I Lost! Will You Help Me? (Caitrin)

[Princess Polyxena]

"It is a wonderful morning", Xenia thought, "I will go for a walk with my horse in the forest". The forest was great. It has a big sun, who was lighting everything, the birds was singing, there was flowers everywhere, and all was looking like a farytale! Up in a tree saw a cute squirrel with the colors of brown, red and white. Then the squirel jumped to the next tree. Xenia wanted to follow this, and that's happened. After of some hours riding, Xenia tired and stop next to a river. She give a big kiss to her horse and drink some fresh, cold water. "Let's go home. We are far away" thought and ride her horse.


Suddenly a scary noise scaried the horse, and it started to run like crazy. Xenia was trying to calm it down, while she trying to don't hit in some branches. After a half hour of a fast running, the horse stopped, as it tired. Xenia jump out of her horse. A cold wind attack her, and she cold. The sky from the light blue, was getting darker. She was somewhere, don't know where, and don't know what to do. Was starting to hear and some strange noises from animals. Started to scary. She decide to walk, to get up warmer. She lucky wasn't wearing today any jewelleries, to afraid from the thieves. As the sky get darker Xenia afraid more and started to upset. She suddenly sound someone broke brunches, and steps behind of her. Oh her heart started to knocking like crazy. She was thought that will broke. Slowly, slowly she turned back......

Tags:Caitrin
Timeline:Before Series 5
Location:The forest near the house de Archer.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin Aubert still felt incredibly unwell and ill with her sickness. She though, or more hoped, that it would pass and that she would be left alone. But no, she was still waking with the sickness, though she was sure she knew what was causing it. It was with this in mind that she had thought to take a walk out in the forest near her home this morning. She was carrying her son, Arthur, with her, having left his twin sister, and her husband, at home to enjoy the afternoon to themselves. Caitrin was sure that Griff would soon realise that she had been ill for far too long with these symptoms, though he wouldn’t know what was causing them. Last time she had kept her morning sickness hidden from him, but she feared that she would not be able to do so for much longer this time. She had only had a few months of not being pregnant, and now she suspected another Aubert was on the way, so soon after the birth of the twins. She was taking care to rest and build up her strength, as she knew it was dangerous to carry child after child year on year. She was young and healthy though, and as soon as her belly started to round she would tell Griff they had something else to look forwards to. Arthur was quite a small child, but strong, and at the moment he was wide awake, and was taking in his surroundings. Caitrin smiled, and kissed the top of his head, she did love him, and his sister, with all her heart.

She hadn’t been walking long, but it was long enough to notice that the skies were turning black, and that it would soon be nightfall. “Best get you home Arthur.” She whispered to the babe in her arms who squealed as his mother tickled him, “Wouldn’t want your sister getting jealous of all the attention you’ve been getting.” With this in mind, Caitrin turned to go back home, but she suddenly heard a noise, someone was coming in her direction, “Hello?” Caitrin called out and pressed her lips together, keeping her son close to her chest. She had a small dagger at the hilt of her belt, but that was more for show than anything. She proceeded cautiously, and walked through the forest, until she was confronted with a woman. This didn’t settle Caitrin that much, women could be just as dangerous as men in some respects, “Who-Who are you?” she asked carefully, keeping her son close as she stepped towards the woman, “Are you alright?”

[Princess Polyxena]

Oh she was scared so much. And now opposite of her standing a woman with a baby in her arms. She was looking nice! She has to be some years older than her, and she was looking that she from a good family. Only she looked a little tired at first and scared. When heard the "HELLO" Xenia think lucky there are people here. When the woman came to her, thinks that "She can help me". She was a little undiceded, if she can trust her or not. But something in her heart said "that the woman is right.don't be afraid". She was asked her "Who is she, and if was right". She didn't know what to tell. She was so clad that she found someone.....Finally were able to tell some words!

