Thundering Hooves (Amelia/Open)

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The stables were interesting these days to say the least. Ever since she came back before midwinter the stables had to accommodate the drakes. Or at least a few; most of the flight had been sent back to Palico; however a handful remained to help patrol the borders of Nova. That meant however that accommodations had to be made. Originally the flight camped out; however as months passed a section of the large stables had been renovated.

The Royal Stables was an impressive site of its own; taking up a good portion of land that was located close to the training grounds. They had five sixteen stalled stables; two large tack and hay barns, and finally two large fifteen acre pastures. The stables themselves employed several stable hands which cared for the animals belonging to the palace residence. Most of the nobility horses were kept in the stables, while the other horses were turned loose in the pasture which had various forms of shelter. Recently however one barn was converted into a barn for the drakes; keeping them separate from there eatable counterparts. Aria was on her way to visit this stable in particular; as she was in charge of overseeing any care given to the drakes belonging to Palico.

Aria was dressed for the nice warm spring morning; she wore a graceful assemble of clothes that were functional yet feminine. She wore a long white coat that was made out of cotton with a chiffon overlay. The sleeves were capped short; allowing her arms to be bare. Decorating one of her arms with gold bangles; while the other had a black dagger tattoo prominently displayed on her forearm. The dress coat had a high open collar; the lining of the collar being a deep red while the outside had gold embroidery which wrapped around and plunged into a v neck style tapering off before extending again down the front hem of the coat in an hour glass fashion. The embroidery also decorated the shoulders of the jacket. The coat itself was form fitting up to her hips before flaring out; the bottom hem being lightly embroidered with small gold flowers. The bottom hem of the coat stopping just below her knees; allowing another layer of fabric to be seen underneath. This fabric was a light grey blue with silver embroidery, the loose fabric extending to mid shin height. Underneath that she wore tight fitting white pants which were tucked into ankle high brown leather boots. Besides for the bangles Aria wore one other bit of jewelry; that was two pendent necklaces. One was a silver locket with a round face with a shiny opal in the front of the intricately carved metal. The second was a clear glass locket on a gold chain which inside contained bits of lucky plants and tiny precious magical gems. One was a gift from the Duchess Melda the other from Princess Lucinda.

Aria wore her dark red hair in a tight fish tail braid; the braid wrapping around a strip of leather with sharp spikes hidden from view…but certainly a nasty surprise to anyone who decided to grab the long braid which ended at her hips. Her bangs were swept off to one side; clearly revealing the large scar that blazed up one side of her face. The scar itself was prominent no matter how she wore her hair; as it did mar half of her face. Her eyes were lined with black kohl; making the blue green of her eyes stand out from thick dark eyelashes. This was the only makeup she wore; as she did not bother with the rest. She tucked a stray hair that managed to escape the braid, behind a slightly pointed ear which resembled an elves. The tips of her ears twitching every now and then as she picked up different sounds that traveled throughout the stables.

Seeing how the stable was far from where she was; Aria decided to hop the fence to cut through one of the pastures. So with a quick hop she flipped herself over the fence and into the pasture. Her mind traveling to greet the inhabitants which were currently out of sight. She felt the pricks of recognition as she continued on her way. About five minutes into her walk she saw the first furry head pop over one of the hills. Even though she enjoyed hanging with the more predatory animals; Aria enjoyed horses just as much. After all she grew up with Briar, an old black war horse back where she grew up. Being around other horses reminded her of him; that and the fact her first steady income was working as a stable hand when she was sixteen. It was nice to be around something that brought some nostalgia to her. She stopped and waited for the horse which was now trotting down the hill toward her to greet her….Aria raised a delicate red eyebrow as she noticed the horse still had a halter with a lead line attached to it. Meaning the horse had to get away from someone.



