Festival of Roses

"That's right, get all of that energy out of you! I'll have none of your shenanigans while I'm gone!"

Terrance sat astride Llyan as Dyrnwyn and Doli ran free through the meadows around him. They were good hounds, but could get restless if kept cooped up. That was true for him, as well. The hunter wasn't looking forward to tonight's dinner. He was ready to play his part, but Terrance would much rather be out tracking game or exploring the wilds.

Looking around, he found the meadows to be an impressive sight. They were beautiful and he could see they extended for miles. At home, he'd be traveling from hill to hill and the mountains would tower above it all. Dismounting, he walked over to the small pool. It was also much different than the waters off the Snout. He knelt and scooped some water into his hands, splashing it on his face. He'd need to go prepare for that dinner soon.

Terrance wasn't the only one who was exploring the nearby meadows before the evening's gathering, as an auburn-haired maiden astride a brown-and-white spotted steed was coming along the stream that led to the small pool. The horse seemed to be setting the pace as it felt like, tossing its mane with satisfaction as it could now enjoy something better than just roads.

The young woman, dressed in clothing suitable for riding as she seemed to be wearing breeches underneath that allowed her to sit properly astride the horse and solid boots, sat up a little straighter in her saddle as she noticed the dogs, and another horse. And then what was most likely the riders. Her gloved hands tightened their grip on the horse's reins, but not slowing down her steed yet as they proceeded to the pool.

"Good afternoon?" she spoke up in a pleasant tone.

Looking up to see the approaching stranger, Terrance quickly stood to better assess the rider. A glance told him she was likely nobleborn, and he dipped his head respectfully.

"Good afternoon, milady. It is a lovely day for a ride, isn't it?"

Curious, the dogs ran up, but quickly came to heel with a short whistle.

She watched the dogs with an amused expression, while her steed seemed more wary of them as its ears turned this way and that as it watched them. But it was a well-disciplined horse and as she stopped it, it remained in place.

"'tis a fine day indeed, ser," emerald eyes looked him over with some curiosity. "You do not seem like a local? Are you one of the visitors who have come for the tourney?"

"Aye." he nodded. "Terrance Stone, in service to House Marten. I am accompanying Leovall and Liliane Marten."

He glanced down to the hounds, now sitting beside him. "This is Dyrnwyn and Doli. They're harmless, other than to game."

Oh, this must be the cousin Leovall mentioned then. There was a small look of recognition in her face. "Ah, from the Vale, yes?"

She gave a fond look to the dogs, as they reminded her of her father's group of hunting dogs. "Mariessa of House Tremaine, daughter to Lord Marten Tremaine. This is Valerian," she inclined her head to the spotted steed.

He nodded again when she mentioned the Vale.

"This is Llyan." he waved towards his horse, who was more interested in the clover. "Would milady care for company during her ride?"

"If it is no trouble to you," she dismounted with ease, leading her horse by its reins to the pool to drink, shooting him a brief smirk. "After a short break."

"New company is always interesting, especially when there are so many new faces to see." Mari seemed to pay more attention to the dogs for now. "They're for hunting, I take it?"

"Yes. Excellent hunters all around." he grinned. "They can run down or tree small game and track larger. Though, I think they might have trouble catching some of the faster prey here. There's not as much room to run all out in the Vale."

She took a knee beside the drinking Valerian. "Good stamina is nescessery for good hunters here," Mari chuckled, "stags and the like will outrun the smaller breeds."

She looked between the dogs, and Terrance. "They're friendly?"