Fallen Empire

[kurff]

Tesla was curious to see how she instructed others. A test how she regarded others as students would reflect in how the people may respond to her. This was something he'd hoped to do with out being too clinical. and was curious to learn a few basics hime self.

"I'm new to the concept of horse riding. It'll be my first time so I may be a bit 'clumbsy'." he offers.

[albatross]

Claire reaches out and takes Bellephoebe's hand with the same side hand as if they are going to hold hands rather than shake. Apparently shaking hands isn't quite a greeting here yet.

"Really? Riding can be fun once you learn," Claire says to the two of them. She grabs a couple of wineskins and leads them to the stables, a complex of buildings that looks like it could hold a thousand horses, though all the buildings appear to be either empty or only one quarter full.

There Claire selects two gentle older horses and her own spirited charger. She starts by demonstrating how the saddles work and then the reins and bridels, demonstrating her knowledge and then helping Tesla and Bellephoebe to put the equipment onto the horses. Claire is full of laughs and smiles and seems to have a way with animals.

[yendor]

Miriam stretches casually, closes and sets the book down, not bothering with a bookmark. "How could a mere book compare to your presence?" Miriam says. Her tone is amused, yet laced with a tinge of... sarcasm? Mockery?
She doesn't stand to greet him, merely watching him from the chair, gauging him.

"Ah, the tools of those of a lower I.Q. who lack the proper vocabulary to express themselves properly. I do hope they are serving you well lately?"

[albatross]

Miriam chuckles faintly at Malone's response. "Not today apparently," she says with a little smile. "So you are he? Hard to believe you resisted Celeste yet fell for Lily. How did she do it I wonder?" She looks curiously at Malone. Perhaps her mockery earlier was not entirely for him. There seems to be a little jealously in her tone. And why not? Lily and Celeste are rivals for the hand of a prince of an empire.

[yendor]

"Resist and fell?" Chuckles entering, catching the door with the tips of his fingers, letting it close behind him. "To be honest, I resisted all of you, and even noticed the little trick of pheromones in the air. A rap on the head with a cane helps my companion take note of the sloppy sleight of hand in play. As for fell? No, a gentleman entertaining a lady, who seemed to be more a gentleman the next morning than a lady."

[albatross]

Miriam frowns slightly, not quite sure what to make of Malone and unused to uncertainty. "And I was so certain Lily had perfected a new technique.... so, how may I be of service today?" Miriam looks at Malone directly, examining him carefully to determine his intentions.

[yendor]

Malone smiles. "I'm sure she did, but not new enough I'm afraid. As for my intentions, to find out more to make a correct, and rightful judgment on various local matters."

[thorley]

"Alright, well here it goes" Bellephoebe giggles as she will attempt to mount one of the horses, following Claire's lead. Assuming she can eventually succeed in staying on one of them she will try and keep her balance and say "well, not sure if I can make this thing go where I want, but I'll try and follow your lead".

[albatross]

Miriam says to Malone, "I'm always interested in good judgement and a correct approach." Her expression is calm and serious now. "How will you make up your mind? Have you settled on a process?"

[albatross]

The horse Claire selected for Bellephoebe is calm and supportive. While not as skinny as some flying creatures, the horse is calm and supportive and steers easily with the reins.

[kurff]

"This will be my first time on a horse..I'm used to other more mechanical means of travel." he admitted as he followed the basic instruction given to him. Tesla would probably have Darwin tell him about how horses came first and they should be more natural. Heh, Darwin was not going to here about this until he mastered horsemanship if he could help it.

[yendor]

"If it were my friend, not I, that would be very interesting. As it is, conversation and debate the primary means, usually unguarded."

[albatross]

Claire leads Tesla and Bellephoebe's horses around in a circle, explaining how to steer and the various commands the horses know.

Then she asks, "Shall we go for a short ride beyond the walls." Claire's eyes light up, she loves exploring and going beyond the walls of the small town.

[albatross]

Miriam looks relieved. "Your way seems superior," she mumbles. Then meets his eyes, "What would you like to discuss my lord?" She remembers Bellephoebe's questions and unconsciously leans forward, concentrating.

[thorley]

"Hmm, thank you Claire. It seems I might be able to do this if we take it slowly. I shall be following your lead however". Bellephoebe is ready to head down the trail when Claire is at which point she will ask her usual questions.

"What I wanted to ask you is if through some accident or misfortune you were to become queen and simply re-marrying was not an option, what you would do to lead the kingdom in a time of crisis such as an invasion. I understand here they train girls to support their husbands, but I feel a queen needs to be able to potentially step up and reign by her own hand if the need arises".