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Lightbringer
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Between those mentioned in the title Time Period Victorian Era Characters Mousy Servant Girl - Sir Frog's Dude who proposes - Different Times' NPCs Mother Plot You have no desire to wed—now or ever—but your mother has other plans. Tired of her constant matchmaking and not-so-veiled "chance meetings" with eligible ton ladies, you decide to go against her wishes and embarrass her in the process. During one of your mother's huge soirees, you propose to a quiet mousy serving girl in front of everyone your mother deems important. You have no intention of actually going through with it, but hope the shock of the fake engagement will end your mother's ridiculous attempts. You never planned on actually falling in love with the lass. |
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Lightbringer
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Name Matilda Sullivan Age 21 years Gender Female Appearance She has a round face. She has a button nose, and her cheeks are plump and full with a light scattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks. She has wavey medium brown hair that frames her fac when it is down and goes down to her armpit. However, she normally keeps it pulled up into a tight bun. Her skin is pale and she is rather skinny. She is around 5' 5." Personality Shee has been brought up to be kind and polite. Due to working for the elite upperclass, she has quickly learned to swallow complaints and protests. She puts others' needs in front of her own.When her humor pops up, it's quite a zinger. She is easy going and good natured. She is slow to speak, which can make her appear to be slow minded. Family Charles Sullivan - Father - 46 years Alice Sullivan - Mother 42 Andrew "Andy" Sullivan - 18 year old brother Violet Sullivan - 14 year old sister Friends Roger Evans - her beau Theodore Lewis - Andy's friend Rowan Evans- her red head friend who is Roger's sister Macy - work friend. Other WIP |
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Neutral
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Name
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James Disraeli
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Age
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21
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Gender
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Male
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Role
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Guy that proposes
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Rank
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Lordling, second born
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Appearance
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James stands at 5’11, two inches shorter than his older brother. He has a sharply cut face that is strong yet angular. He has a straight nose and sharp hazel-colored eyes. His hair is cut to be slightly longer than the norm and is platinum blonde. He has a vey small amount of stubble since he prefers to be cleanshaven. His body is broad but lean. . (Pictures added in blogs) .
Personality
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He’s very arrogant and has an air about him that screams to be left alone. He’s not very sociable, but loves parties for the drinks served at them. James is known for being a troublemaker and a scoundrel. The only reason his family hasn’t been in the middle of a scandal is because his mother is quick to silence any rumors. For someone so tiny, she can be intimidating.
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James does not take kindly to being controlled and will lash out and he normally doesn’t feel bad about it unless he’s close with you. Despite his disliking of his mother, he doesn’t like to fight with her especially over marriage. She’s very invested in his lovelife since Johnny married last season. That being said, he can be gentle but it is a very rare side of him that is seen.
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Likes
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-Summertime
-Parties (As long as his mother is nowhere near)
-The Duchess Myrtle, his childhood friend
-Horses and riding
-playing the piano
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Dislikes
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-His mother’s constant nagging
-Steamed carrots
-99.9% of the ladies in the ton
-The cold
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Family
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The Lady Anne-Marie (mother)
The Lord Johnathan (father)
The Marquise Johnathan II (eldest triplet)
The Lady Charlotte-Marie
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Other |
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Neutral
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His mother had been preparing for weeks. Absolutely ridiculous in his opinion. It was so well thought out that James’s best friend, Myrtle, was not going to be anywhere near there and therefore did not stand in the way of his mother’s mission. Marriage. It was the only thing that made children useful in his parents opinion. Johnny had married last season and his wife was already expecting their second child and his little sister was called upon by many suitors.
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The one problematic child was him.
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He had no use for marriage. As second born, he would be lucky to inherit the shabby old tavern on the way out to the countryside. He had nothing to offer other than his title. He had a horrid gambling problem and was constantly at the races and he preferred the company of many rather than one lover at a time. The biggest shock was that the rest of the Ton had not made a scandal out of him, but he could make a scandal out of many of the most promising girls.
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And yet here he was trapped with his mother who was set about choosing the decorations. A grand masquerade to top off this season. She even ordered costumes for the staff. The family was each going as something avian, to be fair, so were the staff but the staff’s colors would consist of black and white colored birds instead of the bright colored creatures the nobles were going to show up as. Mother chose the Phoenix so she could play off the silver streaks in her red hair and his father was to be her eternal mate or whatnot, point is he was going to be a phoenix as well. Johnny and his beloved had chosen some sort of bright yellow bird and Charlotte is to match her little bluebird she keeps in a cage.
