a lion among ladies

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea doesn't exactly love spending time in the cathedral of Garreg Mach's campus, as stunning as the stained glass windows and flying buttresses are to behold. She hasn't put stock in the Seirosi faith since she was six years old.

In spite of that, she can still be seen there often in the days following the mission to quell the Western Church's rebellion in Gaspard territory, her hand rubbing circles in Ashe's back. She understands what it feels like to lose a parent, though she doesn't speak of it; instead, she only listens as he very gradually works his way through the shock and pain. Sometimes the only comfort is commiseration.

It's draining, though. She has to step back eventually, to try and shake off the old familiar feelings that watching another orphan in mourning dredges up in her.

Standing on the bridge that leads to the cathedral, she inhales the fresh mountain air and releases a sigh as she looks out over the scenery. A flash of blue in her peripheral vision catches her attention, though, and she's back on stage, turning to face her new house leader. ]

On your way to pray?

Comments

[backstreetbard]

[ The sight of Dimitri in less than his full formal uniform catches Dorothea off guard, and she has to shake herself to keep from staring at the enticing flash of skin at his throat. Surely he isn't doing it on purpose--he doesn't seem to realize his own appeal enough to weaponize it like that. Recovering quickly, she smiles again and reveals the garland, producing it from behind her back with a theatrical flourish. ]

Maybe not, but I wanted to. Here. I made this for you, since it's the Garland Moon and all.

[ Stepping in, she sets the garland atop his head, grinning when she finds it seems to be a perfect fit--a crown of flowers for her prince. ]

You obviously don't have to wear it anywhere, but it's traditional, and I've never made one for anybody before. [ She's sure she's blushing now, feeling heat in her cheeks. ] I hope you like it.

[hauntedking]

For me?

[ He pauses, a little starstruck, his eyes gleaming with an unadulterated joy as he accepts the garland. Once again, his cheeks color as he turns it over in his hands. ]

I - I love it. I don't know if I'll get a chance to wear it, but - but I'll keep it. Thank you. Truly.

[ He glances up with an almost shy smile and then, on impulse, sets the garland onto his head. ]

How does it look?

[backstreetbard]

Oh, it looks absolutely adorable. Just charming. It fits you perfectly--I'm so glad. I know larger roses are more traditional but I thought this would suit you better. It makes me so happy to see you wear it.

[ Dorothea is so pleased with her handiwork that she leans in and presses her lips oh-so-briefly to Dimitri's cheek in a chaste kiss. And just so he doesn't freeze up, she loops her arm through the crook of his elbow and tugs him forward towards the stable door. ]

All right, now why don't you introduce me to your horse?

[hauntedking]

[ Oh. He doesn't quite freeze up, but he does blush, and he's quite happy to follow along with her, laughing as he tries to stop his mind from racing. ]

Of course, of course.

[ He steps into the stables and leads her down to a particular one. There's a beautiful white horse there, who gives them both a look as they approach. Dimitri smiles. ]

Hello, girl. You're looking wonderful this morning.

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea's mind is also racing as she tries to project nonchalance when they enter the stables. Even though she's fully grown now and the horses don't tower over her the way they did when she was six years old and trying to beg for help from nobles who would have trampled her just as soon as looked at her, that doesn't keep her old defensive instincts from flaring up to life.

Creatures whose heads alone are easily the size of her entire torso peer out at them from their individual stalls, and she doesn't resist the urge to cling tight enough to Dimitri's side that he's bound to notice. She's safe with him; he won't let anyone hurt her. Certainly not a horse.

They approach a stall with an especially well-bred steed, large and robust with shining fur. It extends its neck out over the stall door to nuzzle at Dimitri when he speaks to it so affectionately, and Dorothea shrinks behind him. The mare blows out a breath and wickers softly, but Dorothea remains halfway behind him. ]

She's--she's lovely!

[hauntedking]

[ He notices the way she reacts and frowns internally, but doesn't mention it. At least now now. Instead he strokes the horse's face affectionately as it leans out and he urges Dorothea to step forward with a gentle nudge. ]

Her name is Molly and she's very sweet. Here-

[ He digs in his pocket and Molly gives a little knicker as she smells something - probably meant for her. He pulls an apple out and holds it out to Dorothea with a nod. ]

Go ahead and give it to her - just flat on your palm.

[backstreetbard]

[ Oh. Molly is a very cute name for an animal that large, and she seems gentle enough in her interactions with Dimitri. Mustering her courage, Dorothea nods and takes the apple from his hand, extending it to the horse on her palm just as instructed.

