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Gwendolyn felt the smile playing at her lips and gave in, a small, but very real, smile spreading across her face, "He certainly has a spectacular physique, and from what I've seen, a good temperament as well. You have raised and taught him well. He is at ease with you, and you with him. I am not surprised to learn you two have been a pair for a fair amount of time." Peanut stretched his head out to try and snag a mouthful of grass, and Gwendolyn gently, but firmly, gave him a half-halt, "Nuh-uh mister. Not now," she murmured under her breath, and Peanut's ears perked up for a moment. She could almost imagine him saying, "You turdball give me the snack I am so good," and Gwendolyn gave a small huff of laughter, and chose not to reply to the fake conversation.

Aldwin gave Oswyn a pat on the neck as Gwendolyn spoke, and he couldn't help but smile at Gwendolyn's expression. Being so far from the palace, even if it wasn't that far, always put him in a good mood. Of course, he loved his kingdom and his people but he really needed a break, and being on horseback made it so much better. Plus, for once he wasn't accompanied by a frightened knight who didn't want to upset him. Aldwin hadn't ever punished a knight for anything other than assassination, but for some reason, he still spooked the knights a little. Being with Gwendolyn was different somehow, probably because she seemed to fit right in in the woods, and the way she rode with such elegant ease somehow made him trust her even more so than before.

"Ah, thank you for your kindness Gwendolyn, but trust me, he wasn't always so easy to work with. When we first met, he absolutely despised me, and it took a long time to gain his trust, and I fell off him many, many times. He's always had a fiery nature," Aldwin paused, "Peanut meanwhile, definitely doesn't." Aldwin chuckled as he watched Peanut try to get some grass. The poor horse was ridden so little, he probably hated being stuck with Gwendolyn when he could be out in the fields eating.

A loud laugh escaped from deep within Gwendolyn, "Ha! Peanut is pretty far away from Oswyn now, but I am certain in his youth there was a bit of spitfire in him. He certainly had some pep in his step when we were jumping and when I let him have his head a bit more."

Gwendolyn patted the side of the old horse's neck, "He's just old now. Age slows you down."

A soft chuckle rose from Aldwin, his smile settling onto his face. Although he was still alert, his posture wasn't as uptight as normal, though he still rode with perfect position, he just didn't look so... stiff. "I wouldn't doubt it, I have seen many horses slow down after age catches up with them. To be frank, I hardly know a thing about Peanut. I've seen him in the stables before but father never allowed me to ride him, and once he bought me Oswyn I hardly ever even thought about other horses." Aldwin's cheeks flushed pink and he brought up a hand to itch his neck.

"Once I got Oswyn I almost forgot about all the other horses, which was wrong of me I know, and I don't doubt that my horsemanship has worsened because of it."

Aldwin felt a bit stupid, Gwendolyn could probably hop on any horse and ride with ease, meanwhile, Aldwin had only ridden Oswyn and his other two horses since age 7. He had grown used to their temperments, and doubted that he could just get on any horse and ride like Gwendolyn seemed to.

Gwendolyn shrugged with a careful casualness, sensing it was a sore spot for Aldwin, "But," she countered softly, "I highly doubt that someone could ride Oswyn like you do. You know him well, and that is not something to be taken lightly."

She didn't let the pause last for too long, and continued on, changing the topic enough that Aldwin wouldn't feel pressured to continue talking about it if he did not have to, but if he did, then it would be easy to shift back, "When I was a little girl, I rode one horse. I refused to ride any other. He was the absolute, pardon my phrasing, muckspout of a horse. He would bite me as I tacked him up and try to kick me off when I got on, and it never got easier. I just learned to work around his unruly temperament. The Stablemaster attempted to ride him one day - keep in mind I was the only one who had for half a year - and the poor man left the stable with a soreness in his forearm and a limp that didn't ever go away. He could ride most any horse, but when the horse got more complicated, it was impossible for him."

Although Aldwin was looking forward, Gwendolyn's gaze was unyielding at the back of his head, praying he understood what she was trying to say.

The smile that curled Aldwin's lips was automatic, and immeditately lifted his spirits. It was not often he was able to really, truly talk to someone about horses of all things. Politics and wars and a hundred other, technically more important things, were all he ever talked about now that he was king. It was not the same with Gwendolyn though, and it was not the same as when he was within the palace walls. Out here, he could be practically anyone he wanted to be. Gwendolyn's words made him remember himself, remember that for all his flaws, he had talents too.

Perhaps riding Oswyn for so long had weakened his ability to ride other horses well, but that meant nothing if hardly anyone else could keep the stallion under control. Everyone had their strengths, and Oswyn was one of his. "Thank you m'lady, I truly appreciate that." Aldwin turned to give Gwendolyn a tentative smile before focusing back on the road. "It sounds like you had quite the childhood, an interesting one. It is nice to hear about your experiences Gwendolyn, tell me, is the weather better in Rome than here? I've heard quite a few travelers speak of how Britain is cold and gloomy compared to other places. I've always wondered if it is always raining in other kingdoms like it does here."

