A Day Well Spent

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was looking forward to this morning. Lady Sasha Tiberius had arrived at Camelot the previous night -- the middle of the night really -- and he had offered to give her a tour of the kingdom, and spend the day with her. While she had asked for an audience with the king, he had been preoccupied with some council matters. It was seldom to get an audience with him immediately, and while he was still informed of her arrival, Arthur had hoped he could have met her request. Oh well. He would make it up to her by fulfilling another promise he made to her, and hopefully by the time they returned, the king would not be as busy and she could speak with him when he was not rushed.

With that being said, Arthur had made arrangements for Sasha to meet him at the front of the castle, with two horses ready so that he could go for a nice ride with her, perhaps in the countryside, and make up for lost time. He had made sure she had time to wake up at her leisure -- ensuring she had plenty of rest after her long journey. And that she had a filling breakfast so that she would not grow hungry. He was rather excited for today as he had not seen her for many years and there was a great deal to catch up on. He began to put on his riding gloves looking up at the sky for a few brief moments relieved that the weather had worked in their favor for today.

_{Setting: Starts in the castle, will probably move around
Time of Day: Morning
Timeline: The morning after The Beginning of the End
Tag: Lady Sasha Tiberius}

[Sasha]

Even through her blinding exhaustion the night before, Sasha had managed to genuinely feel excited for the next day with the Prince. When he had told her that the King was preoccupied with council matters she was slightly glad of it, because from what she remembered as a child it was definitely better to talk to Uther when he wasn't in a rush. She was also very nervous, as she was with all high ranks, so it was better she spent the day with Arthur first just to get used to things. Perhaps at the end of all of it, she'd feel a bit of her rare self-esteem setting in.

As Arthur had arranged, the Lady Sasha met the Prince at the front of the castle. Was it necessary to preform proper curtsey? She'd put it off for a little while and try and read his gestures. She could usually pull that off easily, as it was fully inherited from her father. She did dip her head to him in respect though. After all, he was not required to do this for her. “Which horse is yours?” She asked him casually, trying to define which one she would take. Sasha figured the Prince had a specific horse, and she didn't want to look like an idiot trying to climb onto Arthur's horse. Oh, how embarrassing that would be. It didn't matter to her, either of the two horses would be fine to ride from the looks of it.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur watched Sasha as she came into view. "Good morning my Lady," he greeted giving her a bit of a smile. She looked less weak today, which was wonderful! "I hope you had a comfortable night?" He asked, trying to determine if everything had been to her liking. If she had enough rest, food, water, everything. Of course he was concerned about her comfort and health and so it everything had not been to her liking or standards the first night, he would know for the next few -- or however long she planned to stay in Camelot for.

"This one over here," he said, walking towards her horse and offering his hand to help her mount on to it. Sometimes servants helped, but this time, he wanted to. It was a natural action for him to help a noble woman on to her horse but also . . . he was trying to impress her. Hopefully, this day would prove to have this effect.

[Sasha]

When Arthur asked if she had had a comfortable night, she smiled and said with amusement, "The best I've had in years, actually." Her smile decreased a little, but it was still visible. "If you can believe that." When Arthur showed her which horse was hers, she nodded and grabbed onto the saddle. Sasha then noticed that he had offered his hand to help her mount the horse. She appreciatively took his hand and, with his help, climbed up to the saddle seat. Side saddle or one leg on both sides? Oh alright! Side saddle... but only when she was around Arthur! She would never do it for anyone else, for she didn't really care. No one except Arthur was a living childhood friend, and more than anything she wanted a nice reputation with him... after all, he was the Prince. She had to be respectful of that. So side saddle it was... despite how much she hated it.

