Marvin
William Guiscard
Nasaris Manor

William listened to Vezda's plan carefully. Her idea was bold and he loved every bit of it, her knowledge of the nobility's customs coming into play once again. She was apparently as furious as he was about the whole thing, her eyes shining with rage, her delicate hand that had caressed him and touched him with such love and adoration, was now curled into a fist, much like his own. *Remember, she's is a wolf too. And she smells blood*
"I like it. I like it very much. I thought that making a bloody example out of the fool would have been out of the question but it seems that I was mistaken. And if it makes others think twice about crossing us while also making us richer and more powerful. I think you've conjured up the perfect storm, my dear". *Is it too early to feel proud of her? Or terrified perhaps?*, he thought before placing his other hand over hers.
James
Vezda Nasaris
Nasaris Manor

"Spilling blood is... Not something we Terresolans relish doing, and we do not do it often," She explains, shrugging one shoulder, "But an insult to you is an insult to *Me* As well and if he wouldn't act the coward I would challenge him myself."
William was perhaps the first and only man outside of her immediate family and the staff they employed who didn't treat her like some delicate creature, who didn't chastise her from doing and saying exactly how and what she pleased. It was... Unexpected. And that he hadn't flinched when her warrior lust slipped the leash, well, that only showed him to be the perfect match in her mind.
"Now then. While there is nothing to do but wait on others to gather more information... How shall we occupy ourselves? Do you read? I know you can write- poorly, but I have hope I can improve that."
Marvin
William Guiscard
Nasaris Manor

"Believe me, I don't like killing either. I've done too much of it to enjoy it. But sometimes it is necessary". 
*What had Robert said? "Sparing an enemy today means he'll get a chance to kill you tomorrow" Or something like that. Robert likes to play the philosopher like that*, he thought. But his friend did have a point. Dead men can't take revenge for anything.
"I can read as well as I write. I was late to that party I am afraid". Reading and writing was a luxury for farmers and their children,even those that could earn a decent living like William's parents. "Why don't we take a ride instead?", he proposed. "A good chance to try the famous Nasaris horses".
James
Vezda Nasaris
Nasaris Stables

All he had to was say the word and she was more than happy to take him to see her family's pride: their horses. For generations they had worked hard to breed sound, strong, and brave warhorses, as well as a smaller number of dependable riding horses, one of whom she was now introducing to William.
"This is *Goval,"* Vezda said as she offered the stout gray beast a palmful of sweet grains, "He is to be part of the dowry- a young stallion, capable of siring many fine warhorses in the future. He is not yet fully trained but he shows promise."
Walking to a pen several paces away, Vezda whistled and was answered with a deep, excited nicker from another horse, this one almost pure white.
"And this... Is Beyaz, whom I have raised from birth. She is my horse. Shall I ask the stablehand to saddle them both?" His wife asked as she let the horse nip and tug at the sleeve of her dress.
Marvin
William Guiscard
Nasaris Stables 

"Goval", he repeated, testing the word in his mouth. The Terresolans had such colorful and foreign sounding names. One of the many things that he liked about this place. *Besides Goval's mistress*, he thought looking at his wife while she explained how this horse would bring forth tens of others. "Lucky boy" Said William as he petted the stallion. "No shortage of mares for you".
Then, they moved to Vezda's horse, a beautiful white mare named Beyaz. 
"Of course she would be yours. Did you steal her from one of your brothers? Couldn't accept that she would belong to another?", he told her as he placed a hand around her waist.
William nodded in agreement. The Nasaris Manor had lost a bit of its warmth and hospitality after Vezda's revelation. If a guard had been on their enemy's payroll, others could be as well. "I did say that I wanted a ride. Some fresh air would do us good"
James
Vezda Nasaris
Nasaris Stables

After calling the stablehand over and giving him instructions to find another hand to brush and saddle the two horses, Vezda led William back outside to walk along one of the fields where pregnant mares were kept under watchful, armed guard. 
"She was a gift from Diran," Vezda answered finally, smiling as she watched the horses grazing, some at ease enough to rest in the grass and laze about in the sunshine, "A foal sired by his own horse. My brothers would never have picked a mare for their own mounts."
Though their relationship as husband and wife was nascent, she was beginning to learn his moods. Something was on his mind, in his thoughts still, even as they were seeking some leisure.
"What troubles you? You are glancing at each guard we pass as if they might leap out at you. If you tell me, perhaps I could put your mind at ease, William."
Marvin
William Guiscard
Nasaris Stables