Molly's ears perk forward, and she eagerly plucks the treat from Dorothea's hand with her teeth (accompanied by a sharp inhalation from Dorothea). As Molly pulls back to chew on her treat, Dorothea chances a little pet, brushing the backs of her fingers over the mare's nose. ]

She's so soft. Like velvet.

[hauntedking]

They're rather gentle creatures, usually... they don't actually enjoy fighting or any of that, but we make them do it.

[ He laughs, a little sad. ]

Fortunately, she'll never have to deal with that. She's just for riding. Aren't you, girl?

[backstreetbard]

That's understandable. Battles are loud and frightening. I suppose you can get used to anything, but that doesn't mean you should have to.

[ Dorothea feels relief on Molly's behalf when Dimitri explains that she isn't a warhorse. No one should have to fight if they aren't suited for it. Risking another touch, she runs her fingertips under the horse's jaw, knowing cats and dogs enjoy scratches under their chins and wondering if horses are all that different in that regard. Molly doesn't seem to mind it, being used to handling as she is, though she doesn't lean into it the way Dorothea's favorite cats and dogs do. Even so, this is already the most positive interaction she's ever had with a horse. ]

Have you ever been thrown off a horse? It's a little dangerous to ride them, isn't it?

[hauntedking]

[ Molly seems pleased enough either way. Dimitri has to focus on answering the question! ]

Well... a few times, to be honest. It's always a bit of a risk, especially if they scare. But... I don't mind the danger and if you know what you're doing, it isn't all that bad.

[backstreetbard]

I know how to take falls on stage but that's a different matter altogether from falling off a horse, I'd imagine.

[ Emboldened, Dorothea takes a step forward to run a palm down Molly's neck, gently rubbing until a sudden movement from the mare has her backpedaling, bumping into Dimitri like he's a brick wall behind her. Dorothea laughs nervously--it's nothing serious, they both just gave each other a little start. Even so, she's content to remain by his side after that, letting him be the one to pat Molly and give her praise. ]

She does seem nice. Thank you for introducing us. I always had to be... rather careful around horses, before. It's easy to get underfoot when you're small, you see?

[hauntedking]

I understand completely.

[ He seems a little amused by how skittish she is, but he's also not going to discount it. Horses are large animals and they can absolutely hurt people. So he doesn't blame her. ]

It took me a while to get used to them when they started my riding lessons. I was terrified I was going to fall off...

[backstreetbard]

It would be nice to learn how to ride. I know a lot of people enjoy it.

[ Though she doubts she'll ever be as much of an aficionado as Dimitri--or, heaven forbid, Ferdinand--is. At the very least, she wants to conquer her fear. ]

You will teach me, won't you? I'm certain it'll be easier for me if it's you.

[hauntedking]

Of course I will!

[ He laughs, shooting her a broad, open smile. ]

It'd be my pleasure. Besides... it means I get to spend a little more time with you.

[backstreetbard]

You know you can spend time with me whenever you like, but I love the enthusiasm. I enjoy our visits.

[ Molly seems to agree, snorting and nuzzling Dimitri's hand as if in a quest for more apples. ]

Could we go for a ride? I could hold on to you, if that would be all right...

[hauntedking]

Sorry, Molly... that's all I've got for you today...

[ Dimitri laughs quietly and then pauses, giving Dorothea a look. ]

I - well - yes. I'd love to!

[ Look at him, smiling so broadly. ]

[backstreetbard]

[ There's a moment of hesitation where she's not sure he's going to accept, but then Dimitri smiles and agrees, and she smiles back in nervous excitement. ]

I can help you get her all suited up?

[ Which, obviously, she knows he can do on his own, but she's a good little helper as he outfits Molly with all of her riding tack. She passes him the saddle blanket and the bridle, watching with interest as he adjusts all the straps and buckles that hold everything in place. When it comes time to mount the horse, Dorothea figures Dimitri will settle himself first and then she'll climb up behind him but she waits to follow his lead. ]

[hauntedking]

Absolutely!

[ Dimitri is happy to have Dorothea's help and he's a little chatterbox, explaining what all of the different items are as he puts them on. When all is said and done, he gives Molly a little pat and then settles his foot in the stirrup and slings himself up into the saddle. He leans down slightly and offers her a hand and a smile. ]

Coming up?

[backstreetbard]

Naturally.