"So, how is life as Crown Prince of Camelot?" The Lady Sasha inquired, trying to start up a conversation. They were questions she had been meaning to ask, and the answers would probably be interesting. "I'm guessing it's difficult, with all your responsibilities." The true relaxing would begin when she held an audience with the King, but it was starting to settle in already.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Really? Was the comfort of her home inadequate? While Arthur was relieved to hear that she did rest well, he also wondered if it was the best rest because she was uncomfortable at home -- considering what he heard about her mother. Or perhaps he was over thinking it and it was merely because she had been so tired. "I knew our chambers were comfortable, but I did not realize they were that comfortable," he said jokingly, wanting to keep the mood light, though he would probably vocalize his concern later, when they were not around servants and guards. Once she was mounted on her horse, Arthur got into his and lightly flicked the reigns so that the horse would start moving, but did not want to move to quickly. There was no rush; he wanted to enjoy this day with her.

"It has its benefits, such as being able to spend the day with beautiful noble women," he said as charismatically as he could, referring specifically to her of course. It may be too early to have a serious conversation, but it was never too early to start his impulsive flirtations. "My crowning ceremony is due to take place within the next week or so. I hope you can stay for it?" He asked, knowing she had not specified how long she would be staying here, but he did hope she would stay for this ceremony as it was important to him, and he wanted himself to be surrounded by friends and . . . well, depending where this day led them, perhaps closer than friends. Arthur did not plan these kinds of things; he would just see where the events of the day took them.

[Sasha]

The guest chambers felt fit for someone higher in rank than even King Uther, in comparison to the shack she had been forced to live in. And in fact, some of the uncomfortableness had been caused by her mother. She wished she could have known her differently, as Delilah was her sole parent, the who raised her. Sasha flicked her horse's reins lightly, so that the horse would move, and riding slowly beside the Prince.

She blushed when she heard Arthur referring to her as a beautiful woman, and she looked away very slightly with a nervous smile. Sasha didn't really know the right thing to say to a comment like that except 'Thank you' but that didn't seem to fit in this case.

"Oh really?" Sasha smiled at him with interest. "That's almost coincidental that I didn't get here too late. And it would be an honour to stay for your crowning ceremony." Truth was, Sasha would stay unless someone gave her a big enough reason to leave. I would have to be a very good reason to ever leave this beautiful place, and her re-forming friendship with Arthur. "And I can assure you I'll be staying for good. I never meant to leave in the first place when I left with my mother. It would have to be a good reaosn to make me leave."

[Sorry, short :[ Btw, later on in the RP thread, do you think they should have a romantic scene? Where either Arthur ends up kissing her, or something?]

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur noticed her subtle blush and smile. Did she not hear comments like this often? That would surprise him, as she did possess a very obvious beauty. Or perhaps she was one of the more modest noble women. There were some who brushed off any compliment, expecting more. And there were other noblewomen who took each compliment with gratitude and shyness. She seemed to fall in the latter category and quite frankly, it was easier to continue praising the beauty of those who valued such remarks.

"Well I'm very glad to hear that then," he said when she spoke about how she would love to stay for it. Perfect! After not seeing her for so many years, and now finding it very easy and natural to spend time with her, enjoying her company, it would be wonderful if she could share such an important moment in the Prince's life. "I will have to give you a very good reason to stay then, just in case you're starting to have doubts," he said, a bit teasingly, a playful tone in his voice, as he was implying that he could be the reason for her to stay. Whether it be as a friend, or something more forward. Either way, he would obviously prefer her to stay than to leave, especially if she was returning to such abusive circumstances with her mother.

"So tell me, what have you been doing for the last, several years?" He said, giving an amused smile as they really did have a lifetime to catch up on. But he wanted to know about her. The short catch up session they had last night concerned him and so he hoped there were still good moments following her father's death and not just ones of sorrow and fear, living with a violent mother. Sasha certainly did not deserve that, no one did. But the fact that he had known her before, and was getting to know her now, made it a very personal issue for the Prince.

[Sasha]

What had she been doing for the last several years? Sasha took a moment to remember everything. Well, most of it hadn't been good, but at least some times were nicely spent and comfortable. She'd get the bad times over with so she could end her story with the good things.