"I'm fine, I think", tell "Thanks for asking.I'm sorry if I scared you". She made a pause, and continue, she wanted to learn where she is. "I'm sorry but where am I?"She tired said. Oh now started her to the stomach purring. She remember that, she didn't eat anything from the morning. Her legs were ached, and she was dirty from the sludges. Oh her head ached, too. She wanted to be in her sweet home and Daizy brings her her tea. All this talk of thinking as much. She sit in a rock and turned her head to the woman with the baby in her arms.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin could sense the young woman in front of her was distressed, well, she would have had to be emotionally crippled not to see it in her eyes and actions. It was unnerving the baby a little as well, and he made soft moans of protest as his mother walked further towards the woman in question. Caitrin kissed Arthur’s head, and hushed him before stepping any closer to the woman. She didn’t want to make any rash movements and scare her any more than she already was, so Caitrin stayed a safe distance, keeping her son tightly in her embrace, “It’s alright, I won’t hurt you.” Jesu this woman could be anyone. Having lived in Camelot for so long, Caitrin had been used to these kind of things happening in Uther’s reign, but now things were a little calmer and these sights were rarer, not that that was a bad thing in the slightest. No, Caitrin believed it was a good thing that there was now more peace in Camelot.

As the woman spoke she shook her head reassuringly at her, “You didn’t scare me.” She assured her, it took a lot more than a woman in the forest to spook Caitrin. Jesu, some of the scrapes and scenarios she had been in over the years made this look like an ideal situation, though it was far from it on the woman’s side, “You’re in Camelot, near my home, the de Archer estate.” Would the name mean anything to the woman? Probably not, “My name is Lady Caitrin Aubert, and this is my son Arthur.” She introduced them both, Arthur made a soft squeal of excitement and flung his arms up in the air towards his mother who couldn’t help but smile down at the babe. Looking back up to the woman, she just smiled, “What is your name?”

[Princess Polyxena]

Xenia suddenly went quiet, feeling upset and very tired. "I'm in Camelot? But how?" Then she realized it was probably because her horse got scared and started to run very fast into the forest, travelling as far as to Camelot and to the de Archer estate. Xenia began to explain this to Caitrin, "Oh I see now... I was riding with my horse after seeing how good the weather looked today when my horse got scared and started to run very fast for some hours and we ended up here."

The picture of her and the baby in her arms looked so sweet! "How silly of me? I didn't introduce myself to you Caitrin. My name is Polyxena and I'm the Princess of the Kingdom Graecia, which is some hours away from here it appears." She laughed and then wondered if the other woman knew she was a Princess. She probably knew it because she was dressed like a noblewoman and had a very kindly disposition.

The baby was looking so sweet and Xenia really liked looking at him!! He had the same name as King Arthur and she wanted to ask her why. But she did not want to seem like she was busy-body since she didn't knew her very well. But she decided to ask her for some help instead. She had forgotten that she was a Princess and could ask for some help. So she asked nicely, "You said that you house is near. Can you offer me some water to wash and clean my face? Or tell me if there is a river or lake nearby that I could use?"

[Caitrin de Archer]

As Caitrin listened to the young woman in front of her, she wasn’t getting any more settled with this situation, and neither was the babe in her arms. She wasn’t concerned that the woman was going to hurt her or anything drastic like that, no, she was just quite concerned about her wellbeing and whether she was hurt or just scared. She smiled at the woman, trying to reassure her thatshe wasn’t going to hurt her or give her any more reason to be scared. “Well you are within Camelot, the road back there is the one which leads you on to Mercia.” Her home kingdom, though the woman wouldn’t know that. She was quite concerned about the woman’s horse, if the beast was that untameable that he had rode for hours without stopping then no one should be allowed to ride it.

She was a princess? Jesu, the woods were not safe for most, but especially not one of royal blood. Did she not know what kinds of people lurked in these woods? Caitrin of course was concerned for her own safety, but she would not have strayed this far on her own if she hadn’t have heard a noise. She was glad that she had investigated now, and that she had gotten to the princess before anyone else had. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, princess.” She might be lying, and she might not be a princess, but her garments were fine enough, and Caitrin had no reason to doubt her. She doubted very much that if the woman was lying that if would affect Caitrin very much anyway.

Arthur began to squeal in her arms again, and Caitrin shifted him so he was now upright and looking over her shoulders, but he was still tightly wrapped in his blankets. Caitrin knew she was an unusual kind of mother, because she took a much more personal approach in rearing her children than most noble households would. The princess mentioned somewhere to wash, and Caitrin nodded brightly, getting out of these woods was probably the most advisable option right now anyway. “You can wash, and stay at my family’s home until you feel ready to leave. It is getting late now anyway, and you cannot possibly ride back at night.”

