The sound of horses hooves echoed through the courtyard as Gigi came trotting in, followed by her riding tutor. Gigi eased the brown mare to a stop with gloved hands. Vic appeared from the stables at a quick pace, his chestnut hair neatly brushed and his uniform as trim as always. He held a submissive expression in place when Gigi looked at him, though his lips twitched at a smile.

She presented an altogether different picture than she had only a three weeks back with her mother. Her black curls were pinned up and half hidden beneath her riding hat. Her once harsh featured face had filled out and her smile poked two dimples into her cheeks. Where her body had been all thin and angular now held curves. And her skin had lightened to a soft tan.

Vic gave Gigi a bow, before taking the reins of the horse and settling a stool beneath her.

"Evening, Lady Genevieve," he said.

"Good evening, Vic," she said, her words now smoothed to a fine, melodious sound.

He held out his hand and she accepted his help as she dismounted. When she settled her boots firmly on the ground, he released his hold. On even footing the height difference was brought into clear view, as he stood a head taller than her.

"How was your ride, Lady?" he asked.

A smile skipped across her face.

"Beautiful as ever, though I wish to explore the city more."

"And you will," her tutor said, "once Lady Brixton thinks you are fit to be seen riding out in the city."

He swung his leg over his horse and dropped to the smooth stone. Gigi looked at Vic and lowered her voice.

"I hope it is soon," she said.

Her tutor moved around Gigi's horse to face her, quieting Vic's amused expression and turning Gigi's grin into something unassuming. He looked at her with his hands clasped behind his back, his horse behind his shoulder. Gigi bowed her head, respectfully to him, though a hint of mischief flashed in the corner of her mouth.

"She knows what is best," she said, raising her head, folding her hands demurely before her.

"Lady Brixton does. Now, that is all for today." He gave her a low bow. "I will take my leave. Till tomorrow, Lady Genevieve. You improve gracefully each day."

"I am honored by such a compliment," Gigi said, perfectly inflecting the words so they were humble, but not overly so.

Stepping back, her tutor easily lifted himself into the saddle. With a bow of his head, he left the courtyard, the clacking of hooves on the stone turning to crunching on the pebbles. The sound drifted off into the air. Vic picked up the stool and guided the horse back to the stables, Gigi quickening her strides to walk beside him.

"How is GrayTail," she asked.

Vic turned his warm, brown eyes on to her.

"Much better," he said.

They crossed the courtyard and walked through a curved ceiling corridor. The sound of their footsteps and the horses hooves doubled in the enclosed space. The echo died down as they entered the high ceilinged stables. Rows and rows of wooden stall doors lined the long building. The smell of hay and dirt lay heavy in the air. The scent brought a smile to Gigi's face, thoughts of her father coming to mind.

Vic lead her horse to a large stall filled with a fresh layer of hay. Leaving him, Gigi moved further down the row. She stopped at a gray horse that eyed her as she approached the door.

"Hello old friend," she said, in Eldin.

The sound was like a breeze whispering through the trees and drew the horse to her. Poking his nose over the door, he nuzzled her hand.

"The road misses your tread and the skies look for you," she continued, her native tongue relaxing the horse.

She continued to repeat the gentle phrases her father used daily to the horses as she scratched the side of its neck. Stable hands worked around her, bringing water to stalls and buckets filled with oats. They glanced her way, but didn't disturb her, accustomed to her presence in the stables and the way she talked with the horses. Finished with the care of Gigi's mare, Vic joined her at the stable door.

"You said your father trained horses, Lady?" he said.

She nodded and continued to gaze at the horse, absentmindedly stroking it.

"Eldin are expert horse trainers. We travel from place to place offering our services. My father is one of the best. He has trained even some of these horses." She looked at him. "That's why most horses respond to our language. They have been calmed by it."

Nodding, Vic turned back to the horse.

"I hope my question isn't too impertinent; why do you have a riding tutor, Lady?"

A small pleasant smile slipped onto Gigi's face.

"I was never taught to ride like noble ladies. Bareback or astride were the most common means of riding."

Satisfied with the answer, Vic said nothing more. They were silent for a moment before the peace was broken. A maid in dark gray approached them, curtsying to Gigi.

"Elkly has been looking for you, Lady," she said.

"Thank you," she said.

The maid bobbed and turned away. Gigi took a step back from the stable door.

"Thank you, Vic," she said.