"Most of it was what I told you last night,"she began slowly, visions of the past appearing in her head. "Some of it was good though." And then she remembered with embarrassment, and of course pride, her near death face off with a griffin when she was only twelve. "Well, I can't say it's a good memory, but I did attempt to fight a griffin when I was twelve years old. I went looking for it when I tried to prove my worth to my mother. A strange man came and skillfully killed it when it had me on the ground. My mother was there, and she stopped the bleeding." She hated how that story of the griffin could always make her feel proud of herself, even though she had been close to death.

[Temporary layout! =D]

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur couldn't help but let out an amused chuckle when she spoke of facing a griffin at the age of 12. He did not mean it in an offensive way, but it was rather funny to him to think that such a young girl would crave such dangerous adventure. He knew how it felt though; to want to prove yourself to a parent. Arthur had been doing it his entire life, trying to seek approval from his father . . . even to this day he did not feel good enough. He felt he was a disappointment to the king and so never ceased to stop trying to prove his worthiness. Of course, he was not going to reveal this fact. This display of insecurity was not very becoming of a prince at all, nor did he want the sympathy that others may offer upon hearing his pathetic tale of lacking so much confidence in terms of his worth to his father.

"Did the experience traumatize you for the rest of your life, or make you realize that you enjoy living life on the edge?" He asked, his tone still amused as he asked the question slightly teasingly. But also, he was interested in the answer. The purpose of spending the day together was so that they had a chance to get to know one another, and he wished to find out as much as he could about her. Last night had been a terrific start, and so far today was going rather well too. It was comfortable; Arthur found himself feeling at ease and relaxed when in her company.

"A griffin attack the kingdom not too long ago." Since she had asked what had been going on in Camelot before, and since there had been too much to list, he figured he could incorporate the goings on of the kingdom in their current conversation, slipping in various events as their conversation progressed. "They are dangerous creatures of magic. I'm surprised you wanted to face one all on your own," he added, the teasing tone in his voice returning as he smiled at her.

[Ooohh looks awesome! I like the pictures you used! Sorry its taking me so long to do your graphics requests! I'll get to it soon!]

[Sasha]

"Not so much now but I have always enjoyed the rush of adrenaline," Sasha answered him, very interested in how he'd respond to her saying that she loved living her life on the edge. Did she just say that she didn't like it much now? Heh! Well, that was far from the truth. In fact, she couldn't resist living dangerously even if she wanted to. "Actully to be honest, I still love it... as you can probably tell from my willingness to run away and travel in the territories I did."

She was feeling very relaxed in his company, obviously to admit these things. "Of course, you won't find me doing those things anymore, unless I feel it's required of me." The Lady Sasha smiled at him casually. "But I wouldn't want to miss a moment of being in Camelot by risking my life."

"It did?" She raised a brow at him, referring to the story of how a griffin attacked the Kingdom recently. "Well.. what happened? Was anyone seriously wounded, or... killed?" Oh, how she hated that word. It was a constant reminder of what she was and always would be... a killer. "I felt I was stronger than I really was, and I realize that could have gotten me killed. Sometimes it's not so good when you take after a parent, in this case my father," she said to him with the slightest amusement in her tone.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"You certainly did strike me as the adventurous and courageous type; leaving home with nothing. It is, very admirable." He said it with less teasing this time, as he meant his words as the truth. He did admire her bravery in being able to leave her home, as he knew this could not have been easy. It was part of the reason he felt so compelled to . . . protect her. Perhaps it was a natural instinct for a knight to want to protect anyone in the kingdom that they served . . . or perhaps it was because he was a man, wanting to protect a woman from any potential harm. Or a friend, wanting to care for another friend. Whatever the reason, the protectiveness was there enough for Arthur to make good on his word of keeping her safe, should any danger befall her, or should her mother threaten her in any way.