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It seemed fitting for the family to go as birds and his mother’s decorations were mostly golden anyways. His big cage. Hmmph.
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“James! You’re not in here to sit around and look pretty, be of use!” His mother shrieked from across the room, pointing to the poor servant in front of him holding two napkins that were nearly identical.
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James rolled his eyes, “The ivory,” he said, clearly bored with this situation as it had been going on for ages. Charlotte, in charge of the drapes and flowers, smirked from her position over at one of the long tables, fiddling with some sort of rose. “What? I thought this was your job, anyways. Get Emma to help with the decorations, I’m tired of sitting around in here. It's depressing.”
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“Brother, you’re the indecisive one. To think, if you would have just married Annalise or Penelope, this all could have been over with.” His blonde sister shrugged, giving him a slight grin. She was worse than him when it came to choosing. She had several men after her and she lead them on knowing that their father would let her choose when they all proposed. James’s bet was on Hamish, a broad shouldered brunette who didn't speak often.
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“Oh, rubbish! I’m leaving now, good day, Mother,” the male said curtly, not waiting for a response as he left. Six hours before he had to be in the wretched costume and he intended to spend it out and about, not cooped up like an animal. He exited out into the hallway where the guests would enter the house colored gold. He glances around and saw a simple looking maid decorating the best she could. "A stool might help you, they're uneven." he said flatly. James didn't recognize this one, it's not like he spends his days with the staff but he still had eyes. He looked down his nose at her with a mixed expression of confusion and the lingering aggravation towards his mother. |
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Lightbringer
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Matilda was rearranging her hair in a mirror to make sure that it lay neatly. When someone, including herself, styled her hair, she was taken back to when she was six and her mother had her stand in front of a mirror and demonstrated the easiest and most stylish updos. While she specializes in braids, for a servant like herself it was more common for them to keep their hair in a tight neat bun. Now she retwisted it into a neat bun in one motion. "Macy, how do you think this looks?" she asked the girl who was trying to shove a stuffed bird in a decorative cage. "I didn't miss any strands of hair, did I?" "Prim as it can get. Your hairdo is technically perfect. Now come on and help me." She impatiently waved her over. "I'm sorry, but it was co..." "It was not coming out. One strand slipped out. You are fine. You young people primp in front of every mirror you come across. What are you going to do when it's not a fellow servant who catches you?" Matilda headed over and began unload some more decorations in this area of the house. "You know how whiny they get if they see us untidy. I was hoping you would keep an eye out for me." A voice called her, and she turned and realized it was Rowan. Her friend hurried over moving swiftly to unpack more boxes containing decorations, and telling her that some of the masters of the house were coming this way. Matilda appreciated the warning, as she always tried to look busy when she was around the Disraelis. The male servants were getting decorations into the house. They had been bought recently for this specific day and purpose. The servants would be spending most of their time putting the decoration up. She spent much of her day cleaning, finding spots to put gilded bird cages, and then cleaning where she wanted to put decorations. With the warning in mind, she continued her work until the Disraelis were almost upon them to prove the fact that she did work. She stayed near the wall not wanting to draw attention to herself by being in the center of the room. She only needed enough attention to be heard and listened to. Trying not to pause in her work, she didn't want them to know that she could easily overheard them talking, and she was eavesdropping. Once people were aware that people were listening in, they became much more suspicious after they chatted afterwards. Although Rowan was the tallest, Matilda found herself trying to reach up to a high shelf to set a bird up there. It would be more appropriate to have them higher. She was interupted by a voice, and abruptly turned around. Realizing what position they held, she dipped into a shallow curtsy. Meekly keeping her head down, she only looked slightly up to see who it was. Lovely, the ruffian---James. Rowan had managed to disappear out of sight, so she had to deal with him alone. "Of course sir, thank you so much," she mechanically agreed. "I'll go fetch one. Is there anything you need help with? Mrs. Lewis the female head of the servants came in to check on the decorating. "Keep going, keep going," she clapped her hands. Matilda raced off to get the stool. "Your mother was just speaking with me. She says that you should take someone with you to make sure you return in time." Mrs. Lewis wasn't pleased to be sending off one of her girls with the rapscallion, but she had to do as her lady ordered. "Matilda can go with you. She's quiet and you won't notice she's there until it's time for you to go." She hoped that Matilda's responsibleness would get James where he needed to go when Lady Anne-Marie wanted him. Matilda returned with the stool, and Mrs. Lewis informed her what was happening. "Do leave my girls alone James. We have lots to do, and they don't need to be interrupted by you." |
