Thread: Narnia in Need (Rivine and Gunner)

Even if the destination was dismal the journey didn't have to be. At least that's what Dinah convinced herself of. Her father, bless his heart, at least allowed her to ride. Her riding habit was easily the most comfortable article of clothing she possessed given how well worn it was. A strange, long, flowing dress with wide skirts and yet the top, rather than a normal bodice, was fashioned more akin to a man's military uniform. It was form fitted, cinched tight with a firm yet flexible bodice. The best part of it was the lack of corset. It was astoundingly freeing. Beneath the dress she wore riding breeches, just like men! Scandelous! Of course it was becoming a common article of clothing for the more sporting of women. Her mother was incensed at the notion of her daughter wearing breeches, riding, shooting guns. Worse, hunting. Such a barbaric sport of men! Yet Dinah was not abashed at the sport, she didn't even shy from gutting her own game. The maids of their house were quite good at getting blood out of her favorite riding habit. The green as deep and lovely as the rolling english countryside. It clashed horrendously with her mane of fine russet hair yet complimented her equally green eyes. Her hair was caught up in a fine little net, speckled with jewels. For her, General Philip Montgomery of Fairfax, spared no expense. The union had been offered. A chance for a fragile peace. The Laird was older by a score of years and owned a great swath of land. He wasn't what one might call wealthy, not in actual coin and riches. His farms did well and he was certainly rich in land. More importantly, land near the boarder. Land that was sworn and loyal to the English Crown. Her dowry would be immense, that was certain. They would have a good holding in the still rebellious land. Enough to perhaps, once and for all, quell the fighting and bring the Scottish vermin....rebels to heel. Of course little of this was all known to Dinah. She, instead, was more deeply concerned by the man himself. She knew nothing of this man who had sent his offer. Of course her say in the matter was limited at best. Her father doted on her, that much was certain. Still, he could be more stubborn than an ass in molasses and he at least demanded she meet the man in question. Then she could make her decision. Of course, that didn't mean anyone would listen. Still, it was a glorious day, especially given the weather in southern Scotland. They had passed the border three days hence. The sun was bright and shining. Summer was waning to fall, the weather still warm in the day but the promise of winter breathed into the night. The days grew shorter, the nights darker. It was the best time for hunting, yet it had been banned on their trip. The last thing they needed was for her to get hurt or bloodied before their arrival. Instead Dinah would have to delight in the day. The easy, slow plodding of her beloved gelding. Chulainn had been her steadfast companion for years. His sleek body of silvery grey shone brightly against the verdant countryside. Darker speckled dotted his body, building to a dark grey along his fetlocks and and pasterns. Brave, loyal, he ran faster than the wind and jumped obstacles as though angels themselves gave him wings. No finer horse had ever existed. Their traveling party was a moderate size. Six guards, her father of course, her personal maid and four footmen. Philip, Dinah, and the guards rode their steeds leisurely while the rest rode a covered cart with all the supplies needed for such a venture. The guards were watchful as Philip and Dinah rode side by side. While in theory safe given so many Lords and Lairds had sworn their fealty there were some who still demanded their freedom. Dinah let the beautiful, rolling countryside distract her mind from considering the man she was supposed to meet. The skies a bright blue, the green verdant as could be, distant copses of trees danced in the gentle breeze. Around midday the small retinue stopped for lunch. Simple fare of hard cheese, bread, and salted meat. Dinah sat with her maid, the pair chatting happily, pointing out birds that flew by. They had stopped in the shade of a small grove. Legs a bit tired from riding Dinah rose to her feet, dusting her hands off. I'm going to take a short stroll, she announced. Philip looked up, his bushy grey eyebrows furrowing a little in concern. Alright...but stay in sight and take Meribeth with you, he said. Dinah nodded and linked arms with her maid. Not the best protecting but they weren't going to leave sight. At least that was their intention. The trees grew strangely. A little twisted and gnarled. A strange mist seemed to cling around their skirts the moment they left the safe little grove. What a strange place this Scotland. A land of mist and murk, Dinah said with a long, heavy sigh. What is his majesty thinking...let the Scots have it...what good does this conflict do the Crown? Meribeth, being a simple girl gave a small shrug. Maybe 'e likes mutton overmuch miss? She suggested. Dinah raised her eyebrows at the maid. Her blond hair glimmered even in the shade of the trees. Her skin was milky pale, her eyes a soft shade of blue. She was pretty for a common woman. Pretty stupid too.