Festival of Roses

The young lady of House Tremaine rode out to the fields on her palfrey. Unlike her sister or other noblewomen, there was no elegance to her stride. Her steed made sudden turns and changes in speed for he did not know what his rider wanted of him. She eventually figured out how to bring him to halt and took in the sight of the setting sun.

Taking his own palfrey out for some exercise after feeling bad for neglecting her most of the day, Leovall heads for the meadows where there is plenty of open space. Bringing the mare to a canter and then a full gallop he enjoys the wind rushing past him. Being high up on Cole was always thrilling, but Josey's speed was enjoyable too. Having no trouble controlling the beast he takes her in wide circles of eight and then simply across as much field as possible. Testing her stamina he was pleased when she challenged herself, picking up speed as he spotted another rider a good ways ahead. Do you want to race Josey?

Jynessa looked over to the other rider on the field. She made no effort to join in on any sort of race and instead gave a small wave with her hand and a demure smile to acknowledge the man.

Josey intended to whizz past and Leovall would have let the mare if he hadn't taken in the other horse's rider. It was someone he recognised. Mariessa Tremaine. Women weren't generally the type to enjoy a race. Noblewomen even more so.

Bringing his mare to a stop nearby he lifts his hand in a return greeting. "Good evening!" Still on a high from the ride he beams a wide smile. "Enjoying an evening ride Lady Mariessa?"

The lady gave a broad, welcoming smile. "That explains your look of recognition. I am not Mariessa but rather her sister, Jynessa." She looked as if she wanted to give a curtsy but had no idea how to do so upon a horse. "We are identical twins, though I imagine that much is obvious by now. I am quite used to being mistaken for her," she continued with no hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Ah ha! She did mention you. Lady Jynessa. Yes, a pleasure." Your father is very luck to have two beautiful daughters. "I'm Leovall Marten and this is Josey." He gives a good rub to the mare's neck.

"A pleasure to finally meet you. I believe my sister wanted to go hunting with you," Jyn mused with a welcoming smile, "Perhaps you collaborated this morning? Or was there another plan in mind?" Her expression turned more demure as she glanced away. "I would offer to accompany the party but I fear I have no skill in such matters."

"This morning's hunt was all our host's noble effort." Leovall states honestly, appearing a little surprised to learn about her sister's plan. It was the first he'd heard of it. "I was only useful at the end. Besides, the important thing will be how it is served later this evening, isn't that so?"

Jyn let out a small giggle. "I suppose so. But a dinner cannot be prepared without someone providing the ingredients." She tilted her head. "Are you sure you are not being overly humble?"

"Come now. There's not one man or woman here who could really boast of finishing off a wounded and surrounded animal." He scratched his cheek, not intending the words to be quite as downbeat as they had sounded. "I mean, um, I wouldn't say I am humble. There are things I can and will actually boast about if you or any other fair maiden gave me half a chance." Now he grins with hope his words had lifted the mood once again.