"It'll never be required of you," he said still smiling. "Thats what I'm here for," he added, vocalizing his thoughts about ensuring her safety, especially in his home where he would have a bit more control over that. And of course, there was the subtle implication that he was trying to flatter her. "Besides, I want you to enjoy your stay here; not trouble yourself with any potential dangers. That's more my job."

The conversation of the griffin brought back the deep rooted grief that Arthur felt over the death of his people; people that he should have protected better. But he wanted to keep the mood in good spirits and not bring it down to a depressing conversation, so would answer her question honestly and with as much optimism as he could. "There were more deaths than we would have liked. But it was defeated. Actually, the man who escorted you to Camelot, Lancelot, was the one who killed it." He still was not sure how, but it had demonstrated skill on his part; and yet, his father had not been willing to grant him entrance into the army. "If you have your father's strength and determination, then it is certainly not a bad thing," he told her, even if it had put her in a very dangerous situation. Her father had been a good man; a man worthy of praise and as his daughter, she was deserving of it too.

[Sasha]

"Well... thank you," the Lady Sasha said quietly. Arthur was being so nice to her, counting everything he had done so far. Complimented her looks three times so far, including the night before, and even admired her bravery. "I kind of regret taking nothing, as I did have to spend nights on the forest floor without a blanket to keep me warm. I am just thankful I made it here in time, I don't know how much longer I could have went on."

She felt a her heart ever so slightly melt at his words. They did flatter her a bit, and enough so that a smile would break out across her face. "I'm glad you are," she told him smiling but vocalizing how much she meant it. Her voice became a little more serious and she looked away slightly, "No one outside of Camelot would ever do the same for me." At least as far as she knew, no one could care less whether she lived or died; so Arthur's words meant so much to her... if he meant them, but why wouldn't he?

Sasha looked back to Arthur when he explained to her about how Lancelot had used his unique skills and killed the griffin. At least she found them unique, as he had told her of that while he had escorted her to the gates of Camelot. "I think he told me of that, but I forget how he worded it... Still," she commented on Arthur's explaination of the attack.

That was true, what Arthur said about inheriting her father's strength a determination. Of course it had it's flaws that had nearly gotten her killed by a griffin and starved to death. If she looked at those experiences with an optimistic mind, it had taught her that there was a borderline to strengths and weaknesses. Also that she could travel anywhere if she committed to it strongly enough, even without supplies. WIth that thinking, she felt like she could do anything. For that she had to thank her father, for if he hadn't taught her the important things that would carry her through in life in that little time period before he died, there was no question she would have died too. Never mind that, Sasha probably would never have attempted it in the first place... and there for would still be in the painful situation with her mother.

"You would be interested in hearing the story of how I came to decide to leave my home, right?" She inquired Arthur, hoping he wouldn't mind. She was quite happy to him, if he was interested. And frankly, she felt the urge to tell him just to get it out of her.

[Finally, a long post xD]

[Arthur Pendragon]

Had he know she was keeping count of the amounts of times he had complimented her, he would have done it far more often so that she would lose track. It was very easy to compliment a woman so deserving of such kind things to be spoken to her. "You certainly had did not deserve to be forced in such conditions," he told her, feeling sympathetic towards the poor girl for having to endure difficult nights and days. She was a noble woman, the daughter of a knight; she certainly deserved much better than what she was given. "We can be thankful that it did not come to much worse though, but I will always regret what you had to endure in the past, and even just to come here."

He was trying to keep positive and speak more of a hopeful future than dwell too much on the near past. Of course, at the same time, he wanted her to tell him details of her travels and previous lifestyle, even if they were less than ideal of what she deserved, so would not dismiss the subject so easily. Arthur looked at her when she revealed that no one else would do the same for her. Really? That surprised him, though he hid this surprise. "Well then its lucky you will not have to look outside of Camelot for someone like that," he said smiling, wanting her to feel safe here, so was subtly -- or well not so subtly -- referring to himself as being the one who would make an effort to protect her. From anything really; even if that included her mother who seemed to be the reason she had fled from home to begin with.

