[RP] HvL Stables - After Meeting Sethre

[arthur_loxley]

Arthur was outside near the coral watching his horse run about.



His arms were draped over the wooden fence. He wasn't in the mood to ride as he had things on his mind. He was at the HvL estate and was a little annoyed.. perhaps even a bit mad. He was trying to control his emotions but it was rather hard. He was looking out in the distance past his horse in the coral; focusing on the sun setting behind the hills of the HvL estate.

[arthur_loxley]

Lynna made her way down to the stables, as she neared she could see past down to the area fenced off for the horses to run free while not in the stable. She could see Arthur standing at the fence, she went up to him placing her arm around his waist as he looked deep in thought she studied his profile before looking out to the paddock. Seeing TraX having a run, He looks wonderful doesn't he Love she said in a quiet voice so not to disturb the moment. She moved in a little closer kissing his cheek.

[arthur_loxley]

Hmm? He felt her hand around his waist. He lifted one arm to let her between him and the fence. She was facing him now, but he was lost in thought. Oh. TraX.. yea, he's been getting good exercise lately.

He and Lynna hadn't discussed her family leaving their wedding, maybe this would be the perfect time? He didn't know. He was kind of hesitant to bring it up as well. She knew what was on his mind, and he just looked out in the distance. She got closer and kissed his cheek, his focus returning to her. I.. I don't know how to treat your family. You know how important family is to me. He stood in front of her, his arms on the fence on either side of her. He gripped them a little as his anger began to rise, but he took some deep breaths and focused on the horizon once more. I can't fake it. It was wrong. They should not have left you. It was your day.. they made it about them. They are so.. before he finished, he looked back at her and stopped. He didn't want to start ranting about her family. It was not his place and it would only increase tensions. He wished that her family had been more accepting of him, but didn't know why they weren't. Family was thicker than anything.. but on his wedding day, that did not prove to be true.

[arthur_loxley]

Grizelda pet her mares' soft nose as the horse finished off the apple Gri had liberated for her from the Manor kitchen earlier. Hearing voices rise and fall close by the stable barn proper Gri gives Frauke one last pat before drifting to down the breezeway, curious to see who else was at the stables.

She spies her cousin Lynna and her new husband Arthur leaning on the fence close by as they watch an unfamiliar horse gallop in one of the open corrals. Thrilled to see them both, Gri takes a step but then pauses uncertainly, spying the hard set of Arthur's face as he turns to his wife. They are clearly deep in discussion and from the looks of it her newest Cousin is very concerned about something. Frozen, not wanting to interrupt - but also not wanting to eavesdrop - Gri pauses to see if either Cousin spies her and gives her a sign she's welcome to join them.

[arthur_loxley]

As he lifted an arm for her to get closer she slipped in front of him caressing his chest searching his eyes as he spoke, he took some deep breaths she could tell and knew why he was feeling this way.

I don't expect you to ever fake your feelings about me, my family or anything for that matter Love. We were friends a long time before we fell in love, a relationship based on respect and trust. She played with the buttons of his shirt as his focus drifted past her.

I understood why you felt uncomfortable and I wouldn't want you to stay in a room you felt uncomfortable in. At first I wasn't going to even mention the napkin that Lers wrote the message on when they left the reception. It did hurt Love, I might not even had seen it Baby if we hadn't passed their empty table. The hall could of be tidied up and the napkin taken to be washed. Her hand moved up to his jaw as her thumb rubbed against his cheek as she thought what she would say, she moved her hand back down to his chest.

I didn't know anyone else would be at the estate this weekend. We came to look for the information to pass onto Lady Lexi concerning Tammy's children, so having to think about this again so soon wasn't expected.

We talked about it, only a little, the day after the wedding, curious as to why they left without a word to us, and just a message, without really discussing it. We thought it might have been something to do with a few of the guests and Donnor being there, but to leave without speaking to us first was hurtful. I looked for them and was disappointed to see the empty seats, not many of my family attended and I wonder now if I myself have their respect.

Her thoughts went back to the interaction with Lers in the parlour
Lerendus said something about it in the parlour, I wanted to explain then my thoughts to his comments, he did apologise Love. The only thing that stopped me was ruining the joyess moment for Eary and Sethre. That was a surprise my Love to hear they were married.

It was a little awkward for me also, Lerendus explained it was because of Donnor that they had left. I don't really understand it and what Donnors presence at the wedding had to do with the wedding itself.