Outfit

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Amelia was trying to keep up with the horse Nuggets that had run off. Amelia finally caught up and saw Nuggets with someone. She ran down the hill and stopped once she was with Nuggets again. Amelia said "Thanks for staying with my horse, I was worried I wasn't going to be able to find him"

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The horse well not really a horse more of a pony by its height; ran towards her. Its ears pricked forward in a friendly greeting. It was a pretty pony, good stalky build, bit on the plump side but healthy looking overall. Its coloring was light tan with specks of white; its main an even lighter shade of cream. Aria smiled as the pony came up and stuck its nose in her out stretched palm. With her other hand she took hold of the lead line; just in case if it decided to trot off in another direction. ”Friendly fellow aren’t you” Aria ran her hand over the ponies snout; looking up as she heard hurried footsteps approach. She wasn’t surprised to see someone chasing after the equine.

Aria waited patiently as the caretaker approached; taking in the caretakers appearance as she did so. From this point of view the person had a lack of curves so it was hard to tell if the person approaching her was female or not; but it would seem they were the same height as her at least. When they finally did get to Aria she still couldn’t tell. This person was either a very pretty boy whose voice hadn’t hit puberty yet, or a female. But when they thanked her Aria inclined her head in acknowledgment. ”Really was no trouble at all; and I can see why you’d be worried it’s a large pasture.” She scratched the friendly ponies nose before handing the lead line to the person. ”Are you one of the care takers employed by the castle?”

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Amelia looked at Nuggets and then back to the girl and said "Yes I'm employed as the Royal Stable Hand, What's your name?" Amelia was very relieved that her pony Nuggets was ok. Amelia always liked it outside, because she thinks it's relaxing. She was surrounded by Trees and flowers. Amelia doesn't talk to a lot of people besides her horse, so she was curious to know who this girl infront of her is. "Nuggets is a very friendly horse with some depending on who it is"

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Yuki had gotten a little free time was heading to the stables for two reasons the first was to check on Aolani and take her out to the pasture since she knew that her horse didn't like being cooped up in the stables and the second was to visit an old friend. Since her 'sickness', almost marriage, living like a commoner and taking over the family business along with magic lessons she hadn't had much time to visit a childhood friend and she felt bad for it. Not wanting to stand out too much she 'borrowed' one of the maid's outfits dressed in a long blue-grey dress with cream trim she had decided to skip over the apron and paired it with a pair of the matching blue-gray slip on shoes. As for her hair, she paired it with one of her white hair ribbons tieing it at the end of her hair, giving a look in the mirror other than her hair and eyes she could pass for a servant as long as no one looked too closely. Slipping into one of her lighter spring coats it was darker



Quickly leaving her room she made her way down to the stables avoiding any of the head maids not wanting to explain why she was yet again dressed below her station. Finally making it to the stables she asked around if anyone has been Amelia hearing that she was out in the meadow she walked out into the meadow and called out for Aolani knowing that the winged horse would most likely outside not having to wait too long she saw Aolani galloping towards her. Giving her a pet and thanking her for coming she quickly mounted the horse deciding to leave the saddle behind. Lending to the mane she told Aolani that she needed her to find where Amelia was.



After a quick flight across the pasture, she saw two people asking Aolani to land she allowed the horse to ran up to them. Quickly recognising Aria she with her red hair seeing the person next Aria she hopped off the horse and ran towards Amelia excited to see her friend. "Amelia! How are you I missed you." Remembering that Aria was with them. "Good Morning La- I mean Aria."