[ Placing her hand in his, Dorothea is hoisted up onto the saddle behind Dimitri, where she instinctively wraps her arms around his waist to secure herself. It's admittedly intimate, her thighs on either side of his hips, her chest against his back, and no armor to prevent him from feeling the full extent of their contact. The fact that Molly's movements only serve to jostle them together doesn't help that situation. ]

All right, I think I'm ready to go.

[hauntedking]

[ Dimitri feels his cheeks start to burn as they settle in and he realizes just how close she's going to be sitting for the duration of the ride. There's a heat in his gut and a tightness in his trousers that he can't do anything about - not when he can feel the soft warmth of her pressed so close and her hands clasped around his front. He clears his throat and urges Molly out into the yard. ]

Well - hold on then.

[ The Academy has riding trails, of course, and open pastures. It's not going to be a particularly exciting ride. Probably. It's all for training purposes, after all. Molly settles into a steady walk for him, Dimitri's eyes on the path ahead. ]

Not so bad, is it?

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea doesn't intend to torture poor Dimitri; if they're going to be on the same horse together, this is the way to do it, but at this proximity she can easily see the way his cheeks are turning red, especially when she hooks her chin over his shoulder.

Okay, so maybe she wants to torture him a little bit.

That being said, she's not holding on to him just because she wants him to be painfully aware of her presence in the saddle behind him, but because riding on horseback is legitimately a little unnerving to her. It's better than being in a position where she could be kicked or stepped on, but there's always the possibility of falling and being injured. She hopes he doesn't mind it if her grip on him is particularly tight. ]

It... it isn't so bad, no. [ She chuckles softly. ] Better than I was expecting, actually. I appreciate you humoring me like this. I could even see how it could be fun, once you're used to horseback.

[hauntedking]

[ Well, he doesn't mind per se, it just makes him acutely aware of how soft and warm she is and also how good she smells and-

He's going to stop thinking about it. Or try to. He glances back at her a bit as they start to circle out into the field. There's not much else to it - blue skies, green grass, and the distant sounds that filter in from the rest of the academy. ]

I enjoy it a great deal and showing it to you is my pleasure, honestly.

[ He laughs quietly. ]

Besides, if I can get you to enjoy it more, then we'll have something else to do together.

[backstreetbard]

[ As Molly walks them down along the trail, Dorothea allows herself to begin relaxing. She doesn't loosen her hold on Dimitri by much, but this is... actually pretty pleasant. Dimitri is a sturdy presence to anchor herself to, and Molly's pace is steady, her gait even. The sun is warm and the trail is scenic. ]

I'll give it a try next time--riding on my own, I mean. Fortune favors the bold, or so they say. Though I like riding with you. You make me feel so comfortable.

[ Dorothea sighs softly, simply basking in a moment so ideal that her former street urchin self would have believed it impossible. She's at an exclusive private school riding on the back of a white horse with a real-life prince, and he's been so sweet to her this whole time.

Comfortable silence settles between them for a while, and Dorothea's hands eventually unclench altogether. She hesitates, debating on what to do with them, but ends up leaving them looped around his waist. After a time, she asks: ]

Do you ever think about your future? What are your plans once you leave the academy?

[hauntedking]

Well... I'm glad that I do make you feel that way.

[ His heart flutters and his words spill out of him before he can find a way to think better of it. ]

I feel the same - anything seems possible when we're able to spend time together. It never fails to bring a smile to my face.

[ Well, that's a bit sappy, but it's true. Good ol' puppy love. He lets the silence go on after that, content to just ride and bask in their shared presence. At least until she asks about the future. ]

Well... I'll be king one day. And I suppose I'll have to run the kingdom and do my best to help unwind everything and make sure the people prosper. That's all I've really thought about so far. What about you?

[backstreetbard]

There's a lot I'm undecided about, if I'm being honest. I love to sing, but I don't know if I want to go back to the opera. I want to have a family. You know that I'm an orphan; because of that, I've always wanted to have children of my own, but not until I can be certain that they'll be taken care of if something happened to me, whether or not they have crests.

[ Dorothea knows it's a little early to be talking about having children with anyone, much less a prince, but these aren't plans they're making together so much as her stating her desires for the future. That's not inappropriately forward, surely.

Then again, here he is talking about anything being possible, and she can't help but smile. ]

Maybe anything is possible. We've both got our whole lives ahead of us, we're both bright and capable people. Who's to say what we could accomplish together?