It had been a difficult time for them before the wedding with Arthur being summoned to the Tudor estate by his Auntie Bri , there were sill issues to work though and the only reason Donnor was at the wedding was because they thought it could be something they could share together as family, she was surprised that Donnor made the effort considering the lead up A person can't choose their family Love, both you and Donnor have a long way to go before there will be any trust there, before you found out he was your brother he had already made a fool of you with his lies and deception. I don't expect my family to understand what has occured recently, but not to even give us a chance to talk things out, they turned their back on us on the most important day of my life and I hope yours, and it hurts.

She paused for a moment as she didn't even know where this conversation was going to go. They had spent their days not long before the wedding just trying to get used to the news themselves. Baby, she said, No matter if we were married or not there would always be a tie between the Tudors and the von Liechtensteins. My dear Rohannon's son Collen is that link and I would never turn my back on Anastasia, Collen or any of the Tudor children for that matter, they are still part of my family, this family, our family

Family is very important to me also my Love, and right now you are my first priority you're my Husband. She wrapped her arms around his waist reaching a little to kiss the corner of his mouth before running her hands down his sides, leaning back on the fence her hands stopped at his belt hooking her thumbs behind the leather to give him a little space.

[arthur_loxley]

He could feel her hands on him, playing lightly with his shirt. He looked down to watch her hands and listened as she spoke.

I don't want to fake my feelings; we have been friends a long time, and you know how I am. I feel they were inconsiderate and disrespectful. It makes me angry how they treated you. You are the matriarch of the HvL, Lerendus should have made more of an effort in my opinion. He lifted his gaze to her eyes, and stepped forward towards her, closing the space between him and her. His hands moved to her shoulders, massaging them lightly as he continued speaking:

I just got so angry. It's not fair how they treat you.. or us. Their behavior was rude and unacceptable. If we hadn't of passed by their table, you would never have received word from them. Even Gabby and Pieter made an effort to seek us out before leaving. And they had some issues that were brewing, and they apologized for it. Lerendus never gave any reason for his departure.

His hands slid down to her arms, then down to her fingers. He laced his fingers with hers, tightening his grip a little. I don't want to keep you away from your family, and I understand there is business for you to take care of here; just as I have to at the Tudor estates with Brianna now overseas in Ireland.

I think you should talk to Lerendus. I think he does respect you; just that he was upset at the wedding and ceremony, for whatever reason. What did he say, baby? He asked her. He heard that Lerendus had made an apology, but Arthur questioned if it was sincere or not. If Lerendus wanted to apologize to them, he would have done so before now instead of waiting till Arthur refused to socialize with them.

He heard Lynna mention his brother's name as an excuse for leaving the wedding and got angry. He was fuming. What does Donnor have to do with anything?? He is my brother. He had not done anything to anybody. If anything, he embarrassed me a little and my family entering to our wedding drunk. And you know I took care of that. He turned around and stood next to Lynna. His eyes averted towards the sky as his back pressed against the wooden fence. That is just.. bull. He sighed in defeat. He was tired of being hurt over and over again by family. He expected it from others, but not from Family. How could he protect her if her own family was so.. He shook his head and tried to stop thinking.

You're right. We can't choose our family, but Donnor is not Lerendus' family. The Tudors and HvL are connected already. What did Donnor do to Lerendus that made him disrespect us in such a manner? He turned his upper torso slightly to face Lynna and wrap an arm around her shoulder. He just couldn't seem to understand. There must be something there we don't know about. Because it doesn't make sense. And you know it was the most important day of my life... Hearing the pain in Lynna's voice, he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly to his body. He stroked her hair softly, and kissed her temple. I know it hurts, baby. You know I don't like seeing you upset. That's why it makes me so mad. He listened the rest of her words while holding her in his arms. In the distance, he could see Lynna's cousin, Grizelda. Arthur nodded towards her hoping she would join them. Maybe her words would be more calm and objective to the couple.. because what was running through his mind was definitely not.

[arthur_loxley]

Gri was both startled and warmed by how free and unfettered the couple in front of her was with showing their affections to each other. Catching Arthurs eye, she nods in deference slightly as she approaches her cousins, who have quite clearly been having an emotional conversation. No newlywed couple, she thought, should have anything of such weight hanging on them so soon after their wedding.

Determined to brighten the mood if possible, Gri smiles widely in greeting to the both of After giving Lynna a quick kiss, Gri very sweetly does the same to her new Cousin Arthur, - formally - twice on each cheek as they did in the old country. Inspired by the grandness of the gesture, the girl slowly sinks down in front of Arthur in a curtsy the quality of which is usually reserved for the royal court. "My own dear new Cousin..." she starts, then looks up slyly with a wink.

