call and i'll come

Ser Lark tightened the cinch on Vinca’s saddle smoothing the leather over the mare’s rich, chestnut coat. The brown mare snorted, her breath misting slightly in the morning air as Lark secured his bedroll and saddlebags.

Lark is quick to dismount, bowing to the princess as she approaches. Vinca’s ears perk up at the sight and smell of the carrot.

“now here i thought we were familiar enough to do away with the bowing and scraping,” she teases, and pulls him into a brief hug, before turning to vinca.

“I’m not so pale as that,” Lark laughs, returning her hug gladly. “And forgive me the formalities; my hard-ingrained habits are slow to phase out.”

“indeed we shall!” her smile was sweet and genuine, relaxing so easily in his presence. she mounts her horse, empire-waisted light blue dress shifting apart to reveal a split, her bloomers fully visible as she rides astride. “want to race?”

after about 25 minutes of riding away from the city, down a rocky trail, and across the beach, they arrive at a small cottage with a deck that leads out into the ocean

“I didn’t realize you cooked, princess,” Lark says, mildly surprised. He leads Vinca into the stables, removing her tack with practiced ease and brushing her down gently, and leaves her behind with a fond stroke of her forelock.

“tide pool exploration can be added to our itinerary! and yes, the maid who raised me was an excellent cook, and she taught me to make most dishes from scratch, as well as how to bake. truthfully baking is what i prefer, what with my preference for sweet things,” she tosses a wink at lark, grinning teasingly, “but cooking is the more practical. now let’s go get settled.”

Lark shakes his head at the sly flirtation, and follows along with her as she tugs on his hand. He looks around the small space as he passes; it is quiet and comfortable, and he can feel his shoulders drop as he relaxes. The bedroom is so to Elizabeth’s tastes he has to stifle a laugh as he sits down next to her, pressed against her side shoulder to hip.

she glances over, catching his adoring gaze, and elizabeth forgets to breathe. he’s so beautiful too, all boyish charm and crooked smile, eyes full of affection and warmth. she places a soft kiss on his lips, then sits up before she can get distracted again.

Lark feels slightly warm just at the thought of seeing Elizabeth wearing such a thing; though he’s seen her in less (well, nothing at all). He forces himself to focus, changing quickly before she returns, waiting on the side of the bed for her, glancing more around the space. The braies are certainly small, but Lark has long since stopped feeling self-conscious about his body.

she flounces back in and does a twirl, obviously showing off for lark. “well, see larkspur? does it suit me?”

her face is now warm, feeling dizzyingly exposed under his watchful eyes. “i mean- well um- i c- certainly imagined you wearing them while i made them. that’s all i meant but- never mind!!” she squeaks, still unable to take the teasing she doles out.

Lark files away the mumbled comment for later, and takes her hand, taking pity on her pink cheeks and sparing the rest of his teasing. The wooden slats of the dock are sun-warm and aged smooth, and the sight of the wide, glittering, seemingly endless expanse of the sea takes Lark’s breath away, a little.

she squeezes his hand back, walking to the edge of the dock, and just stands there looking out at the endless, beautiful ocean.

The shock of the plunge into the water hits like a physical blow, knocking the breath from Lark’s lungs. He resurfaces, but before he can even sputter, the shock gives way to the joyous sound of her laughter echoing to him.

“oh no. whatever shall i do,” elizabeth deadpans, before diving at him again, attempting to dunk him. “luckily there is no tribunal of judges here to seal my fate!”

Lark meets her lunge solidly, catching her around the waist, unmoved save for a step back into the sand at the bottom to brace himself. He pulls her close, his grin dimming slightly as he catches a look flash through her eyes.

she lets him hold her, and looks at him with a sad smile. “yes. just….. trying not to live in the future. trying to enjoy this moment while i can.”

"Of course, darling," he murmurs, hugging her back just as tightly, pressing a tender kiss to her temple. "I'll always be there for you, hm? No matter what the situation is, or what you do. What else are friends for?"

she yelps at the pinch and smacks his chest with a grin and a wink. “and what a good friend you are!”

a quiet, content moan falls from her lips, his warm lips so soft against her jaw and neck and oh my goodness, that spot under her ear. she pulls on his hair, not to rip him away, but to provide that delicious tension she knows lark loves.

Lark watches her go, admiring her form in the golden light of the evening.