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Neutral
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James rolled his eyes, "I have my watch," he muttered under his breath, a bit embarrassed his mother still called on Mrs. Lewis too make sure he'd be on time and safe. "Make sure they're even or Mother will throw a fit about it." The noble's attention turned to the one he had been paired up with. It was the same one he had told to fetch a stool. . Skinny, scrawny more like. Not much to look at, but at least she was neat and clean. Lovely babysitter for the grown man. He scanned her once more before he turned on his heel, motioning briefly with his hands to follow. His footsteps as he left were a bit too harsh against the tiles of the flooring as he made his way outside. It never once crossed his mind that he shouldn't be taking his anger out on the poor maid. His attentions were completely focused on himself and that wretched ball happening tonight. . "Mildren? No-, Matilda! Can you ride a horse?" he questioned with a raised eyebrow. He almost called her his babysitter. Out in the sunlight, his eyes looked like bright colored candy drizzled with honey. But since the eyes were glaring it ruined the mystical effect. Yanking off his neat, green jacket, he tossed it at a passing maid with a barking order to 'Just get rid of it'. He felt hot, and not because of the sunny weather. He'd been embarrassed and belittled. If his mother wanted him home by the time of the ball, she would have sent his brother or her visiting uncle. Not some mousy little wretch that would rather be hanging decoration because he knew that the staff thought little of him. And why should they not? If he was ever in a good mood, it was always sullied by his mother demanding that a marriage happen. . The young man glanced at his watch, not pausing his brisk pace as he went on. The stableboy saw him coming and rushed to bring out his favorite mount. A large bay gelding with an unknown breed and yet he managed to beat all of those purebred ponies on the hunts. James smiled as the stableboy tied him to the post and ran back for the saddle. By the time the boy returned, James had already given the animal a thorough lookover to make sure his favorite beast was still in prime condition. He didn't take kindly to those who ride their horses into the ground on a lame leg. . He took the saddle from the boy so that he could go and get the rest of the tack. The lordling took care of the animal himself, making sure the straps weren't too tight across the underbelly and when the bridle came he made sure that the bay's ears didn't get too caught up. The little boy shifted nervously. "Sir, am I to bring your companion a mount as well?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the ground so the only thing visible was his overgrown blonde curls. . James looked to Matilda, still expecting an answer. "Can you ride? Or must you ride behind me on Stone?" He questioned her. Now with the horse he was a bit calmer, less rigid, and it affected his voice. It came out more bored and drowsy than the sharp snap that it had been moments before. The animal swished his tail and gave out a small snort, ears pointed towards Matilda with an interest. |
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Lightbringer
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Matilda tried not to fidget, although she was sure that James could guess that she was uncomfortable. However, there was no need for him to know to what extent. Rowan tried to mouth at her when James wasn't looking. Matilda was too scared to respond, because she was sure he would see her. Mildren. Nobody had named their child that in years. It was such a horrid and outdated name for a reason. Her brow almost raised when he actually remembered her name, however, she remembered this was her employer's son, and she needed to remain impassive. "Can I..." her tone was indignant. Muttering on her breath, "Of course I can't. I don't have the money for such frivolous things, when I have two perfectly good feet." She eyed him daring him to respond. While she was sure if someone were witnessing their exchange they would immediately take James' side due to principle, she believed that as long as they weren't watching, they would be less energetic to interfere. Matilda felt a little more kindly to him for as long as it took him to look his own horse over. She was never in the stables, so she didn't know if those high in society took care of their own animals or checked up on them. Some seemed so spoiled and clueless that they depended on their servant's who didn't ride the animal to notice anything unusual. Matilda snapped, interrupting Sir High on his Horse, "If he is going riding then yes. How hard can it be?" She had never considered what it would be like fighting with a creature, while on its back, when it was stronger than her and has a mind of its own. "But do saddle it for me please." She didn't know how to do that. While she believed she could accomplish it if she had an example standing nearby, she knew it could take her an interminable period of time to complete the chore. "I am