[Princess Polyxena]

Xenia got up from the rock which she was sitting on for the past hour. She shook her dress to remove the dirt and she felt so awful now, with all this dirt on her clothes and on her face. Now Xenia was standing she was the same height as Caitrin, giving her a better advantage to notice little Arthur better!! He looked so sweet and adorable in his blanket and had a huge smile in his face. Xenia grabbed the reins of her horse to avoid injuring anyone. She knew that after Ingen, she was the only person who was allowed to ride her for she was a intractable and stubborn horse!

As Caitrin started to walk to show her the way back to her home, Xenia felt a little uncomfortable. She didn't want to be a burden to Caitrin. She had a family and she didn't know if her husband would be too happy with his wife to bring home an unknow woman. She also had a little baby in her arms and she didn't want to be a further hindrance and upset them. So she said,

"Thank you so much for your help. You are so kind. But I don't know if it's right for me to come into your home. You have a family and I don't want to intrude." She wasn't rude with her proposal, but she didn't want to upset her family.[/blockquote]

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin looked up at the horse, who was still just there, it reins to the side of its head. If the beast had been wild enough to ride here of its own accord, Caitrin wasn’t sure what else it was going to be capable of. She put her hand on Arthur’s head and took a step back from the beast, and was only settled once the woman had taken the reins in her hand again. Letting out a soft breath she smiled down at her son who just had a massive grin on his face. He was looking around his surroundings and began to squeal happily. He was always a happy baby, even when he didn’t have a reason to be. His sister was always quite happy to cry and bawl, but Arthur was always so quiet, which was why Caitrin often took him on her walks. “Is the horse safe to be around?” Caitrin asked slightly nervously, she wasn’t putting her son in harms way for the sake of keeping this horse with them.

The princess seemed a little hesistant and Caitrin could understand that. She might feel uncomfortable with staying in a noble household, perhaps she was used to more luxury or she just didn’t want to impose on them. “If you don’t want to stay with us, Camelot is only a half an hour ride away from here.” She suggested lightly, Arthur began shifting in his blankets and sucked on his hand thoughtfully; staring up at his mother expectantly. She however was looking at the woman in front of her, “You can freshen up in my home, then I can convey you to Camelot if you wish.” Camelot would probably be safer for someone of royal blood anyway, and she probably should have suggested it in the first place, she had just wanted to get the woman out of the forests as soon as possible. Royalty were not safe on their own here.

[Princess Polyxena]

Xenia noticed that while she was grabbing the reins of her horse, Caitrin was getting a little upset. She looked at the white horse -- which was standing behind the Princess -- and asked slightly nervous to the princess who was holding the rains of the stubborn horse.

“Is the horse safe to be around?” Xenia understood her being upset about the horse. She was being thoughtful and caring about her safety while dealing with this stubborn, white horse and Xenia wanted to calm her down and reassure her that they were safe. So she answered with a big smile. "You don't have to worry about Ingen! She is a stuborn horse but she loves to be near people."

Xenia knew this horse very well. It was a gift from her father for her fifteenth birthday. Her previous horse had died from anility, so her father felt it was time she had a new horse! Ingen was a white horse with a black tail. Her name meant "big" in latin, because she was a big and happy horse. She was also stubborn and a little aristocratic, but this was only because only nobles were allowed to ride her. Actually, only Xenia was allowed to ride her, though her father rode her once.

Caitrin then told her that Camelot is half hour from here. Xenia thought that maybe she could go and pass the night in Camelot as she knew King Arthur. If that was alright? Though, if she did she felt it would be very rude to Caitrin since she had kindly offered to take her back to her estate. Caitrin continued to tell her that she could freshen up in her home, and after that they could drive her to Camelot. Oh Xenia wanted to do that so very much, of course after she had freshened up for she had become very dirty and muddy after her ride. Xenia answered her suggestion kindly, "I agree with you Caitrin. I definitely need a freshen as soon as possible. Though, I don't want to be rude with your proposal."[/blockquote]

[Caitrin de Archer]

Though the princess was assuring her that the horse was fine, and wouldn’t harm her, Caitrin was still nervous. The horse after all had to be quite stubborn and it could be dangerous. Caitrin was still holding Arthur close to her chest, and kept one eye on the horse. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust the woman, but she knew enough about horses to know that anything could provoke their tempers and moods if the beast was indeed a stubborn one. “If you say so, my Lady.” Caitrin said rather quietly, and took a small step towards the horse so it wouldn’t look like she was untrusting of what Xenia was saying to her. Arthur started to gurgle in her arms, and she could see he was getting tired. He would probably be ready for a sleep eventually.

