"It is my pleasure," he set his cup down on the table as he finished. He cleared his throat then, "Well, if you're ready to go, miss, I'll take your bags and we'll be on our way."
Mrs. Carlstrom then hugged Jasmine, "Don't you worry, sweetie, I'll take care of Matthew and you can focus on your work. Make you family proud." She kissed Jasmine's cheek, bringing her single bag out. Sir Wallace picked it up like it weighed nothing, lifting it to his shoulder, turning to step outside. There waited the famous horse of Sir Wallace, Kristo. Kristo was a huge black charger revered for his speed, strength and skill. He could fight just as well as his rider, and he was a great tournament horse for everything from jousting and battle to archery and hunting.
~*~Taiylor Wallace~*~
At your service, and sarcastic as Hell.
"At the core of it all, a writer is a goddess of her written world, defying any god of her own world."
Hugging Mrs. Carlstrom tight, she nodded. "Thank you, for everything really. It means more to me than you know."
Finally, pulling apart, she turned to follow Sir Wallace outside, looking at his large horse with wide eyes. It really was a beautiful creature and she wanted to run her hand through it's dark mane. But she kept her hands clasped together in front of her as she stepped behind Wallace, watching him carry her single bag. She hadn't many things to begin with.
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and to be loved in return."
Sir Wallace was tying the bag onto the side of the saddle, then glanced at Jasmine. "Here," he pulled an apple from his saddlebag and handed it to her, "He loves apples and he adores women." Sir Wallace chuckled, turning back to the bag. When Kristo caught the scent of the apple, his head turned to Jasmine and he looked straight at her, as if asking 'are you going to eat that?'
~*~Taiylor Wallace~*~
At your service, and sarcastic as Hell.
"At the core of it all, a writer is a goddess of her written world, defying any god of her own world."
Delighted as the horse turned it's gaze on her, apple now in hand, she smiled and held it out for him. "Well aren't you lovely." She murmured, her free hand reaching out to smooth down it's nose. He was soft as silk and her smile grew as she pet him. Jasmine did always have a soft spot for animals, horses especially, even if she did fall from one when she was younger.
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and to be loved in return."
Kristo crunched happily and possibly enjoyed the attention even more than the food. He nuzzled his nose into her hand and stepped closer to nuzzle her face. Sir Wallace laughed, "Kristo, you're nothing but a teddy bear." He patted his mount's shoulder before hauling himself up into the saddle. He offered Jasmine a hand, pulling her up to sit side-saddle in front of him. He helped her adjust into the saddle and reached around her to take up the reins. "Ready, milady?" He smiled down at her. Being so close to him was... strange. There was a part of her that was exhilarated by the fact that he was not only a knight, but handsome and kind and strong.
~*~Taiylor Wallace~*~
At your service, and sarcastic as Hell.
"At the core of it all, a writer is a goddess of her written world, defying any god of her own world."
Laughing lightly as the horse nuzzled into her, Jasmine just stroked his mane and stepped back so the big animal wouldn't accidentally knock her over. "He really is--" She paused, glancing up at Sir Wallace now seated upon Kristo. Slipping her hand into his, she almost gasped in surprise at how effortlessly he hauled her up onto the tall horse, blinking as she settled comfortably in front of him. Feeling her cheeks turn the smallest hint pink as strong arms wrapped about her to keep her secure, she made sure to keep facing her head forward so he wouldn't see the flush to her skin. At his question, she nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be..." She sighed, mostly to herself though.
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and to be loved in return."
Sir Wallace smiled down at her, "On, Kristo." The horse needed no urging, and he turned to head down the dirt road at a trot. As they went, people stopped and bowed their heads when Sir Wallace passed, some giving odd glances to this seemingly-insignificant girl under the Champion's protection. It only took fifteen minutes to completely leave the village behind and head out along the forest path toward the capital. Bandits were known to have a camp in these woods, but both horse and knight rode boldly on, unafraid of what might await.