“perfectly comfortable, ser knight,” she whispers into his mouth, smiling softly at this beautiful, kindhearted man she was honored to call her friend and her lover. her body warms under his diligent care, her breath catching whenever his teeth and tongue graze her neck. every kiss felt like an oath of devotion, and every touch of his hands felt like worship. gods, she could lie here forever.

Lark stifles a groan at the sight of her; it never fails to make his heart race.

she hums in approval, arching up into his grounding touch.

Lark hums sympathetically, sitting back on his knees, admiring her. The light of the lowering sun paints her practically golden, her hair glowing.

she lets herself bask in the setting sun and the attentive affection from her lark, spreading her legs wider for him. it’s so nice to be taken care of like this, to look down and see the face of true devotion worshiping her so thoroughly. her quiet sighs and hums of pleasure slowly get louder, moans and whimpers falling off her tongue with every breath.

Lark grins up at her, his eyes half-lidded with want, almost drunk on the feeling of bringing her pleasure.

her whimpers connect into a drawn out whine once his fingers rest inside her, then sharply curl up into her sweet spot. elizabeth’s hips cannot stay still, writhing both away from the stimulation, and up into his mouth harder. it’s so blindingly good, and sensually slow, her thoughts just repeating “mine, mine, all mine,” until the bliss overcomes even those last thoughts.

The sound of her broken voice triggers a white-hot wave of wanting deep in his chest. Lark drinks in every shuddering arch of her hips, tracking the way her fingers tangle desperately into the blanket beneath them as she falls apart against his mouth.

she kisses him back lazily, eyes hazy from the blissful pleasure. “and i’m yours, larkspur.”

[ I stand o'er a trough of water- fussing with mine veil and apron- I do not usually feel so fretful, but nobility is nobility, Knight or no--

"Good afternoon!" I reply cheerfully, smiling. I look down at the basket of perfect apples, touched deeply. "This is certainly enough; Vinca and I thank you a dozen times over. She'll surely be delighted; I spoil her enough as is, and now with these besides..."

no offence taken-! and I shall do my best to address thee as preferred- Lark- though it doth feel strange to do so- [I chuckle more comfortably, yet glance away all the same] ...Humbel or ah- Bel- or...I suppose whate'er variation thou should prefer would be alright with me--

"Spoiling myself with the delight of your company, perhaps, Humbel," I reply. "It is excellent to hear you are well; knowing my friends are happy has always brightened my spirits."

[I hum, and mine sweet smile twists wryly] well, now I am certainly disappointed- I had come in the hopes there were something sweet awaiting me, alas...perhaps I shall have to come bother thee again for the honeycake thou hath tempted me with-!

My eyes widen, embarrassment coloring my cheeks.

I shall look forward to thy visit, in that case- pray, I hope thou shalt stay and share some with me once the time comes-- [my grin broadens as I watch Ser Lark flush a pink- and I chuckle, quietly satisfied]

I offer my arm to you, though would of course take no offense if you did not take it. We head off for the stables, and it’s hardly any time at all before we’re there. I lead on to the stall Vinca occupies, a fond, soft grin on my face as her head pokes over the stall door, her brown eyes wide and warm and curious at the new visitor.

[ I hath taken thy arm gladly, soon matching thy stride- I am all but buzzing with anticipation to meet thy steed- and sure enough she is as beautiful as I had imagined she was-- I bow my head to Vinca, and offer the back of my hand in peace-- ]

then I shall not waste her time— [swiftly I pull mine paring knife from my pinafore pocket, removing it from its sheath, and plucking an apple from the basketful-

“Oh, of course!” I say, delighted. “Indeed, you may have found yourself in quite the tricky position; she very well may grow despondent if not given this sort of treatment on the regular.”

oh, I certainly doubt anyone could replace thee in her eyes— [I muse cheerfully, a glitter in mine own- offering Vinca her second slice-]

“Nearly seven years, now,” I say fondly, smoothing her forelock down as she tosses her head in search of another slice of apple. “She has always served me well, and behaves most gallantly with others. I could not ask for a better companion, especially on long journeys by myself.