Caitrin as glad of least Xenia was in agreement at freshening up and then continuing to Camelot. It would probably be better suited to take the princess to Camelot. After all, the manor wasn’t really suitable for royalty. It suited hers and her family’s needs, and that was it. Caitrin smiled at Xenia, and looked through the trees, “Do you want to follow me back to the estate princess? It is only a short walk back to my home.” Caitrin didn’t mind walking if Xenia wanted to ride to the manor. The horse would be tended to by her servants of course, but Caitrin had already decided, after seeing the horses temperament she didn’t want it by her other horses. It might be a calm beast, but Caitrin wanted to be sure. “You can ride alongside me if you want? I don’t mind walking.”

[Princess Polyxena]

The colder it became, the more Xenia worried about little Artur. He already was feeling very tired and afraid of this cold weather. It was an unusual for the day started quite sunny and now it was becoming cold and dark. She wished she did not follow the little squirrel this morning, especially after it scared her horse. But, on the other hand, if she didn't end up lost, she will not have had the opportunity to meet Lady Caitrin and the little Artur. Xenia believed in coincidences and in fate, and this was surely one of them.

As they walked in, Xenia's mind returned to the question about little boy's name. This time she decided to ask her kindly. "Your little cute boy, has the same name as King Arthur. Was that on purpose?" And since King Arthur was in Xenia's mind now, she remembered meeting his wife Queen Guinevère when she was crowned. Oh Guinevère was very friendly and she was happy that they married for true love and not political reasons. If she was going to be passing her time in the castle, she was going to see Arthur and Guinevère again.

Now Xenia thought about Caitrin. She, of course, could not ride as Caitrin was walking. So she told her sweetly. "I feel bad that you are walking with little Arthur while I'm riding. If you want I can walk while you ride my horse."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin looked down at Arthur and began to tuck his blankets more tightly around his little body. The sunset was now well and truly upon them, and while Caitrin was well used to the cold, as she had spent most of her life in Mercia, the little baby was not used to it at all. He looked like he was uncomfortably, and he let out a small cry, which luckily was not followed by more cries. She rocked him a little, wrapping her arms around him to keep him warm. She would probably put him to bed when she was comfortable in the knowledge that he was warmer than he was now. She wouldn’t be able to get him to settle anyway until he was comfortable anyway.

She smiled at Xenia and nodded, most knew in Camelot already that she had named her son purposely after the new King of Camelot. Most would call it pretentious, but she had always been fond of the name, and she was good friend of hers, so she felt quite good about the name. It suited her son anyway, he was little Arthur Aubert, and Caitrin knew this babe would make them all so proud. “Yes, King Arthur is a close friend of mine.” She explained softly, and continued to rock the baby in her arms. Arthur seemed a bit happier as he warmed up.

Though the offer was sweet, Caitrin shook her head politely, “I would prefer to walk, as I am carrying Arthur.” She explained, but she would rather not get anywhere near the horse as well, having already seen its temperament. “You can ride if you want, or we could both walk and walk the horse alongside us?” She suggested gently.

[Princess Polyxena]

As little Arthur started to cry, Xenia thought that maybe he was feeling cold. She was not use to babies crying, since she did not have a baby (as obviously she was not married). Though, she had spent a little time with women who had small children and knew a little. But not much, though that would most likely change when she had her own children and developed that natural maternal instinct. She wished, though, that babies would not cry for a long time, because most of babies she knew were always crying a lot. Luckily, little Arthur stopped his crying and demonstrated how sweet it was when he was quiet.

So the name of the little baby was connected with the name of Camelot's King. Caitrin said that they were very good friends. And since the baby was still very young, he was baptized after the coronation of the King.

Caitrin had refused her proposal, which made easier. Maybe she was afraid to ride her stubborn horse, or maybe she wasn't very good at riding. Though that would be almost impossible, since all noble women knew how to ride a horse. Xenia not wanting to look rude, walked next to her. That was better. The cold wind then started to attack them, Xenia shook her cape some more before she lifted it over her head, protecting her from it.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was incredibly glad that Arthur hadn’t continued to cry out here in the forest. She knew he was a little cranky now, and tired so it was probably in everyone’s best interests that she get him to bed as soon as possible. He could probably do with a feed as well, though if she had to take the princess to Camelot he would have to wait for a little while, or just have some goats milk tonight. After all, she couldn’t leave it too late before directing the princess to Camelot as the roads weren’t safe for a lone rider at the best of times, especially not royalty. Caitrin cast a smile as Xenia, feeling a little awkward. She had never been introduced to royalty in such an unconventional setting before, and it unnerved her a little, especially as the child was out here all by herself. She should have at least have had a guard with her.