It did not surprise him that Lancelot told the story of the griffin. Though it sounded like he left out what had happened afterwards . . . or if he had told it, then it was not something Sasha brought up. Oh well. It was not the best topic of discussion anyway, only because Arthur wished he could have been part of the army, and it only showed how his father would not keep an open mind to grant access to a skilled combatant in the army, just because he went against the codes of chivalry.

Arthur did not dwell on these thoughts and regrets, especially once Sasha brought up the question of why she had decided to leave her home. Arthur gave her a reassuring smile. "I would be lying if I said that the question did not enter my mind," he told her, wanting to be completely honest about this. It did not seem like she had many people to trust and he wanted to be the exception to this unfortunate consistency. "But I only want to know if you are comfortable telling me. I do not want you to feel, pressured to reveal such personal decisions if you are not ready to." Though he said that, he sincerely hoped she decided to open up with him, so that he could understand her better.

[hahaha Nice!! Its all about quality and not quantity though, and your posts are always so awesomely easy to reply to!! ]

[Sasha]

"I'm glad I don't have to look any further," she smiled at him, and then added as it slightly faded. "I should have realized sooner that I never had to look further than Camelot, but instead I never stopped hoping for it somewhere else... even outside of Albion, on my mother's travels. So thank you."

Sasha smiled very lightly as the Prince told her he didn't want to put any pressure on her if she didn't want to tell him to the story. "I think I can trust you," she began, strangely happy. "Besides, I need to get it out of my system." Then, she made sure he wasn't going to say anything more and started the story...

"My mother and I were living on the edge of Albion about seven months ago, and one night I woke up and went outside. My mother was still asleep, and was right before dawn. It's been so long it seems, that I forget exactly how it happened. But the thought of running away had been nagging me for years before that, but I never found the right time. It all seemed perfect then; it was dawn so I wouldn't loose my way until nightfall, my mother was asleep and wouldn't know I left, and I felt very strong that morning. I did in fact go back inside and take food and water," she explained, and then added with the utmost amusement, "I'm not that dumb, to just walk into the dawn with nothing. But that only lasted me a couple of days. On my seven months of travel, it only got harder and harder as I went along. Soon, I became so worn that I didn't even know which way Camelot was supposed to be and I had become too weak to even read the sun for direction so I just had to rely on the directions and escorts people gave me. It's almost hard for me to believe that only three days ago I was starving and weak and now I'm finally at my journey's end. And even though I was so weak, I knew I wanted to complete my journey on my own so I requested my latest escort only take me to the gates, as I've stated last night. Just a dignity thing... heheh."

Sasha in a way personalized the telling of her story at the end. A dignity thing, for a woman. She had her dignity to, as did men! If she lost it, she'd have a man's same reaction. And being escort to her final destination was kind of... condescending to it even if it would help her. "May I ask a question, Arthur?" She inquired, waiting for his answer. "Do you remember anything we did in our childhood? I can't seem to remember clearly."

[ Thank you, Arthur! =D Yours are epic too! <3 I made this one extra long though, because my reply is late ]

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was going to make a joke, but he refrained. Only because he did not want to ruin the seriousness of the mood. He did not want to shrug it off as something far more casual than it was. In fact, he felt a sense of honor that she trusted him enough to tell him the story of how she ran away. It could not be an easy thing to admit or re-tell so he would forever feel grateful that she decided to share it with him. And so, he listened intently, looking at her while she spoke every word, and just remaining silent until she was done.

It was a dramatic story indeed. While he knew already -- and part of it was based on assumption -- that she had been through so much, it was different to hear the details of it. The physical and emotional struggle she had endured every step of her journey. And she was explaining it with such grace . . . it only further demonstration her fortitude. He was rather curious about her mother though. Sasha had told him the vague details of her . . . but it was still rather saddening to hear that she had been forced to leave her home because of a woman who should be nurturing and kind. Instead, she had driven her daughter away. Arthur may not know what it is like to have a mother, but he certainly knew that a mother was not supposed to instill that kind of fear in her daughter . . . enough to make her want to run away from home.