[I grin, a glitter in mine eye] why thank ye, Lark-- and- I should return thy compliments-- I am not often accompanied by knights, but thy presence hath been a most pleasant one- to be sure--

“The sentiment rings quite true, indeed,” I agree. I smile fondly as Vinca dips her head once more, taking the last slice of apple, her eyes looking around for more of the sweet fruit.

well, I do stop for the occasional conversation and pat of the neighbourhood strays whom wander by our estate- perhaps my Lord would be open to the idea of such company... [I pause and quiet a moment, reflective- before returning mine attentions to thee, Lark]

[I soften at the thought, mine voice following suit] that sounds very wonderful, Lark—

I loop my arm through yours, and lead on for the short stroll it takes to come to the courtyard. It's quieter at this time of day, though there are some still milling about. The summer blooms are full and bright, orange zinnias and vibrant purple blazing star, creeping multi-colored moss roses...

then, I am most fortunate to hath been invited to know it— [I smile gladly, and take my seat, the basket of apples set between—

nonsense-! I am sure thy drawings are wonderful-! t-though, art thou certain- to send me a page-? [I begin to fiddle mine fingers sheepishly in my lap] I would be flattered to have a piece...

[mine face constricts- all confusion- then humour] really-? tis funny to hear one such as thee say so of the creature— they are about as handsome as frogs- with none story to tell of becoming a prince—

I hath not thought to, honestly-! I am not often in my chambers, and, I am not used to having a space of mine own— especially not after living monastically for so long... [I say, pensively- whilst idly carving him an apple slice, then offering it out on the tip of mine blade]

I take the apple gratefully, thanking you for it.

“After so long spent in nearly permanent winter, the idea of crawling into a hole in the ground that was warm and not filled with snow became quite appealing.”

permanent winter-? [my brow raises curiously] I hadn't considered such a place were possible— pray, tell me of it-! i-if- I may ask-? [I beg of thee, shying only in poor attempt to dim mine excitement]

"It is nothing compared to the snow we get here," Lark says. He is quiet for a moment, trying to think of how to describe it. "It is cold, of course, but not in the usual way. It is a pervasive thing; it seems to seep into your very marrow, at times. The winds there are frightening, ripping through endless pine forests with screaming force..." he trails off, feeling bad for changing the tone of their conversation.

[I sit quietly listening to him, awestruck, and I feel a prickle o'er my body mere imagining the horrific windforces which he had experienced- and the beauty of the his world in those moments it settled]

“That is very kind of you to say,” I murmur, my cheeks warming slightly. “It is a more optimistic mindset than I allow myself, most days. I shall endeavor to keep that spirit with me.”

Ser Lark tightened the cinch on Vinca’s saddle smoothing the leather over the mare’s rich, chestnut coat. The brown mare snorted, her breath misting slightly in the morning air as Lark secured his bedroll and saddlebags.

Lark is quick to dismount, bowing to the princess as she approaches. Vinca’s ears perk up at the sight and smell of the carrot.

“now here i thought we were familiar enough to do away with the bowing and scraping,” she teases, and pulls him into a brief hug, before turning to vinca.

“I’m not so pale as that,” Lark laughs, returning her hug gladly. “And forgive me the formalities; my hard-ingrained habits are slow to phase out.”

“indeed we shall!” her smile was sweet and genuine, relaxing so easily in his presence. she mounts her horse, empire-waisted light blue dress shifting apart to reveal a split, her bloomers fully visible as she rides astride. “want to race?”

after about 25 minutes of riding away from the city, down a rocky trail, and across the beach, they arrive at a small cottage with a deck that leads out into the ocean

“I didn’t realize you cooked, princess,” Lark says, mildly surprised. He leads Vinca into the stables, removing her tack with practiced ease and brushing her down gently, and leaves her behind with a fond stroke of her forelock.

“tide pool exploration can be added to our itinerary! and yes, the maid who raised me was an excellent cook, and she taught me to make most dishes from scratch, as well as how to bake. truthfully baking is what i prefer, what with my preference for sweet things,” she tosses a wink at lark, grinning teasingly, “but cooking is the more practical. now let’s go get settled.”

Lark shakes his head at the sly flirtation, and follows along with her as she tugs on his hand. He looks around the small space as he passes; it is quiet and comfortable, and he can feel his shoulders drop as he relaxes. The bedroom is so to Elizabeth’s tastes he has to stifle a laugh as he sits down next to her, pressed against her side shoulder to hip.

she glances over, catching his adoring gaze, and elizabeth forgets to breathe. he’s so beautiful too, all boyish charm and crooked smile, eyes full of affection and warmth. she places a soft kiss on his lips, then sits up before she can get distracted again.