Unable to maintain the formal trappings, she laughs and springs up to give the pair each a far sloppier squeeze. "Truly I don't mean to jest, Arthur. But I do indeed want you to know how thrilled we are to have you in our family at last.

We have long had ties to the Tudors - as you're well aware - but to have our family head once again renew our connection to your esteemed family, well... it's an honor for me, and for all of us. As Lynna leads, the family follows. As it has always been done, and will always be..." Reaching tentatively to Arthur's hand, she gives it a quick squeeze. She wasn't sure exactly what was bothering her new Cousin, but she hoped his welcome to the family estate was everything she knew Lynna had hoped for.

[arthur_loxley]

Even with his thoughts in turmoil, Grizelda's gesture brought a smile to Arthur's face. He was happy to note that at least one member of Lynna's family, one that she thought so much of, accepted him so readily. He arched back away from Lynna, tilting her head up to gaze into her eyes. Grizelda is my favorite cousin!

He wasn't used to such exuberant displays of affection though, between the kisses, the curtsy and the hug, his face turned red. Looking into Lynna's eyes to steady himself, he tried to decide if he should voice his concerns to anyone other than his wife, or if that would only put more of a strain on them all. He kissed her softly on the lips as her mind seem occupied.

He wasn't able to keep quiet when she mentioned how thrilled they were, he answered bitterly. Some are thrilled, not all. I haven't been as welcomed with open arms with other members of the HvL family; and Lynna did not deserve to be deserted on her wedding day.. he murmured quietly.

[arthur_loxley]

She listened to her husband as he tried to make sense of the situation, his hands firmly on her as he spoke she could feel the tension in his fingers. Arthur asked what else Lerendus had said in the parlour, I didn't really give him much of a chance to say anything Love, I am hoping to talk to him later if I see him, I am not sure how long they were planning to stay.she thought back to the brief conversation again He did mention that if he had stayed, there could have been friction and he might of started a fight, Your guards were all about the Castle I know everything would have been controlled if there was any trouble. She really didn't understand the comment as there must be more to it than just a general dislike of Donnor. Maybe there is some past incident we don't know about, hopefully we can get to the bottom of it all and solve whatever problems there are she said.

She saw Arthur look over to the stables and nod , she followed his gaze and saw Grizelda who was making her way over. Lynna's expression changed from the more sombre to a smile as Gri was making her way towards them, Lynna always made an effort to make people feel warm and invited around her no matter what her own mood was.It was a genuine smile as Gri was being all formal with her curtsies and bows before giving them a hug and a kiss. Her words were good to hear and she knew in her heart it would make Arthur feel a little lighter in mood also, even bringing a rose colour to his cheeks making Lynna smile even broarder, it lasted a little while when a little furrow crossed her brow as her thoughts were straying. She felt his lips brush softly against hers regaining her attention. He got a little serious again as he mentioned the wedding, it really was a difficult day.

Grizelda spoke and they both listened, as she mentioned about the family that did stay to support them, she placed her hand on Gri's forearm, Of course cousin she said I wouldn't of been able to get through the day without you standing by me and helping me prepare, i am very grateful Gri went on to talk about the two families, I have been very welcomed by the Tudors, I was already close to them before our wedding as you are aware Roh was once married to Brianna, Bri and the rest of the Tudors are very happy and supportive of us.

Lynna was thinking about the days leading up to the wedding and how difficult it was, it wasn't her place to say too much and if Arthur wanted to discuss it further he would in due time. I must say I was a bit concered at Arthurs brothers entrance at the Church, he certainly got the attention of everyone, he did promise to behave and not ruin the day, it took my own family to do that she sighed softly thinking Donnor left early as it was and Evil had also promised not to ruin the day.

You know Gri, we did have some people at the wedding who we have both had problems with but it was decided to put our differences aside and just try to get along, if only for the day it doesn't mean you have to respect them or socialise, the ability to ignore is a handy trait to have she said with a little smile. She looked at Arthur thinking of his long time friendship with Lizabet, definitely not one of Lynnas favourite people and her new husband Evilwolfman, a man who once called Coventry home who ransacked and pillaged their town, their home but for the sake of the day they managed to put that aside.

She listened as Grizelda continued, then asked about going for a hunt Lynna looked to Arthur wondering if he would feel like taking his mind off things for a while.