He gave her a quiet smile. Taking her hand, he bowed his head "Always at your service, Lady."

He let go but not before passing a small scrap of paper to her. She tucked it into the edge of her glove and walked out of the stables. Her boots rang in the corridor that led to the manor. A guard by the door pulled it open for her, bowing his head as she passed by.

The manor was as it had always been, though it still held a hint of wonder to Gigi, it no longer made her confused with the endless corridors and rooms. She was making for the center staircase, when Elkly approached. At the sight of the stately figure she slowed her pace but did not stop.

"Is there something you require, Elkly?" she said.

Without thinking, she picked up the edge of her dress as she ascended the stairs. Elkly kept up with her, his hands joined behind him.

"Lady Brixton wants to remind you that Baronet Holsten will be attending dinner this evening, Lady."

Gigi paused on the stairs, her face brightening.

"Baronet Holsten," she said, a touch of excitement in her tone. "His Holding is far north on the edge of Talvin, correct?"

"Indeed it is."

Gigi felt a hint of pride that she was able to retain most of the knowledge her grandmother's tutor's continued to pour into her.

"Wonderful! You can assure Lady Brixton that I will be present," she said.

Taking a step back, Elkly bowed his head then retreated back down the stairs. Gigi took in a breath and clenched her skirt, a giddiness bubbling inside her. She climbed the stairs and strode down the lavish hallway, passing paintings of her dead ancestors. Their hard gazes had felt overbearing in the first few days but now they were merely colored pigment and canvas to her.

She entered her room and collapsed onto the plush bed, the folds of her blankets billowing around her form. The soft blue patterned canopy of her bed lay over head. From the open window she could make out the clatter of carriages and horses, voices of gruff men and the music of gossiping women.

Margo walked out from Gigi's bathroom and smiled at the sight of Gigi. But the look faded into concern as she walked over to the bed.

"Is something wrong, Lady?" she asked.

"Oh no! In fact it is perfect!" Gigi sat up, her cheeks barely containing her smile. "A Baronet is coming to dinner. It will be the first time I will have a chance to talk with someone of noble birth. This must mean Lady Brixton believes I am ready."

"That is wonderful, Lady," Margo said, her own lips curling.

Standing, Gigi moved out onto the balcony. Her thoughts danced away to the prospect of the dinner to come.

"I wonder what he will be like?" she mused.

The wall that ringed the manor grounds stretched out before her, separated by a few yards of grass and shrubbery. Past it she knew the city would be turning in for the evening, but the noise of the city didn't seem to be dying down. Margo joined her, clasping her hands before her.

"What do you wish to wear tonight, Lady?" she asked.

Gigi grinned at the face that become so familiar to her. A friendly face that woke her every morning. Margo was quick to respond, the smile open.

"I think the pale blue gown with the embroidery on the bodice should do." Gigi's eyes gleamed. As her gaze focused city beyond, some of the brightness in her eyes dimmed. "It is a curious thing, I have not been beyond that wall since I first arrived. I do not remember the last time I have ever remained in one place for so long." Her expression became thoughtful. "I can see why ladies look forward to the King's festival if this is how they always live their lives. They must wish to travel as well."

Margo gave a soft laugh. Beyond the wall the sound of music floated into the air and joined the breeze as it swept through the city. Gigi became alert at the sound. She moved to the railing and leaned against it, part of her craving the familiar strains of a fiddle chasing a melody only the player knew. The instrument was soon joined by others, that followed its lead and chased after a song. Gigi felt her heart sing with the sound, her toes tapping the rhythm into the stone.

"Do you know what they are playing for?" she asked.

"There is troupe passing through. They have been playing in a different part of the city each night."

Gigi leaned further against the railing, every inch of her dying to race past the wall and join in the freedom of the music. They stood there as the sun settled below the horizon, the pull of the music holding Gigi. A red blaze from a fire grew brighter and brighter as the dark overtook the sky.

"Lady Gigi, we must get you ready," Margo said, pulling Gigi from her enchanted state.

With one long, last look, she walked back into her room. Margo closed the doors and the music was gone. Gigi tugged at her gloves, but stilled when she remembered what was tucked inside it. A mischievous smile appeared as she looked to Margo, her hands behind her back, the ache for the music forgotten.

"Margo," she said.

Margo twisted away from the open closet to look at Gigi.

"Yes?"

"Did you know I went riding today and stopped by the stables?"

A blush raced through Margo's cheeks.