The fact they were both walking made things a little less awkward, though she wouldn’t have minded if she had wanted to ride the horse back to her estate, she was after all a princess. Caitrin smiled across at her new guest, “How far have you travelled Princess?” she asked softly, wondering just how far the horse had actually brought her and how long it would take her to get back. It was not a long walk back to the estate, and it was already within sight, “My home is just up ahead, it’s not much, but its home.” It wasn’t the biggest estate in Camelot, but it was enough for them and their needs.

[Princess Polyxena]

While they were walking, Xenia decided to do a scan of Caitrin, as she did always with the new people. Caitrin was a nice lady, a little older than her -- though she was already married and had a baby.. She has long, red hair and dark brown eyes. Though, Caitrin was a woman with family and a baby, she still had a look of of strong independence. Her dress was long and elegant, but Xenia stopped her scanning, as she did not want to look rude.

“How far have you traveled Princess?” Caitrin asked her and Xenia found it to be a very good question. She looked to her sweetly, and answered her question kindly. "Oh My kingdom is a day's ride from Camelot. But I got impressed from a little squirrel and I wanted to follow it. But then it went too far away and we got tired and stopped at a spring. Then my horse got scared, rode on really fast and quickly and we ended up here where you found us." And with that, she stroked the head of her horse, who was now feeling very calm.

Caitrin then mentioned that her house wasn't very big and Xenia smiled at her, glad that she was not afraid of her. She was far away from her sweet home and Xenia now worried about her parents. She was their only child and if she something bad happened to her, they would surely die. She was now certain that the castle was in uproar with confusion and concern about where the princess was. Causing Xenia to feel sad and a little upset.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin just smiled on at her guest as they continued to walk. At least her kingdom was not too far away, though it was impossible for it to be longer than a days ride away seeing as the Princess had travelled by herself. Caitrin was glad that she had found the girl rather than anyone else, save the knights of Camelot. These weren’t friendly woods for those who did not know them, and Jesu knows what sort of trouble the girl could have run into. Caitrin nodded, “Well, at least it will not take you too long to return, when you so wish.” Perhaps the Princess would like to take a day or two in which to rest before returning home, so Caitrin did not assume too much. She never did. Instead she just continued to keep walking and kept the baby in her arms wrapped up tightly against the evening chill.

Arthur was incredibly drowsy, as she had hoped, so she would probably settle him before conveying the princess to Camelot. Of course she would have to tell the guards to escort them, it was unwise for two women to ride alone as night was falling in around them, but Caitrin was getting ahead of herself, she didn’t have to worry about these things just yet. Instead she looked back at Xenia and gave her a warm smile. The girl looked troubled, which was completely understandable of course. “We’ll get you home, don’t worry about that.” Caitrin tried to reassure the girl, “I’ll get you to Camelot, and then you can rest there Princess.” Caitrin was sure Camelot would offer the girl protection; Arthur would never turn away someone in need without good reason and she knew that.

As they approached the manor, some servants rushed forwards to Caitrin and she greeted them with a smile before turning back to Xenia, “Would you like to rest your horse before I take you to Camelot?” She asked the girl brightly before turning back to her servant, “Will you tell the guards I will need them to convey myself and my guest to Camelot as soon as possible, and ready my horse please.” The girl went off with a quick ‘yes m’lady’ before running off to complete her mistresses orders. Caitrin then turned back to Xenia, “There is a wash room just off from the solar, and a guest chambers adjoining it if you wish to freshen up before we leave for Camelot.”

[Princess Polyxena]

Caitrin managed to reassure Xenia with her words. making her feel more calm and slightly tired now. She was missing her family. She knew when she got home, she would receive a big hug from her parents, before a big punishment for her stubbornness. But in several minutes she will feel more calm as they arrived at Caitrin's estate.