[arthur_loxley]

Arthur's attitude changed a bit. He needed to hear that not all of the HvL family was opposed to their marriage and Grizelda's comments made him feel accepted. You're right. We shouldn't dwell on the past. He looked down at Lynna, then back to Grizelda. We must look to the positive. We are having a beautiful honeymoon, we're spending time with family and getting to know each other more with each passing day. We need to move forward. Arthur was not completely over it, but for the sake of Lynna he needed to be strong. The day was not completely ruined. We did have a great time at the reception with only a few bumps. Life is not a box of chocolates! His arm wrapped around Lynna's shoulders, and he kissed her temple while his thoughts strayed to the wonderful friends and family that did support them.

His hand lightly caressed Lynna's back as her cousin mentioned the family becoming a Union. He nodded and thought: We can't choose our family.. and perhaps, I should have made more of an effort to get to know the HvL family in depth before proposing marriage. His face looked down to Lynna's then back to Grizelda. He had stopped listening as his self-doubt came to the forefront. Did I spend enough time trying to get to know her family? Was it my fault that Lerendus acted out? He recalled spending some time in the HvL house and helping Lynna organize the estate in the most efficient way and not once was there ever an issue. Perhaps it was his fault after all. He looked down at the ground, kicking the dirt away from his boot. A sudden burst of anger filled his veins as he looked up. No. It's not my fault. I was here day after day.. not once was an effort made by him. A scowl attempted to express itself over his face, but he contained it. It is not my fault. It's not. He repeated the phrase over and over in his mind as if trying to convince himself it was true, but deep down inside.. he realized it *could* be true.

He could feel Lynna's hip nudge his lightly. He shook his head from the distracting thoughts, and heard Grizeld'a conversational change.

Is this beast yours, Cousin? We might have to hunt while you're here.

Aye, it is! His lips curled into a slight grin. That is TraX, my horse. He is strong and stubborn.. He laughed a little and in unison stated with Lynna: Just like him. She swung her hip into him, a playful smile on her lips as she teased him.

[arthur_loxley]

She was listening to Arthur speak again, wanting to know more about how he was feeling, His arm went back around her shoulder as he pressed his lips against her temple, she put her arm around his waist. She nudged him gently with her hip as he went deep into thought, he was kicking at the dirt with his boot. It will be alright Love we'll work all this out she said. He answered Gri's question about TraX saying that he was strong and stubbon and before she could stop herself she said Just like Him , Arthur said the same and they both smiled she pushed him a little again with her hip leaning up kissing the corner of his mouth I love you though Baby she said.

So she said looking between Arthur and Grizelda, what should we do now?

[arthur_loxley]

His hands ran down over her arms thinking. Well, I still haven't seen the estate. How about we leaving hunting for another day and take a ride? You can both show me your special areas of the estate. He kissed her temple, looking into her eyes. Lynna can ride with me, unless she doesn't want to....

He motioned for the stable hand to prepare TraX with his saddle and watched as he did so. I shall have to show you around the Tudors estate as well, Ladies. We have large acres of land.

[arthur_loxley]

He motioned for the stable hand to prepare TraX with his saddle and watched as he did so. I shall have to show you around the Tudors estate as well, Ladies. We have large acres of land.

Gris eyes lit up. As a single lady, one didn't often get the chance to visit other families estates unless a marriage was being arranged. A trip escorted by her new cousin sounded delightful! As did a ride around the estate.

"I'll tack up Frauke and be back in just a minute!"

[arthur_loxley]

A ride sounds wonderful Love as she looked up into his eyes smiling, The estate really is beautiful. As he kissed her temple the usual gentleness her husband radiates towards her returns after some of the tension eases. I'd love to ride with you on TraX it will do good for Pyritis to have another days rest. Her own horse was having another day in the stable after picking up a stone in her hoof. I would hate to have her running around on a bruised hoof she added.

She looked at the excited expression on Gri's face when he said he would show her round the Tudor estate one day as well, then comment on getting her horse prepared. Good said Lynna with a smile We will meet you back here shortly cousin.

[arthur_loxley]

Arthur and Lynna were waiting for Grizelda to meet them back at the corral. TraX was ready to go, and they were letting the horse enjoy the outdoors. He was usually in the stables being cared for, and not getting enough exercise. This ride would be good for him.

Lynna was facing the corral and Arthur wrapped his arms around her from behind. He took a deep breath. Fresh air is always relaxing.. He mumbled softly. He had needed a break from all the tension and drama. It was one way for him to clear his head and think things through logically and objectively.

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