Festival of Roses

Llyan was fast for her breed, but couldn't match Josey. Terrance wasn't the rider Leovall was, either. It was fun to race, though, even if the result was predictable.

"You need to use your legs more and loosen the reins." Leovall calls as he slows Josey down to match pace with Terrance. "Come now cousin!" He smiles and nudges Josey to accelerate once more.

As directed, Terrance urged Llyan to run again. They kept pace for a little longer, but the distance between the two horses widened again. The hunter laughed, regardless, enjoying the rush of speed.

In time when the competitiveness died away Leovall returned to riding alongside Terrance. This time he stayed there, with the pace decidedly slower and more relaxing.

"Have you spoken again with Lady Mariessa?"

"Yes." he smiled. "We had dinner while I was recuperating from the melee. Everything seems fine, though I should probably make a decision regarding her."

"A decision...?" Leovall enquires, all attention on his cousin. What are you on about?

"Whether to pursue her further." he said. "I honestly don't know what my next step should be."

"Learn a little more about her family - actually meet them. The hunt seems like a good start." Leovall points out. "Nothing is going to happen tomorrow. Best speak to her father more, and your own. Of course you don't need our House's blessings, but it won't hurt."

"Whether I need it or not, I'd want it." he nodded. "I'd want to know what they think of it, my father and yours. I wouldn't mind your opinion, either, cousin."

Naturally wanting to oblige Leovall looks up to collect his thoughts. "Well... from what I understand they're essentially looking for someone willing to allow them to continue to lead the family." He glances back to Terrance. "Right?"

Nodding he continues while slowing Josey to a gentle walk. "You'd be a Lord and they seem good people. I'm sure you'd have a great deal of influence still... even if you're not the type to want much beyond being allowed to go outside and hunt." He sighs and smiles ruefully. "You've never been that ambitious. I think that might be part of the ideal, along with your good looks and how honest you can be... and you can really be too honest. That's me saying this..." His smile falters a moment and he looks ahead to where they were going. "It's a long trip here however so you'd be saying goodbye to the family in all likelihood. Visits would be rare. Still, it's peaceful and the Tremaines seem to have a good relationship with their liege Lord. If you want my opinion then it would be that if they're serious about you courting Lady Mariessa then you won't get a better opportunity in life. She's pretty, well educated and such. You'd need to be sure she's interested in you however, and not just for what it might allow her that a more headstrong man of higher standing might not... frankly you're worth more than that, and you should go into any marriage negotiations knowing you bring benefits to the table for them as well."

A small shrug follows. "I always thought you'd stay in the Vale, and I know Lili would miss you, but you could definitely make a greater life for yourself as the future Lord Tremaine..." He looks back and smirks. "Assuming the father doesn't remarry and get lucky with a son."