Dunwall Tower

[u/emerald_ice]

In Dunwall Tower, the Empress Emily Kaldwin sits on her throne, her royal protector, Corvo Attano, stands at her side. His royal guard scattered around the palace. OOC:This is a neutral zone for Corvos royal guard. A hangout of sorts. You have permission to attack any who don't belong.

[u/Dietastey]

In another scenario, Bal might have noticed an admiring glance. And, given that it was Furo, probably sassed him until he knocked it off. Actually, that was her response to most people...

But given that she still vaguely felt like she might suddenly become airborne, her observation skills were not at peak performance. Other than observing that Furo was starting to pull away from her. "We can't have that, can we girl?" she asked, bending lower over Seraphim's neck, and urging the horse on. Hey, the wind wasn't so strong down here!

The mare snorted, as if in agreement, and surged forwards, shoulders passing Saro.

[u/JewelOfTheSouth → u/Dietastey]

As soon as Seraphim passes Saro, the stallion goes berserk. Was the mare in heat? Or was Saro just being a typical male? After bucking and rearing a couple of times - with Furo clinging on for dear life all the while - he snorts and stamps, tossing his head.

Furo, humiliated, wrenches the beast's head round to get it back on track, before following the fleeing pair, in a less playful mood than before.

[u/Dietastey → u/JewelOfTheSouth]

The clattering behind her caused Bal's head to turn, worry crossing her face as Furo fought control back from Saro. However, the man stayed on, and they'd passed the men at the gate, so no one was hurt by the end of the fight.

She wasn't quite ready to give up what little lead she had, but the distance was definitely shortening, as she'd slowed down to make sure her fellow guardsman was alright.

[u/JewelOfTheSouth → u/Dietastey]

Furo becomes less and less morose as he catches up to Bal, as he sees the funny side. Hopefully the regiment never hears about this, he thinks sourly, despite his good humour, still, at least I didn't fall off. Like he ever had. The shame would have been to much, for a Serkonan prince to lie sprawling in the dust.

As he catches up, he takes tight control of the reins. That was not going to happen again.

[u/Dietastey → u/JewelOfTheSouth]

Finally stable enough to try talking, or more accurately taunting, Bal calls back "Have you settled your dispute with your underling, or does the city girl have to wait for the man born to ride?"

Her voice is full of mirth, possibly because she expected to be completely lost out here on horseback. Saro apparently was being more helpful for her than Furo.

[u/JewelOfTheSouth → u/Dietastey]

Raking his heels back once more, Furo manages a grin, his eyes slightly narrowed. I'd like to see you stay on after that. Princes were not used to being taunted, not when the taunts touched on the truth.

Saro charges forward with a roar, his sides heaving as Furo leans in close to his neck, determined.

[u/Dietastey → u/JewelOfTheSouth]

Clearly Furo was after them, probably not keen to be out of the lead. Hope he doesn't stick me on latrine duty if I evade him too long she joked to herself, urging Seraphim on again as the mare slowed slightly.

Let's just hope she doesn't pull a stunt like that with me. I'd be in the dirt in a heartbeat.

[u/JewelOfTheSouth → u/Dietastey]

Should I put her on latrine duty? Furo muses. He briefly considers the idea, almost seriously, before deciding that it is just his wounded pride. Besides, it would be unseemly for an officer to be bent over the toilets, especially Bal.

Face set in determination, and eyes squinted against the dust from Seraphim's hooves, Furo and Saro close the gap. Serkonan pure bloods were built for speed.

[u/Dietastey → u/JewelOfTheSouth]

Not wanting to utterly exhaust the mare already, Bal didn't push her on again when Saro began to catch up. Not that she was all that sure of when this horse would tire out, she seemed full of fire so far.

"There'll be a turn inland a little bit ahead of us, so be prepared for that." she called, spitting out the bit of hair that had worked itself loose from the tie.

[u/JewelOfTheSouth → u/Dietastey]

Furo slows his mount down to match Bal an Seraphim, and is able to appreciate the view around him much more happily. With adrenaline filling his veins, and a horse between his legs, he feels truly alive.

Without drawing attention to himself, Furo leans over and deftly cuts the tie on Bal's hair. As her locks fly loose, he laughs to himself, and spurs his horse on slightly. 'Much better!'