"It takes a tremendous amount of strength and courage to do what you did." That much was very true. It was not easy to travel such long distances, without enough supplies to last you the entire way especially. It was a massive relief that she had gotten here as soon as she had, and not a moment later. He gave a bit of a smile when she spoke about how it had been a dignity thing. "After seven months, I can only imagine how much you longed for that moment when you completed your journey. And you did so in such a way that you can be proud of yourself." To say the very least. She had come to her destination, and hearing the ordeal she had been through, made Arthur wish he had not been so inquisitive when he saw her last night.

"If nothing else, I am certain you had encountered many adventures during your journey." While he wanted to ask details about her mother, about whether she would come to Camelot in search of Sasha . . . Arthur refrained. He did not want to cause Sasha any tension today. He wanted her to relax, and unwind after her lengthy trip. So he would try to keep the mood light, and stress free. "Stories that you must share with me throughout your time here in Camelot." It was always interesting to hear of what adventures long travels held for other people. He himself had a great deal . . . but it was of course nice to learn of different experiences and perspectives. Plus, it would give her something else to focus on, other than her mother.

It appeared that he did not need to always work to keep the mood light -- even though it was rather effortless in her company -- for when she asked about their childhood, he gave a bit of a smile. They were fond memories, ones that were when her father was alive, and neither her nor her mother had entered a deep mourning for him. "I remember it was filled with only fond, peaceful memories," he said, speaking aloud his thoughts. While he may not remember too many specifics, he had some sort of idea. "I do remember the first time I spoke directly to you." He smirked a little bit before continuing his story. As children of nobles, they often conversed in large groups and as Arthur was Prince, it had been difficult enough for him to be able to spend that one on one time with another. It was why he had to make an effort with Sasha, and had succeeded in doing so. "It was at a feast, when I asked you to dance with me." Then, just as now, her beauty had been undeniable.

[You're welcome!! and thanks too!! Hahaha it was an awesome post! Sorry about the delay in mine! Oh and I sorta made stuff up about their childhood if thats alright If I say anything that you don't agree with, or can't really having imagined happen, please let me know! ]

[Sasha]

"You're right, I did," she said smiling, but it appeared slightly more like a half grin. "It was fun. Dangerous. But fun. I'm sure you know the thrilling feeling, especially being a man." Sasha loved the feeling she got after completing something, for example her seven month journey. Something she had inherited from her father was a welcome spot for winning. Pride wasn't everything, she knew that... but it felt great. "I'll be sure to tell you of them sometime."

Sasha gave a faint smile when he spoke of when he had asked her to dance with him. That struck in some way that she didn't recognize, but whatever it was it wasn't bad. She had a very dim recallition of that feast, but she knew enough to know it had happened. It surprised her, because she had been so young at that time. Younger than seven, that was for sure; her father had still been alive. "I remember that," she began with a very slight nod. "Good memories. I miss them." She missed them so much, but at the same time didn't feel as sad as someone would imagine. "I'm surprised that memory stayed with me, I was so young. Much of my memory from then has faded," she said to him, even wearing a genuine smile. She knew that her memory fade had been caused by her father's death, and she was sure Arthur would assume the same.

[ I just wrote a very crappy post! O.O I had writer's block, it's late, and I spent 5 hours on and off writing it... wow xD And I'm ver sorry it's late! Stupid writer's block!
That was a very good idea you came up with =D ]

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I indeed know that thrill all too well," he agreed, also smiling at the thought. While he did not think women were lesser than men, he still felt that natural compulsion to protect them. It was after all the way he was raised . . . the way that every knight was raised. To respect women; to protect them. To be chivalrous. "Seems to be something we have in common. It should be interesting to swap adventurous stories," he said in a bit of humor, though he did mean it. He was eager to hear of what sort of things she encountered.