not one of your fawning females. I will not be riding behind you. I'll run on foot if I have to." Admitting to herself, or chasing you on foot and not keepting up. She was surprised he was actually trying to find a way for her to keep up. When the stable hand brought the laziest animal in the stables, she cocked her head away from James. "Where are we going?" With some awkward heaving, she managed to get up on her horse. The stable boy had found a smaller mare who was more dependable than a tricky pony. She felt very unstable side saddle, but she had to ride like that if she wanted to remain proper, especally since she was still wearing her dress maid costume. "I don't think this is a good beginning for me. I don't know how you are supposed to be able to stay on this way. It makes much more sense to grip with yours legs instead of hoping that your horse doesn't decide to buck you. Once she was out in the yard, she took a few practice turns before the horse boy opened a gate and she had to try to keep up and follow James. Her horse yanked its head down easily and she felt forward a little as it tored up juicy green grass. "How. Do. You. Get. The. Horse. To. Go. Forward?" she grunted, realizing she needed to pull the head back up. If the horse was eating, she wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon. The stable boy's brow was obviously furrowed from a distance as he hissed some quick pertinent information to her. With his questioning face, he had both of his hands turned thumb up, making sure she felt okay where she was. Her chin was set. She wasn't getting off. Although she knew her horse was smaller, it was so much taller than she ever was unless she went hiking in the hills. She felt like it would be a long way down if she fell. She was beginning to think that she might be able to stay on, as long as they didn't go any faster than a slow walk, which wouldn't get them far. She could walk as fast as a horse. She couldn't help a smile spreading across her face. The slight breeze created by her horse's strides was slightly exhilerating. It was almost as fun as a carriage or wagon ride. "Why don't we take a coach or a carriage?" she asked James. "Wouldn't it be more...convenient for everyone involved?" |
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Neutral
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James had mounted the gelding with swiftly and with ease. He had barely gotten himself together, situating the reigns and such, before the woman had started to complain. He rolled his eyes at her comment about his 'fawning females' and then groaned as she continued on her little spew, suggesting a carriage. "Miss, the whole point of coming outside was to be outside, there's no freedom in riding in a coach. Why take one when I planned on going through the woods? Getting the footman would be too much trouble." . He turned the bay around to scan her, trotting around her in a circle to examine the horse she was riding. The stableboy knew she couldn't ride and set her on a horse he knew his father would only ever make a woman ride. Most lazy creature he had ever seen on four legs. This maid was awful stubborn. "Why don't you climb up behind me? We'll get this over much faster. Don't make another comment about my 'fawning females', darling, you must know by now that I have a certain taste. I know those old maids gossip," he grumbled, growing a tad impatient as Stone came to a stop beside the other mount. The horse inclined its head towards the other and gave a small snort. . "Better yet, you stay here and I go and I come back in time to make an appearance at the ball and then leave once more?" He nodded and grinned like this was the most ingenius idea anyone had ever come up with. Dripping with sarcasm, true, but he continued this small smile as he held his chin in his hand, tapping the side of his face ever so slightly. "I quite like that idea, don't you?" he asked, not exactly expecting an answer. He was a bit shocked by how much this one had been talking to him at all. Most of the staff made some sort of noise of recognition that made him feel like he was some sort of terrifying creature. . Not that he minded too much. Kept them away. . However, the problem at the moment was that both he and his horse were ready to take off but instead of going for their ride, they were too busy discussing carriages and coaches. They could have been in the wood by now, perhaps halfway through! He silently cursed his mother or sending someone out with him. Had it been a tutor or even his own sister, this could have been more enjoyable. No. He got some maid with a knack for acting more like a lady in waiting than a maid. Well, perhaps carriages were fun for those in that class. He'd never really thought about it in all honesty. . He looked at the straps of leather in his hand, the gelding had taken the moment's pause to start nibbling at the grass. James straightened his shoulders and nodded. "Sorry, but any option other than a carriage. I don't care if you swing your leg over to ride astride instead of side saddle, but for the love of all things good..." he grumbled the last part under his breath, rolling his eyes. |
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Lightbringer