Lark feels slightly warm just at the thought of seeing Elizabeth wearing such a thing; though he’s seen her in less (well, nothing at all). He forces himself to focus, changing quickly before she returns, waiting on the side of the bed for her, glancing more around the space. The braies are certainly small, but Lark has long since stopped feeling self-conscious about his body.

she flounces back in and does a twirl, obviously showing off for lark. “well, see larkspur? does it suit me?”

her face is now warm, feeling dizzyingly exposed under his watchful eyes. “i mean- well um- i c- certainly imagined you wearing them while i made them. that’s all i meant but- never mind!!” she squeaks, still unable to take the teasing she doles out.

Lark files away the mumbled comment for later, and takes her hand, taking pity on her pink cheeks and sparing the rest of his teasing. The wooden slats of the dock are sun-warm and aged smooth, and the sight of the wide, glittering, seemingly endless expanse of the sea takes Lark’s breath away, a little.

she squeezes his hand back, walking to the edge of the dock, and just stands there looking out at the endless, beautiful ocean.

The shock of the plunge into the water hits like a physical blow, knocking the breath from Lark’s lungs. He resurfaces, but before he can even sputter, the shock gives way to the joyous sound of her laughter echoing to him.

“oh no. whatever shall i do,” elizabeth deadpans, before diving at him again, attempting to dunk him. “luckily there is no tribunal of judges here to seal my fate!”

Lark meets her lunge solidly, catching her around the waist, unmoved save for a step back into the sand at the bottom to brace himself. He pulls her close, his grin dimming slightly as he catches a look flash through her eyes.

she lets him hold her, and looks at him with a sad smile. “yes. just….. trying not to live in the future. trying to enjoy this moment while i can.”

"Of course, darling," he murmurs, hugging her back just as tightly, pressing a tender kiss to her temple. "I'll always be there for you, hm? No matter what the situation is, or what you do. What else are friends for?"

she yelps at the pinch and smacks his chest with a grin and a wink. “and what a good friend you are!”

a quiet, content moan falls from her lips, his warm lips so soft against her jaw and neck and oh my goodness, that spot under her ear. she pulls on his hair, not to rip him away, but to provide that delicious tension she knows lark loves.

Lark watches her go, admiring her form in the golden light of the evening.

“perfectly comfortable, ser knight,” she whispers into his mouth, smiling softly at this beautiful, kindhearted man she was honored to call her friend and her lover. her body warms under his diligent care, her breath catching whenever his teeth and tongue graze her neck. every kiss felt like an oath of devotion, and every touch of his hands felt like worship. gods, she could lie here forever.

Lark stifles a groan at the sight of her; it never fails to make his heart race.

she hums in approval, arching up into his grounding touch.

Lark hums sympathetically, sitting back on his knees, admiring her. The light of the lowering sun paints her practically golden, her hair glowing.

she lets herself bask in the setting sun and the attentive affection from her lark, spreading her legs wider for him. it’s so nice to be taken care of like this, to look down and see the face of true devotion worshiping her so thoroughly. her quiet sighs and hums of pleasure slowly get louder, moans and whimpers falling off her tongue with every breath.

Lark grins up at her, his eyes half-lidded with want, almost drunk on the feeling of bringing her pleasure.

her whimpers connect into a drawn out whine once his fingers rest inside her, then sharply curl up into her sweet spot. elizabeth’s hips cannot stay still, writhing both away from the stimulation, and up into his mouth harder. it’s so blindingly good, and sensually slow, her thoughts just repeating “mine, mine, all mine,” until the bliss overcomes even those last thoughts.

The sound of her broken voice triggers a white-hot wave of wanting deep in his chest. Lark drinks in every shuddering arch of her hips, tracking the way her fingers tangle desperately into the blanket beneath them as she falls apart against his mouth.

Ser Lark tightened the cinch on Vinca’s saddle smoothing the leather over the mare’s rich, chestnut coat. The brown mare snorted, her breath misting slightly in the morning air as Lark secured his bedroll and saddlebags.

Lark is quick to dismount, bowing to the princess as she approaches. Vinca’s ears perk up at the sight and smell of the carrot.

“now here i thought we were familiar enough to do away with the bowing and scraping,” she teases, and pulls him into a brief hug, before turning to vinca.

“I’m not so pale as that,” Lark laughs, returning her hug gladly. “And forgive me the formalities; my hard-ingrained habits are slow to phase out.”