When she spoke -- almost sadly -- about how the good memories she had were not very common in her mind, Arthur once again felt sympathetic towards her. But once again, he did not want to bring the mood down. He wanted to keep her spirits uplifted; he wanted to distract her from the distraught and devastation events in her life had created. "I'm not surprised that memory stayed with you," he began to say. He then turned to her and gave a bit of an attempted charming grin. "I tend to leave quite an impression on people, especially exquisite young women." He was of course, just being playfully cocky. "Besides, it was a rather eventful night. The start of our friendship if I recall correctly." Had that night not occurred, who knew if this ride would be happening right now.

[Awwww its not crappy at all!! Sorry mine is so short! Hopefully its not too difficult to reply to I hope your writer block breaks soon!
And thanks . . . feel free to throw in any details and what not haha ]

[Sasha]

"Indeed, it will be," she agreed with him. Sasha did find it interesting to just listen to people talk, but she especially did when it was stories of adventure. She looked forward to that sometime.

Lady Sasha gave a half-smile [mouth closed] when he spoke in a playfully cocky way, "It is in fact something that I would never forget... especially after being informed that you were dead."

(If I ever write this sort of failness again I will die... of shame lol jk But this is total FAIL, short, and late. Though it will definately help if we can do a time lapse to the forest, where they share a romantic moment. Is that alright with you?)

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur still found that baffling, as to why someone would spread such rumors. Then again, it really should not be all that shocking. He was part of the royal family. If new that the king or sole heir to the throne had died, then there indeed would be chaos throughout the kingdom. He was not going to encourage that conversation. He wanted to lift her spirits, not bring them down by talking about her past, or whatever traumatic events had led her here. He wanted this to symbolize a new start. For he would make good on his word that she would be safe here in Camelot . . . that he would ensure it. "Well then its very fortunate that those rumors were disproved," he sad smiling not trying to sound dramatic about it, but rather say it with a bit more content.

Pushing the conversations of death and morbidity, out of his head, he slowed his horse to a halt when he realized they were where he had planned for them to go. It was a small clearing, where there was a river. He had some things for lunch, but first he had thought a nice walk would help her get her mind off of things. He swiftly dismounted from his horse, tying up the reigns to a nearby tree before going up to her and holding his hands out so that he could help her off her horse.

[[ HAHA no worries at all! It happens sometimes! So I'm sort of building it up a bit, but if you prefer a time lapse, then that's cool too! Just let me know if a romantic walk along the riverside works ]]

[Sasha]

Sasha slowed her horse to a stop just as he did. Arthur tied his horse's reins to a nearby tree, and went over to her side reaching out his hands to help her down from the horse. She took Arthur's hands and dismounted her horse. "Thank you," she said under her breath appreciatively. She knew she didn't have to thank him for little things like that, but it was still nice of him. Sasha realized that where they had stopped was quite a beautiful place. She honestly did not think she had passed it while coming to Camelot, and so new sights were very interesting to her. Sasha had probably been here at least once in the past, but still. . . there was no familiarity.

Sasha slowly walked beside Arthur, which would also be known as a stroll. The grass looked very soft, and lush green. There was a light warm morning breeze on the air, which gave Sasha a sense of content. She could hear the trees ever so slight swaying in this light breeze. After a few moments, Sasha found herself thinking about the nice things from her childhood. About the feast when Arthur asked her to dance with him, to... well, most of everything else was faded but she knew they were not bad memories. That area of her life was so blurred that she could only remember little of it. For instance, times she had played with her father. And also with Arthur. And strange thing was, Sasha did not feel sadness when thinking about it. In fact, she only felt a light bliss. That was different; well, staying in Camelot must be helping her.

Suddenly returning to the present she realized that she had been very quiet. That often happened when she was surrounded by forest, it was just so peaceful that Sasha felt at peace herself. It was her safe place, and technically always had been. But now? Sasha suddenly became shy, not knowing how to bring the conversation back up. She hoped Arthur would say something.