fandomtownies | The Gig: Thursday [7-1-10]

James approached The Gig, a thoughtful look on his face, still thinking of last night's party. "Helen?" he called out.

Helen turned, smiling when she saw him but wondering about the look on his face. "Hello, James."

"A merry day to you," he said. "Everything well?" He was dressed for riding, including boots.

"Quite," she assured him and laughed as Kianah poked her head up from where she'd been exploring in the hay and chirruped her agreement as well.

"James, I'm not sure if you'd seen my fennec fox, Kianah."

Awww! It was cute! "I was unawares you had a pet," he said, chuckling a bit as he watched the fox scamper.

She nodded. "Sometimes I leave her home when I'm here, but generally she's with me. She's tiny enough that I can carry her on my person without anyone knowing."

"She's adorable. Cannot say I've seen anything that wee with ears that large before," he said, crouching down to waggle his fingers at her.

Kianah happily bounded over for petting, not minding at all that she could easily fit in his hand.

"Where did you find her? Or did she find you?" he asked, giving the wee thing some ear scritches.

"At the pet store," Helen admitted. "Hinata thought I should have a pet and so I went and looked and there she was and... I just knew."

"She suits you," he said. "Is she full size?"

"Not yet," Helen said, looking at Kianah fondly. "But she won't get much bigger than she is - only about 2 pounds."

He grinned. "You could fit her in a saddlebag!" Adorable!

Helen laughed. "Usually I just keep her in a loose pocket, but yes, she could fit easily in a saddlebag."

Yes, James invented the handbag pet. "Not the best way to travel." Awwww!

"I'd imagine not," Helen said with a grin. "I think she'll stick to pockets for now."

"Much more convenient that way. I am tempted to cancel the ride to play with her!" He grinned.

She laughed. "You're welcome to play with her while I take care of my stable duties. We can put off our ride till later - or after hours."

"I'd hate to dissapoint a lady expecting to ride," he said, waggling fingers at his new friend. "What would an after-hours ride entail?"

She smiled at him. "Anything you want."

"I can ask for a lot." Just ask Arutha; James the Squire has been trying to promote himself to Duke for years.

"But I would not want to ask for something not freely given," he stated.

"And if it were to be freely offered?"

There wasn't a whole lot Helen wasn't willing to at least try once.

"Then I would take all offered, and the candlesticks besides." Possibly the silverware, jewelry, and her heart.

"I make no promises."

She laughed. "If you can find any candlesticks of mine you're welcome to them."

Her heart... that would probably be far more vulnerable than anyone expected. Since no one had ever really cared for her, except possibly Jamie, any great show of kindness - even faked - would touch her.

Edited 2010-07-05 02:12 (UTC)

"I'll start the search right tonight," he promised. "Any other valuables I should be out for? I might just take and be off in the night."

It wasn't that James was fake with his interest, just not as sincere or deep as it could be, or as long-lasting. And he would brook no promises, nor promise he would.

"I think I'd best let you discover that for yourself," she said with a smile.

Helen certainly wasn't looking for anything deep or long-lasting - or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that she didn't expect anyone to ever have any serious interest in her.

"Just as long as I don't touch the dowry. I'm not ready for that sort of commitment," he stated, serious but with a tone of humor.

"And if I cross the boundary..."

"Dowry?" She looked slightly appalled. "I have no such thing nor is it likely I'd ever need one."

Then nodded. "If you were to cross a boundary, I would tell you."

"If you do not, then I would be most happy to contribute," he teased, "one horse ride at a time" His tone changed; serious. "If that is your desire. Not all desire marriage. I don't think I'm the type," he admitted, the brightened. "It's probably a state wedding for me, if any. I serve at my lord's pleasure."

James tested her boundaries by sliding a hand over to touch hers.

"No one would wish to marry me," Helen said dismissively. That she might wish it was possible that someday someone might, even while believing it was utterly impossible? Not going there. Maybe ever.

She responded to his touch, turning her hand to let it slide against his. This here, was all she was good for. Why not enjoy it?

"They may or may not. It's up to the gods to decide," he said with a shrug.

But enough talk. Talking was not the main reason for his travel here today; it was for the experiences.

She shrugged. "Then I'll leave it to Uquar, but for now..."

Surely there were better things to do with their time.

Oh, there were. "But for now, would the lady care for a ride?" Depending on her answer, they might not have to leave the stables.

"I'm always in the mood for a ride," Helen said with a smile.

"Should we saddle up the horses or is that not what you had in mind?" he asked with a small smirk.

"And do go on about this after-hours ride."

She laughed. "Let's ride out and perhaps we'll find a secluded place for a... rest. As for the after-hours ride, well... that involves a bit more privacy and comfort than we have here. Perhaps a rented room at the hotel some evening?"

"I like this full-service ride you have here," he said. "I will take the whole package. Some snacks for after the rest, and it's a bargain."

Fandom wasn't such a bad place after all.

"But of course," she said with a smile. "I'd hardly ask you to go without."

"I can do without a great many things, and have before. Makes me appreciate what I have when I have it," he said with a cat-that-caught-the-canary grin.

Helen nodded. "As have I. And since we have no need to be without we shall both enjoy what we have."

"That's a motto I can get behind," he said with determination. "What do we need?"

"Just the horses and ourselves," she said cheerfully. "I have a pack prepared."

He grinned. "I like a guide who is prepared. Lead on!" he said, catching her excitement.

She laughed as she saddled the horses and prepared to head out.

[ooc: Sorry, must to bed. Soooooo tired.]

"After you, m'lady," he said with a grin.

[I shoulda been in bed half an hour ago! Niiight!]

She grinned again and started her horse out onto the trail.

[ooc: Shall we leave it there?]

James laughed and followed her out.

(fade to black works for me!)

The Gig: Thursday [7-1-10]

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