Xenia could easily distinguish her house from far away, seeing as it was the only house lilt up in the dark of the forest. It certainly was enough big to be a noble estate. As they edged closer to the entrance, some servants came and welcomed them, before Caitrin gave them some orders, asking them to take Xenia's horse to the stables to rest until she was ready to ride to the castle. Xenia agreed, and before she gave the bridles to a servant she stroked her horse's head and gave her a kiss to calm her. Caitrin then began to tell her that there is a wash room where she can freshen up. "Oh thanks, I definitely will need to use it." she responded, before and she gestured to one of the servants to show her where is it.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin smiled and nodded at Xenia as she said that she was going to freshen up in the other room. She could blame her for wanting to just get back some semblance of normality. Caitrin knew that looks were important to every woman, but for royalty it was of the upmost importance. She saw her guest into her room, and then Caitrin quickly took the stairs up to her own room. She needed to put Arthur to bed before she took Xenia to Camelot. Her husband had already taken to his bed, and she didn’t seek to disturb him, so she laid Arthur beside his sister in their crib, as the child was already asleep, and quickly took her leave so she could get to and from Camelot with ease. She wanted so much to just slide up alongside her husband and fall asleep next to him, but she had a duty to perform yet, and only once that was done could she relax.

She walked down the stairs once more, and told a servant where she was going just in case Griff woke before she got back. After all, she didn’t want to worry him when there was nothing to worry about. She then looked for Xenia, though she was told by the servant who had taken her to her room that she was still freshening up. Caitrin took a warmer cloak from her cupboard, and then went outside to get her horse ready for the journey. Her mare had already been saddled for her, so she led it out to the front of the house; stroking Lily’s face and whispering to her mare. After all, she was well used to rides this late in the evening. “Lady Aubert, I am here to convey yourself and your guest to Camelot.” One of the more trained guards came alongside her on horseback. Caitrin smiled at him and inclined her head,

“I thank you for your attentions, sir.” The man just smiled at her, and Caitrin then just stood waiting for Xenia to join them so that they could continue to Camelot.

[Princess Polyxena]

Accompanied by a servant and Caitrin, Xenia arrived at the wash room. As Xenia got in to the room to freshen up, Caitrin ascertained to her that her quest was alright, before she left the room to give her space to clean up. Xenia then proceeded to wash her face. Ah, that felt better. Xenia looked in the mirror and reflected on her appearance, her pale skin was so white, white as the milk. No doubt not helped by the cool weather. With the help of a servant she tried her best to clean up her dress. She knew that it not going to be completely clean, but she didn't wanted to arrive to Camelot covered in dirt. She then asked for a glass of water from the servant, which she brought immediately. Xenia thanked her and drank it quickly for she was very thirsty. She looked back towards the mirror and saw her face and looked much better now there was some color back on her cheeks.

She placed her cloak around her, before the servant showed her the way outside . There she could see Caitrin, with a man and they appeared to be waiting for her. She thanked the servant for her help, before she grabbed the reins on her horse. The man standing next to Caitrin did not look to be her husband as he didn't look like a noble. And if he was a noble he would have introduced himself and he did not. She smile up to Caitrin and the man and said "I'm ready. When do you want to start our journey to the Castle of Camelot." Xenia also wondered if the man was going to accompany them as it could be dangerous for two women to ride into the night.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin pulled her cloak further around her shoulders as she waited for the Princess to emerge from the house. She didn’t want to be too long, after all, the roads soon wouldn’t be safe for anyone, even with a guard. Caitrin twiddled her thumbs a little, wondering if she should hurry the young woman along; it had been a long day and amongst other things, Caitrin wanted to get to her bed as early as she could. No doubt one of the twins would have her up during the night at some point. Sleep was as precious to her as anything at the moment, and it was something that she felt she had taken for granted before having the children. Caitrin yawned a little, but then turned round as she saw the Princess approaching her. She inclined her head towards her, smiling at her question, “We can leave right away if you wish? My guards have brought your horse for you.” Caitrin still wouldn’t go near the thing, and so had left it to the other guards.

At Xenia’s arrival, the guard who had been atop the horse got down off it, and offered to help Caitrin onto her horse. Too tired to refuse, she complied and sat astride the horse. The man then turned to help Xenia onto her horse as well. Caitrin wasn’t sure whether she would actually take the horse or not. Most women did, but Caitrin knew as well as any that royalty were a proud bunch, and they often had their minds made up about specific things such as this. So Caitrin just waited, patting Lily’s head with her hand as she did, to steady the mare before they began their journey. After a time, she looked back at Xenia, “Are you ready to leave?” She asked her brightly.