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While it galled her, she could see the logic in his words. If he was doing this all for his oh so important freedom, then she could see why he wouldn't want to go in a carriage, so she made a mental note to watch her complaining. She opened her mouth to mention that although it might defeat his purposes to take a carriage, it would certainly be more convenient. However, her complaints were cut off, when he addressed her as miss. Her eyes widened slightly, but she managed to have silence be the only other giveaway about her shock. That moment echoed in her head repeatedly. It was much better than being called you or something ruder. She shook her head. Her hair shaking and probably reminding anyone of a stubborn horse refusing to go. "I don't think so. Your horse is even taller. I don't want to fall off of that." What would people think? It would look so improper to have a servant riding with her master. "Sorry. No can-do. I'd like to keep my position. Next time that you go out, you'll know to sneak where people can't see you." She could have bitten her tongue, as she had given him an idea of something stupid to do. "I like that idea as well. However, your mother holds a lot of power around here." Her face was set and serious. "I'm sorry for being such a weight, but I don't have the money for riding horses. I walk everywhere I want to go." She could see that he was beginning to think that she was pompous. Maybe she was, but she wasn't trying to be a bother. "Which at this point might be faster than whatever method you choose. More freedom than a carriage, right?" she smiled sweetly. She realized she would probably complain about not being able to keep up if she were given the opportunity if they walked. She was used to keeping up with slow stately women. At the same time she was used to keeping up with her male family members, so she was more confident in her ability to walk. Her eyes widened and her body jerked back. "Astride!? I can't wear pants, and I would flash the unmentionables at everyone I am sure. Your ideas are worse and worse. If you can't stand going at a sedate walk, on the horse, than I shall have to run and try to keep up. "Fine. Fine! FINE!" her voice got more and more annoyed. "If I get on the back of your man killer machine, you had better return home on time. I will knock you off and you will fall under your horse's hooves, so that you'll have a proper excuse for not returning in time." She reached out her hand, and she beckoned for the stable hand to give her a leg up. After some awkward hefting, she managed to get high enough. It was not graceful, as she swung her leg around. Great. She was going to have to cling on to him, because she was sure that she wouldn't be able to hold on with her legs. (Although they were her strongest muscles to hold on with) "Where are you wanting to go that is so important? Why do you have to leave before the party?" It might be boring, but she missed decorating already. |
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Neutral
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She had finally agreed. About time, the blasted woman was so much to handle . More stubborn than a damned mule. He reached an arm down, leaning so that the lift would be easier for the both of them. Stone, that wonderful beast, stood completely still as he waited for his master to complete his action. James brought her behind him with ease, as was expected. She hardly weighed anything, he had wielded swords heavier than her. It didn’t cross his mind to be concerned that she was one of the staff and underweight.
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The horse shifted ever so slightly as he adjusted her, bringing one arm around his own abdomen, hoping she had the mind to wrap her other one around him on her own. He grinned at his small victory. “You won’t fall off as long as you hold on to me, alright? Seriously, I ought to tell mother if she’s to send a babysitter along with him, he requires that they be able to ride. By God and all things good, this had been a struggle.
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He nudged Stone to move. The bay started, slowly of course. Just a gentle walk down one of the family’s sloping hills. James sighed, internally crumpling. It wasn’t a joyride at topspeed, but it was something outside. And most importantly, away from his mother. He tried rearranging his focus, turning it to the world around him. He knew their property like the back of his hand. The sloping hills, the acres of woods, the lovely lake with the willow, and the rest were the living quarters and stables. From the top of the hill, they could see the woods. The poor maid’s feathers were already so ruffled, he decided against the woods even though it would have been more enjoyable for himself.
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One kindness. That’s all he’d allow. But that was mainly because he felt she was already out of her element and he did not want that to rub off on him. So instead, he mostly let the horse do what he wanted. Lucky for the woman, that seemed to be walk as slowly as possible so Master James is bored out of his god forsaken mind. He leaned forward, trying to convince him to pick up the pace, but he only sped into a brisk trot. His breed’s trot was not smooth and so James put a stop to tha at once.
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“Reach into my pocket and check the time. Mother wants me back early to make sure that bloody costume fits,” he huffed, leading Stone away from the rockier paths and closer to where the lake was. He would not be happy if his favored mount broke its leg. That would be the cherry on top of this simply wonderful day.
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Winter 
Night 