"Lady Brixton doesn't like you walking around there," she said.

Gigi's smile drew wider and Margo seemed flustered by it.

"I know, but do you know that I talked with Vic," she said.

Margo hid her face, the blush that reached the roots of her blonde hair uncontrollable.

"I didn't, Lady," she said, to the rows of gowns.

Gigi took a step forward. "I did and he gave me something. Something for you."

Margo spun around, her face alight with excitement that sent her brown eyes beaming.

"Yes?" she said.

Tugging out the scrap of paper, Gigi handed it to Margo. She took it with a smile that filled her face. Gigi settled on the edge of the bed, pulling her legs up as Margo read it. Though it didn't seem possible, her smile grew.

"What does it say?" Gigi asked, excitedly.

Folding it back up, Margo tucked it into her dress.

"We must get you ready for dinner," she said.

Gigi gave her an annoyed look.

"You're rotten," she said, her elegant tone slipping with the words. "Next time I'll read it in the corridor."

"You wouldn't?!" she said, shocked.

Gigi gave her a playful look.

"No, I would not. I haven't the last few times I have been the messenger between you two."

Margo smiled and stepped towards Gigi, her face full of quiet earnest.

"Thank you, Lady," she said.

Without thinking, Gigi reached out and took Margo's hands and squeezed them.

"It is nothing, friend."

Reserved, Margo took a step back, far more aware of the boundaries of propriety than Gigi.

"Now we must get you ready for dinner," she said, moving back to the wardrobe. "You said the pale blue gown?"

Gigi's excitement was renewed. "Yes, it shall be perfect for my dinner with a Baronet!"

*******************

Gigi walked back into her room, her cheeks aching from smiling. The manor was quieting down for the night, though the city beyond the walls was still alive with music and laughter. Margo looked up from her task of turning down Gigi's bed.

"How was your dinner, Lady?" she asked.

"It was pleasant for the most part. Though I did have the urge to break a plate over Baronet Holston's head at one point."

Margo tried to suppress her laugh but didn't quite manage. The sound widened Gigi's smile, lightening her disappointment.

"Was he that awful, Lady?"

Gigi settled into a chair. "For the most part, he was not. He was a true nobleman, kind and well spoken. Though he was a man as old as Lord Brixton himself." Gigi's face dropped a bit. "I had wished to dine with someone closer to my own age." Her expression lifted again. "Grandmother said I acted as a true lady."

"That is wonderful, Lady."

Gigi beamed and sank deeper into the chair.

"Even though he was not what I expected I know it is what Lord and Lady Brixton think right. It makes me anxious for the King's Festival. I hope it is not only filled with old men."

Margo laughed again. "The prince at least is not an old man."

Gigi acknowledged this with genial nod. Before she was aware of it, her foot was tapping to the faint sound of music, her thoughts straining towards it. She turned her gaze to the balcony. Light from large fires glowed in the night sky.

"Open the doors for me," Gigi said.

Margo left the bed and moved to the balcony. Before she made it all the way there, she let out a scream. Gigi jumped to her feet and rushed over to Margo as she stumbled back. She caught her and looked to the clear glass. A face was peering behind it. Shocked, Gigi released Margo and she went tumbling to the floor. For a tense moment she stared at the blue eyes before racing forward and yanking the doors open.

"Hiya Gigi, care for a dance?" Huck asked.

**********************************************************************

For Gondor!

(So not really the right greeting but it expresses my excitement!)

Finally we are getting to the good part! I'm glad you've enjoyed it up until this point but now we are hitting the action! What what!!!

I have to say when I introduced Vic my sister JoymomentsSISTER instantly fell in love and planned to run away with him. What are your feelings towards the wonderful stable boy?

Now, I'm going to be honest with you, I'm the worst. Seriously, I am and it's not because I leave you on cliff hangers - though I do - it's cause I get really impatient with stories and want to be done so I can just write the next one!

I'm not even finished one story and another pops up stealing away all the excitement I have for the one I'm writing! Of course I'll still finish the one I started but seriously all I want to do it go write the next story! It's like I'm having affairs with my stories...okay, 🤦🏽‍♀️ wait that sounds soooo weird, ignore that. You get my point though, I'm a sucker for a story idea!

What about you? Are you someone who loves to start something and all that excitement or someone who loves to finish something feeling the sense of accomplishment?

Ice, cream, sundae! (Or the more common translation vote, comment, follow)