"Ahh, your trainer yes", said William in acknowledgement. His eyes were busy scanning the guards and the attendants, ever mindful of their movements. 
"Hmm...". Vezda's voice forced him to refocus his attention on her. "Oh, I am sorry. It's nothing really", he said, trying to alleviate her concerns. *She isn't going to believe me*. Vezda was a trained fighter, taught to keep her eyes open at all times. *She's also clever, nobody's fool* 
"I am just looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful home". The excuse was flimsy but he wouldn't say more however much she decided to press him.
James
Vezda Nasaris
Nasaris Stables

*What is going on in that mind of his?* She wondered, noting his distraction. As much as she wanted to pull him aside, to wheedle the truth out of him- the frail excuse he gave didn't fool her, not for a second- she would far prefer he simply tell her of his own accord. *Whatever it is can also wait,* She thought, wanting to enjoy her last few days in Terresol doing the things she would miss most.
"My Lady, your horses," The stablehand called from behind them, holding the reins to both Geval and Beyaz, now groomed and saddled for them. 
"I hope you can handle him," Vezda says, gesturing to William so that the stablehand would give him the stallion's reins. "He has a nasty habit of throwing riders when they least expect it. I had hope to train him out of it before I married, but here you are."
Marvin
William Guiscard
Nasaris Lands

"Really?" *How ironic it would be to go from a broken back?*, he thought. It would certainly give a lot of people a good laugh. He climbed on the saddle and petted the animal in an attempt to keep it calm. "I'll have to be careful then. Do try to keep up, dear", he said before urging the horse to move. "Especially because I don't know where I am supposed to go"

Vezda did catch up with him of course and in a few minutes, she had easily overtaken him. They settled into a pleasant enough speed. Their route took them through fields and meadows with the sun gently caressing their skin. The manor with its hidden eyes and dangers was far away now, allowing him to relax a bit. *We are far enough*, he thought. 
"Vezda!! Any chance we might stop for a bit?", he shouted
James
Vezda Nasaris
Somewhere on the wider Nasaris Estate

Breathing hard, with a gleeful smile, Vezda slowed her mare to match William's pace. During their ride several tendrils of hair had come loose from where she had tied it back and now fell into her face, giving her a more youthful look as she glanced over to her husband.
"Of course, and I know just the place."
Taking the lead again, she rode through a thicket and down into a small valley, stopping Beyaz beside a body of water that was not quite as large as a lake, nor as small as a pond, with a river flowing from one end. It was peaceful here, the only sounds around them the gentle lapping of the water and the singing of birds in the trees nearby.
"The horses can drink and rest while we talk," The dam knight explained as she dismounted, leading her horse to the water's edge and wadiing in to the knee so that she could cup a palmful of the cold water for herself. After sating her thirst, she glanced back to William, curious why he had stopped them.
Marvin
William couldn't have asked for a better location. Out of the way, covered by trees and branches this spot seemed to be cut off from the world, a little piece of it meant only for them. He dismounted as well and brought Goval next to Beyaz. Vezda entered the pond herself and drank from its waters, not caring much about her dress. *She only cares for her armor and her weapons. Dresses can be replaced*, he thought, with a smirk on his face. "I am sorry for acting so cold back there", William started explaining himself. "I was afraid that more people might be working for someone other than your family. I needed to be somewhere with less eyes on my back. To steady myself I supposed". William had fought in hundreds of engagements, faced down dangerous men, yet those were enemies that he could see. Those that he couldn't see... Those unnerved him 
*It isn't paranoia when they are truly out to get you*. William was well aware of the dangers of his position. He even slept with a dagger under his pillow. Except for last night. He had allowed himself to go soft, even for a little while and that should never be repeated.
James
Vezda Nasaris
Nasaris Estate

*So* That *Was why he was acting so strangely,* She thought, mirroring his smirk as she listening to his words. His concerns, his feelings- all were valid. Vezda had grown up in this world; William had not. When she spoke next she thought of their common ground,hoping that perhaps her guess would be correct.
"You feel vulnerable when you can't see the enemy, don't know if there *Is* An enemy," She stated as she waded out of the water, stopping in front of him. "William, the guard responsible was new- brought into our employ in anticipation of a wedding and celebrations. Does that ease your mind?"
She hoped it would. If it did not, she wasn't sure what else she could do. Vezda knew he was a grown man who could fend for his own damn self but she also wanted her new husband to feel at peace, to belong her as much as she did on her familial lands.