with her. Edited at May 6, 2024 08:27 PM by Prismatic Cove
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