Dusty Trails (open)

[matra]

xxx SING A SONG OF SIXPENCE xxx
a n d p o c k e t a l l t h e l i e s

The day was pleasant enough. With the sun rising far above his head, his shadow was a mere whisper of a presence. He walked idly even though his steps held purpose. One foot in front of the other, he contemplated his footprints only briefly before lifting his hand to place it against the mule's neck. "Easy girl," he comforted, "It's not much farther now." And much farther it wasn't. There were only a few more miles before they reached the city walls of Sol and he was going to enjoy every one of them.

His head lifted, he breathed in the fresh scent of the dusty trail and tried to ignore the city looming in the distance. Here he was free and safe to roam within the endless bounds of the wilderness. Once inside the city he would be lost to the hustle and bustle of a life he could never learn to tolerate. The crowds made him feel powerless, but out here? Out here he was the king of his own domain and the master of whatever he so pleased to be.

Though his entire journey was reluctant, he guided his mule gently as they walked. The wagon rattled against the road, quivering at every rock or uneven ground. At least the cabbages were tucked safely beneath a blanket and free from any sort of major harm. The wagon wheels were sturdy. The harnesses strapped tight to his mule. All seemed to be in place, but he knew very well that meant little in the grand scheme of things. Anything could happen.

Step by step he valued his time away from the city while dreading every step closer. It was only a matter of time now before he reached it. Only a matter of time.

[Queen Danielle Brent]

-- Danielle felt like she was going crazy. Today felt like it was dragging on and on. The chatter of her ladies in waiting usually kept her fairly occupied, but today it just went in one ear and out the other. She felt like the day was going to waste, and to her, that was the worst feeling in the world. A ride through the countryside on her favorite horse sounded like heaven, and the crafty queen soon came up with a plot to escape the walls of the palace. If only her husband could join her, but she really just wanted some time alone. She excused herself from the room full of women, calmly explaining that she needed to remind the cook of something, and she absolutely had to do it herself. Even though there was no time to change into her riding habit, she headed off to the stables, which was the exact opposite way of the kitchens. The girls wouldn't even notice her absence, or by the time they did, she would be long gone.

-- "Stable boy, please fetch my horse. Just brush her quickly and get her saddled as fast as you can." Danielle said politely, but getting her point across that there was no time for formality. She would give her horse a treat and a good grooming herself when she got back. The stable boy bowed and hurried off into the depths of the stable. She took a moment to bask in the atmosphere of the building. She loved horses and enjoyed riding thoroughly. She always treated her animals with respect. You were at their bidding once you were on top of them. Danielle always regarded the beasts as noble creatures and did her best to scold anyone who mistreated them. Her husband felt the same way.

-- Within moments, and Danielle was sure it was a record, her horse was presented in front of her. She grabbed hold of the reins and led her trusty steed into the courtyard. The stable hand held her horse next to the mounting block put in for her use. Danielle mounted easily, she wished she could just ride astride like a man, but wouldn't that shock the help! The side saddle was good enough. Riding was riding, no matter what. Danielle said thanks, then took off with a large grin on her face. She tore through the town, taking the back ways around the city. That was all she needed was to get stopped. Danielle didn't want to cause any gossip by riding by herself. Nothing would happen to her, and if it did, the stable boys would be sure to be the first to report to her husband. There were clever little boys. She let out a cry of relief when she passed through the city gates.

-- Danielle slowed her horse to a walk and patter her neck. She cooed sweet words to her, and the mare's ears swiveled around to hear her master. She soon came upon a man, probably around her own age. He was leading a donkey and cart towards the city. All three looked worn down. Hopefully he wouldn't recognize her. She stopped a little ahead of him. "Good day!" Danielle called happily, wearing a large smile. This was one of the many times she wished she didn't have on the fancy garb of her station. But there had been no time to change. Maybe she could pass off as a lady in waiting or something. Even to escape her formal title for a brief moment with a stranger was exhilarating and felt like a breath of fresh, country air.