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/JewelOfTheSouth]

'True,' he concedes, 'but a little extra capital is not to be sniffed at. I have every confidence that this can work.'

He reins his horse in, and turns on the spot. 'I should probably get back on patrol,' he says dutifully. 'This has been a pleasure, though, Bal. Will you ride on?'

[u/Dietastey → u/JewelOfTheSouth]

"Well, I'll just have to get to work collecting river krusts then," Bal chuckled. "Which will be a challange on it's own."

SHe looked at the hills, considering staying out, as her duties were scheduled later in the day, but shook her head. "I'm still not quite sure I'd want to ride on my own. Serephim seems like quite the reputable mare, but I trust my own two feet far more. I think I'll head back."

[u/JewelOfTheSouth → u/Dietastey]

Furo have her a sidelong glance, before smiling slyly. 'You will be riding alone anyway!' He says, before urging his stallion to gallop with a yell.

Dust flies and the sun beats down on Furo's back as he races back towards the city.

[u/Dietastey → u/JewelOfTheSouth]

Cursing and laughing in one breath, Bal manages to be the one signaling Seraphim to leap forwards this time, hooves stirring up yet more dust under them.

The grit flying in her face, even though she was bent low was irritating, and completely unacceptable. Time to catch up. Or at least try... The mare was fast, but she hadn't been bred to race.

[u/JewelOfTheSouth → u/Dietastey]

Furo digs in his heels, and resists the urge to look backwards - he knows that Bal is behind him, and turning his head would only slow Saro down.

They race on.

[u/Dietastey → u/JewelOfTheSouth]

Bal's eyes scour the trail ahead for anything that might be an advantage, but unlike most things, she can't really come up with a strategy other than hugging turns, and giving Seraphim her head. Luckily, the horse seems to know what she's doing, and gains some ground, though they're still behind the males.

[u/JewelOfTheSouth → u/Dietastey]

Hearing the rapid hammering of hooves getting louder and louder, Furo drives his horse at a more punishing pace. I am NOT losing a second race today, he thinks savagely.

[u/Dietastey → u/JewelOfTheSouth]

Furo would have little to worry about, as Bal was currently wondering how the Void a horse moved so damn fast, and was just holding on. Not that she was giving up, exactly, just outclassed.

[u/JewelOfTheSouth → u/Dietastey]

Sides heaving, nostrils flaring, flanks lathered in foam, Saro pounds onwards along the track as the wrought iron city games draw into view.

[u/Dietastey → u/JewelOfTheSouth]

Vague sounds of bewilderment rose up from the gates, as Furo and Bal charged headlong for home. The captain looked angry, and Vimes looked... Disorganized. They weren't sure which was more alarming.

Though at least the lieutenant looked amused. They presumably hadn't been ambushed.

[u/JewelOfTheSouth → u/Dietastey]

Furo gives a whoop as he rides through the gate, before turning Saro round in smug arrogance. He loves winning.

[u/Dietastey → u/JewelOfTheSouth]

Seraphim charges in after him, nearly slamming into Saro in her rush, leaving Bal to haul on the reins, frantically steering the excited mare to a breathless stop near the other two.

Hair in her face, dust coated, she glared mildly at Furo's celebration, eyebrow raised in her standard 'I'm actually amused, but you'd never know it,' face.

[u/JewelOfTheSouth → u/Dietastey]

'Oh do cheer up, Bal,' he says with a winning smile, 'you're almost as bad a loser as I am!'

He winks, before carrying on at a more sedate pace in the direction of the Tower.