After a good few hours into the forest, Sir Wallace gave Kristo's reins a light pull as they came upon a river crossing, the stone bridge in good shape. He dismounted and came around to lift Jasmine off the saddle like she was a feather. He set her carefully on her feet, then took off his riding gloves. "I imagine you're not used to riding for such long spans of time. We'll make our camp here. Oh, and I suggest you save that fine dress for the day after tomorrow when we actually approach the castle. It wouldn't do for you to get it dirty riding all day." He smiled and turned away, leading Kristo to the stream. Kristo gratefully drank, and Wallace pulled off his saddle and the bags there. He had no tent, as his squire was not present, but he himself needed none anyway. He'd brought two bedrolls for them and a few other supplies. He then came to hang two blankets up over low branches as a screen so Jasmine could change. He was also polite enough to turn away.
He was quick and efficient when he pulled a net from his bag and cast it into the stream, immediately catching a carp he'd seen in its grasp. He brought it back and laid it by the fire, then he began removing the bits of armor he'd brought.
First off were the guards and pauldrons, set aside on his bedroll. Next was the belt, heavy with weapons and tools, then the tabard. Underneath was his chain tunic and chain leggings. Those he removed with his spurred boots. Underneath that (which was insane for how warm it currently was) was a black, padded, fine tunic and trousers and leggings. Those went as well, and revealed a simple, sleeveless shirt of brown, dark, thin pants of black, and nothing else. He sighed as the last bit of padded clothing came off, running his fingers through his long hair after taking out the tie. Sweat had beaded his forehead, as it had most of the day, and there was an oddly-alluring sheen to his muscled and toned, heavy body. The undershirt and pants were tight and showed off every muscle perfectly.
~*~Taiylor Wallace~*~
At your service, and sarcastic as Hell.
"At the core of it all, a writer is a goddess of her written world, defying any god of her own world."
Jasmine really had been quite content where she sat in front of him, not uncomfortable at all after the few hours they rode on. She took in the scenery around them with ever curious interest, the fresh air, the feel of his muscular chest pressed to her side...
When they came to a stop before the flowing waters of a river, Jasmine looked upon it gratefully. She really had started to heat up a bit after a time and the water looked like it could prove to be refreshing.
Making the smallest of sounds as Sir Wallace lifted her out of the saddle, she braced her hands at his firm shoulders until her feet touched the ground. She felt that heat in her face once more and it was not because of the sun. Nodding at his words, she glanced at her things. "That does sound like a good idea..." She agreed, moving to rummage for her lightest dress, one she usually wore while out working in the fields. It wasn't the most attractive, but it was comfortable and be cool. Stepping behind the makeshift screen he had made for her to change, she carefully folded up the dress from her mother to pack away safely before stepping back out, having redone her hair to be piled up neatly atop of her head, cooling the back of her neck with the warm breeze. Her hair had what made her the most hot, the thick black tresses attracting the rays of the sun.
After changing and stepping out, she took in the sight of Sir Wallace, wondering not for the first time today how she ended up traveling with him. And...perhaps staring a bit longer than necessary.
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and to be loved in return."
Wallace stood up, glancing to her. "Pardon me a moment, miss." He smiled, walking back to the stream. Despite being polite and chivalrous, he wasn't the shy sort at all, proven when he pulled off his shirt. Horrible scars crisscrossed his back and shoulders, and when he turned to place the shirt down on the bank, more across his front were revealed. And for the first time, she noticed the all-too-obvious scar across the bridge of his nose, below his eyes, and she caught the edge of one scar across his jaw when he ran his fingers through his beard.
He stepped into the water a moment, then dove. It wasn't customary for people to be able to swim at this time, and anyone who could was either a sailor or a witch or a monster of some sort in the eyes of society. Sir Wallace swam beautifully, diving with ease and grace
~*~Taiylor Wallace~*~
At your service, and sarcastic as Hell.
"At the core of it all, a writer is a goddess of her written world, defying any god of her own world."
She tried not to gape, really she did. But she had hardly been expecting that. Flustered now beyond hope, Jasmine could hear the distinct splashes of water as Sir Wallace swam, blinking in surprise. Finally gathering enough wits to know she was gawking, she quickly averted her gaze, moving to sit by the fire on a blanket laid out beside it. Best to look at the flickering flames than to blind herself with the gaze of the Knight in the water.
((Ahhh! I'm so sorry! First my computer had a complete spaz out and I had to get it fixed, then for days I couldn't access the site and I wasn't sure if it was just me or everyone. :/ ))
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and to be loved in return."
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