When he was a boy, Aldwin had wanted to see the world, all of it, explore every inch until he was an old man with weak bones and hundreds of stories to tell about the adventures he'd had. When he'd realized that he would be king, and not be able to experience the whole world, it had been hard. Obviously, it still was with the way he spoke so wistfully of other kingdoms, but he had fallen into this way of life, and couldn't imagine not being king for even a moment.

Gwendolyn couldn't help but huff a small laugh, "Well... we were near the Mediterranean, you see? It was... warm. Comfortable. You could spend an entire day outside and hardly break a sweat, but never..." a slow smile spread across Gwendolyn's face, and with a fond voice, continued on, "But never feel a chill either. It changed, though - depending on the season, and every year was different too. Winters were mild... but that also depended on where you are in the empire. Rome is stretches from the tips of... ah - I am not sure what you call it here, but we called it Africa?" Gwendolyn paused for a moment, her nose wrinkling as she squinted in concentration, "Well, no matter - and, the, uh, the landmasses just across the sea from Britain. So it varies... but my home was lovely."

The trail widened up, and Gwendolyn encouraged Peanut to walk forward more, and pulled up beside Aldwin, "That was more than I expected to say," There was a smile in Gwendolyn's voice, "But to answer your question - it is different here, but not necessarily bad. I wouldn't call it gloomy, but it does rain more."

Hearing Gwendolyn speak so wistfully of her home drew a small frown on Aldwin's face, though Gwendolyn could not see it. He couldn't imagine being so far away from his home, and he doubted that it was easy on Gwendolyn either. She had been away from her home for far too long, and Aldwin felt a little responsible though it was not his choice for Gwendolyn to become his wife. Still, it was partly his fault too, and he felt bad for it.

By the time Gwendolyn had made it beside Aldwin, he was smiling again, a genuine smile that was made from her fond words. Oswyn pulled at the bit, knowing plenty well that soon they would be able to fly without a care in the world. Aldwin grinned at his horse's eagerness and gently patted his neck, "easy there Oswyn, we'll be there soon," Aldwin chuckled. His eyes immediately returned to Gwendolyn though, always the gentleman. "It sounds like a completely different place really, mild winters? I can only imagine what that must be like. We always get snow without fail here, it can get a bit annoying at times, but it's a wonderful experience to ride in." Aldwin grinned fondly before shaking himself out of the pleasant memories.

"I would like to visit Rome one day, hopefully soon. I've talked to the high king about it a few times and he doesn't seem to mind. Plus, now I have all the more reason to go since it is your home and you must miss it." Aldwin sounded a little sad at that, once again wishing that Gwendolyn had had a say in what her life was.

Gwendolyn shrugged with careful casualness, "I suppose I miss Rome, but it is mostly for the Empress and my siblings. I..." she tried to grasp the right words, visibly struggling for a moment before letting it all out in a low breath, "There was not much at home for me, you see. I love my home and birthplace, but already here, I feel less like I have to hold my tongue and opinions inside."

Gwendolyn fidgeted with the reins as she kept her eyes focused downwards, and when she looked back up at Aldwin, there was an honest smile on her face, "Most of that is due to your kindness. So, thank you - for... for providing me a home."

Aldwin watched Gwendolyn as she struggled to find the words for her far away home, though he said nothing out loud. He let her find her words, splitting his attention between her and the widening path ahead. It would not be long before the dense trees opened up to an open field, and already Oswyn grew antsy beneath him. Aldwin didn't mind though, he was too busy watching Gwendolyn, listening to her struggle with wanting to be home but not at the same time.

On some, distant level, Aldwin could relate, but not in the ways that Gwedolyn was speaking of. He had never had the need to really hold his tongue, of course he had to watch what he said in a way, as he was a king. Still, his words were valuable, and if he ever decided to turn into a rotten apple (which he would never) no one could really stop him. He could speak his ideas at anytime, while Gwendolyn... couldn't. Of course, in his own opinion that was not a good thing. Weren't they all human? Didn't everyone deserve the chance to speak their ideas and thoughts without being patronized for it?

Not everyone shared the same philosophies as Aldwin though, and it made him sick to hear it. "Gwendolyn, do not thank me for something that should be a commonality and not a rare occurence. Your opinion and thoughts are always welcomed here, and if someone suggests otherwise they can see themsleves out of my home." Aldwin said this with a forced, and sudden, formality. There were reasons why he was the way he was, and those reasons were personal and not something he liked to talk about.

"I cannot guarantee your freedom to speak in places other than my own domain, as the rest of Britain is not very progressive, but please don't ever be afraid to speak your mind in my home, as it is your home too now." Aldwin paused, clearing his throat before continuing. "If you ever feel like you really wish to visit your home and your family, I can easily plan out a trip over within a month. I want you to be happy here, and if I can do anything for you, please let me know." Aldwin had been focused more on the path for awhile, although he knew it by heart, now, he turned to Gwendolyn and gave her a soft smile.