Gwendolyn made a little noncommital hum, thinking through the information she had been given. While, yes, Bennett's story was sad, it is not much different than many other's she had seen play out, and experienced herself. "Malicious or not, actions can still be harmful," Gwendolyn said faintly under her breath. The, louder, she spoke again, "I understand his story, and feel sympathy for a child growing up alone. I do not feel as much sympathy for a grown man who treats his wife like an object." Gwendolyn winced. That probably was not the best thing to say about the King's ally, "I.. apologize for my hasty words, My Lord."

Gwendolyn needed to get a better grip on her tongue, and not say the first thing that came to mind.

Aldwin nodded with agreement at Gwendolyn's words, but hastily responded when she said sorry. "Do not everyone apologize for voicing your own opinions in this palace, especially not with me. I appreciate everyone's outlooks on situations. No matter who the person is." He released a small sigh before continuing, "and you are correct, I never said that I agreed with the way he treats her though. Lord Bennett has his problems, and I long for the day where someone tells him that the way he treats Lady Clementia is not right."

The two arrived at their joint rooms, and Gwendolyn turned to face Aldwin, tilting her head to the side curiously, "I believe you are one of the few men who think this way, Lord Aldwin. I appreciate your honesty, and the allowing of me to speak. I... also believe we share many of the same views regarding Lady Clementia and Lord Bennett." Gwendolyn silently took a deep breath, "I do not think my presence is required," or allowed, Gwendolyn silently added, "For any meetings tomorrow. May I please go down to the stables and ride?" If the information she heard was correct - although coming from the maids, it may not be - then there shouldn't be anything other than breakfast and dinner that required her participation. Aldwin had also not mentioned any more work he would like her to do either, although there hadn't been much time for that, so she should be free, "If there is any work you would like me to do, I can of course do that as well," She added in for good measure. He had just trusted her with one project - she couldn't be flaky now.

Aldwin shook his head as he stood by the door to his room, his eyes filling with a sudden, vulnerable exhaustion. He was quite tired after the day's events, and he was ready for the break tomorrow would bring with its few meetings.

"That is completely fine, there are only two meetings tomorrow regardless, and neither are anything too important. You are free to do whatever you like tomorrow Lady Gwendolyn. I have nothing more for you to do." He paused, his eyes going back and forth between Gwendolyn and his door.

"I would recommend resting as much as you can tomorrow, the next few months will most likely be anything but easy. I can only hope that things will not go the way people are saying they will. Sorry, it is quite late, I hope you have a good night Lady Gwendolyn."

With that cryptic message now at the forefront of Gwendolyn's concious, she nodded, and curtsied, "Alright, then, Lord Aldwin. I appriciate you allowing me to ride..... and goodnight to you as well."

-

-

ts to next day?

Um, yes.

It was early the next morning when Gwendolyn woke up, and to the horror of the ladies waiting on her, braided her own hair back and dressed herself in breeches and a loose tunic. Breakfast was still two hours away, and while her presence would be required, it did not mean she had to wait until after breakfast to find the stables. She asked a maid to lead her there, and quickly grabbed a long cloak. Although Aldwin had allowed her riding, it was still unsure how his fellow men (and women) would react, and she would rather not explain why she wasn't wearing a dress.

Soon, they arrived at the stable, where an older man was checking out a horse.

Gwendolyn excused the maid, who was obviously uncomfortable, and approached him, "Excuse me, good Sir, are you the Stablemaster?" The man straightened, and took a double take when he saw who was requesting him, "Uhm.. Yes M'Lady. May I ask who you may be?"

"Gwendolyn Stonewall, Sir."

The Stablemaster's eyes widen, and a choked sound came from his throat, "The Queen?"

"Yes, Sir."

He bowed, and Gwendolyn quickly told him to rise, "Please, good Sir, I simply wish to know if you have a horse that I may ride?"

"M'Lady, if I may ask..." Gwendolyn nodded him on, "Why are you requesting this? Queen's don't often ride...."

"In my home, I rode every day, and not on a gentle pony. I am experienced, and have had my lord King Aldwin's permission to do so. Please - If you would like a demonstration of my skills on a gentle horse before you decide if I may ride another, I understand." The stablemaster nodded, and whistled for his lads to saddle up a retired warhorse - a sweet gelding whose coat was graying, but his eyes were still sharp. Gwendolyn took note of this as they saddled him up for her. She approached him and smoothed down his forelock, "Hello, my sweet," she murmured softly, "My name is Gwendolyn...." She nodded as he nickered back, ignoring the odd looks.

-

They led him out into a fenced in paddock, and handed Gwendolyn the reins. They were all obviously nervous, but she simply unclasped her cloak, and one of the stable boys took it. She mounted the horse in one graceful movement, and patted his neck. They began to warm up, and soon, the two were fluidly moving with one another. The Stablemaster noted her technique and form, which rivaled many trained knights, and slowly began to relax. Once the steed below her felt ready, Gwendolyn urged him into an easy canter, his older joints popping with the first few strides, "Good boy...' She praised, and after a few laps, loosened her grip on the reins and nudged him, "Want to run?" The response wasn't instant, but she felt it when her words sunk in. His stride lengthened, and the two moved as one, flowing and moving together. Sitting up, the horse slowed, and was brought to a halt in front of the stablemaster and the boys. They all seemed slightly in awe that a woman was riding, but the Stablemaster had a small smile, "Yee remind me of my own lass - grew up riding as well. Though, you certainly have a way-" At that moment, a strong wind came through, and Gwendolyn's cape fluttered. The horse jumped into the air and spooked, half-rearing. Although she was taken by surprise she kept her seat and rubbed his neck, even as he was in the air, "Easy there, buddy.... it's alright... it's just a cape." A few seconds later, he was calm, although he was breathing heavily. Gwendolyn walked him back over, hoping that the fit hadn't ruined their impression of her riding, "I apologize - I should have expected-" "Forgive my interruption, M'Lady, but you handled that well. You certainly are a horsewoman."

When you literally don't have a reply hahaha..ha....haha.))

~~ ~~~

Aldwin woke with the sun, and was up within minutes. The king longed to be free for the majority of the day, and had to get started on his work now so that he would be able to be done by breakfast. After breakfast, he planned on going out on a ride, taking a guard or two with him as he was never left alone, and he'd let himself go wherever he wanted. He was called to his people, but he valued the little free time he did have. It was in those moments he was truly allowed to be himself.

It was within those few, stolen snippets of time, that he remembered who he was.

no problem! :) )))

-----

Gwendolyn hasn't broken out into a sweat, so with the Stablemaster's promise of him figuring out what horse she would rise fresh in her mind, the new Queen headed back to her chambers. She let the ladies in waiting do a simple hair style, and changed into a plain dress. With minutes to spare, Gwendolyn asked for directions to the dining hall, and showed up with a smile, as if she hadn't just been on a horse only an hour before.

Aldwin wore one of his simple outfits, and despite his best attempts, could not tame his hair today. So his auburn locks were free to do as they pleased. It certainly did make him look younger than normal, holding that boyish charm.

He arrived early as usual, and preoccupied himself with with talking to the guests. The bags under his eyes seemed a little darker today, though he had tried to cover it up with makeup it hadn't truly worked, and he did look quite tired. Regardless, he kept on the smile and kept everyone as happy as he could.