“indeed we shall!” her smile was sweet and genuine, relaxing so easily in his presence. she mounts her horse, empire-waisted light blue dress shifting apart to reveal a split, her bloomers fully visible as she rides astride. “want to race?”

after about 25 minutes of riding away from the city, down a rocky trail, and across the beach, they arrive at a small cottage with a deck that leads out into the ocean

“I didn’t realize you cooked, princess,” Lark says, mildly surprised. He leads Vinca into the stables, removing her tack with practiced ease and brushing her down gently, and leaves her behind with a fond stroke of her forelock.

“tide pool exploration can be added to our itinerary! and yes, the maid who raised me was an excellent cook, and she taught me to make most dishes from scratch, as well as how to bake. truthfully baking is what i prefer, what with my preference for sweet things,” she tosses a wink at lark, grinning teasingly, “but cooking is the more practical. now let’s go get settled.”

Lark shakes his head at the sly flirtation, and follows along with her as she tugs on his hand. He looks around the small space as he passes; it is quiet and comfortable, and he can feel his shoulders drop as he relaxes. The bedroom is so to Elizabeth’s tastes he has to stifle a laugh as he sits down next to her, pressed against her side shoulder to hip.

she glances over, catching his adoring gaze, and elizabeth forgets to breathe. he’s so beautiful too, all boyish charm and crooked smile, eyes full of affection and warmth. she places a soft kiss on his lips, then sits up before she can get distracted again.

Lark feels slightly warm just at the thought of seeing Elizabeth wearing such a thing; though he’s seen her in less (well, nothing at all). He forces himself to focus, changing quickly before she returns, waiting on the side of the bed for her, glancing more around the space. The braies are certainly small, but Lark has long since stopped feeling self-conscious about his body.

she flounces back in and does a twirl, obviously showing off for lark. “well, see larkspur? does it suit me?”

her face is now warm, feeling dizzyingly exposed under his watchful eyes. “i mean- well um- i c- certainly imagined you wearing them while i made them. that’s all i meant but- never mind!!” she squeaks, still unable to take the teasing she doles out.

Lark files away the mumbled comment for later, and takes her hand, taking pity on her pink cheeks and sparing the rest of his teasing. The wooden slats of the dock are sun-warm and aged smooth, and the sight of the wide, glittering, seemingly endless expanse of the sea takes Lark’s breath away, a little.

she squeezes his hand back, walking to the edge of the dock, and just stands there looking out at the endless, beautiful ocean.

The shock of the plunge into the water hits like a physical blow, knocking the breath from Lark’s lungs. He resurfaces, but before he can even sputter, the shock gives way to the joyous sound of her laughter echoing to him.

“oh no. whatever shall i do,” elizabeth deadpans, before diving at him again, attempting to dunk him. “luckily there is no tribunal of judges here to seal my fate!”

Lark meets her lunge solidly, catching her around the waist, unmoved save for a step back into the sand at the bottom to brace himself. He pulls her close, his grin dimming slightly as he catches a look flash through her eyes.

she lets him hold her, and looks at him with a sad smile. “yes. just….. trying not to live in the future. trying to enjoy this moment while i can.”

"Of course, darling," he murmurs, hugging her back just as tightly, pressing a tender kiss to her temple. "I'll always be there for you, hm? No matter what the situation is, or what you do. What else are friends for?"

she yelps at the pinch and smacks his chest with a grin and a wink. “and what a good friend you are!”

a quiet, content moan falls from her lips, his warm lips so soft against her jaw and neck and oh my goodness, that spot under her ear. she pulls on his hair, not to rip him away, but to provide that delicious tension she knows lark loves.

Lark watches her go, admiring her form in the golden light of the evening.

“perfectly comfortable, ser knight,” she whispers into his mouth, smiling softly at this beautiful, kindhearted man she was honored to call her friend and her lover. her body warms under his diligent care, her breath catching whenever his teeth and tongue graze her neck. every kiss felt like an oath of devotion, and every touch of his hands felt like worship. gods, she could lie here forever.

Lark stifles a groan at the sight of her; it never fails to make his heart race.

she hums in approval, arching up into his grounding touch.

Lark hums sympathetically, sitting back on his knees, admiring her. The light of the lowering sun paints her practically golden, her hair glowing.

she lets herself bask in the setting sun and the attentive affection from her lark, spreading her legs wider for him. it’s so nice to be taken care of like this, to look down and see the face of true devotion worshiping her so thoroughly. her quiet sighs and hums of pleasure slowly get louder, moans and whimpers falling off her tongue with every breath.

Lark grins up at her, his eyes half-lidded with want, almost drunk on the feeling of bringing her pleasure.