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Well this was amusing, someone who didn’t recognize her. It was nice to have a little anonymity, she had little of it since last spring. After all between becoming Sadens champion; put on an execution block, only to become a foreign duchess shortly after, didn’t exactly leave oneself out of the topic of conversation. But since a girl who very much worked in the palace had absolutely no clue, it also meant that she had no fear. Aria also noted the girl demanded a name before giving out her own…really a palace stable hand should know better. Aria was about to respond when another voice rang out; Aria looked over as a winged horse along with its rider ran up. It was Yuki; who quickly jumped off to greet her friend. Aria raised her eyebrow; normally it was custom to greet the person of a higher rank first….but Aria was not complaining she just gave Yuki a smile and nod when she greeted her using her first name. She had given the girl permission to do so, so she was fine with it. ”Good morning Yuki; who’s this? Aria motioned towards the winged horse and held out her hand for it to sniff. It was a pretty beast. Perhaps she should look into purchasing a couple to keep on her island. She did have the drakes but for guest they seemed to be a little intimidating.

Aria turned back to the stable hand, ”My name is Aria Wurud; I assume you are Amelia. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Aria turned back to Yuki with a smile. ”I was just going to inspect the flight’s accommodations….plus pick up the stuff I have stored there. Would either of you like to join me? Should be safe enough as long as you two stay close.” The drakes weren’t exactly beasts one could go up and visit. They allowed their handlers into the pens; but others were a different story. The castle staff tended to keep away from that stable in fear of getting burnt to a crisp. It was the Palico handlers that had stayed to continue to care for the beasts. A tour of the facilities would be something not normally offered. ”I think Noky is over there as well”

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Amelia was wearing a Green dress, although she prefers red, She felt like wearing Green that day. The meadow she was in was surrounded with beautiful flowers, trees and birds. Amelia saw Yuki and was very excited, because she hasn't seen her close friend in a while. Amelia responded to Yuki saying "It's so good to see you, I missed you too" Amelia didn't want to ignore Aria's question, Amelia often was bad at paying attention when she's excited. She responded to Aria I'm good here, "I have a lot of work to do at the stables, but thanks for the invite."

Amelia really wanted to spend time with Yuki. She hasn't seen Yuki in so long, she was so excited to see her. Amelia knew she had to get back to the stables with Nuggets though, because she had some work to do of taking care of the horses. Amelia decided to ask if Yuki wanted to go with her. "Yuki, do you want to come to the stables with me? Aria you can come to if you want"

[Yuki D'Avranches]

"This is Aolani." Yuki said noticing that Aria had motion towards the horse, she giggled a little when Aolani neighed happily to get some attention. She watched as Aolani walked up to Aria and sniffed her hand and turn her ears forward and had an eager expression honestly the horse was weird sometimes she would trust other people but would only allow Yuki to ride her. Wrapping her arms around Amelia giving her a hug it felt good to see an old friend and act a little bit goofy even if it was only for a few moments. At the mention of getting an idea of getting a personal guided tour through the drake facility, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity but she also didn't want to turn down spending them with a friend. Then there was still the mention that turning down an offer of a higher ranking noble was considered rude. Plus she did want to see Noky he was adorable the last time she saw him other than the fact that he happens to chase cats.


Thinking for a moment on how to make the best out of a difficult situation. "Amelia let's go with Aria. It is a once in a life time opportunity and if anyone asked I'll say that I asked you to help me with caring for Aolani. Or we can say that you were getting some hands-on experiences on how to handle drakes I don't think anyone would question it too much." She said then turn to look at Aria wondering if she could help her out a bit. "Plus some of the drakes are very adorable." Turning to look at Amelia giving her big wide puppy dog eyes praying that she might give in this one time.

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Aria smiled as Aolani came up; she pet the winged horses nose gently. ’You are gorgeous; and I love your name. Aolani, I’ll have to remember that one it rolls of the tongue quite nicely.’ Aria spoke to the horse telepathically; not needing to speak the words aloud. So the other two could go about their business without being none the wiser that Aria was speaking to Yuki’s horse. Aria turned her head as Amelia turned down her invite; causing Aria to blink. Really? Usually servants stammered yes m’am or certainly m’am….especially around the castle. They had contact with Severine way to long to be anything but skittish. Worse this one turned around and put Yuki in a difficult position; it was rude to decline an invitation from someone of a higher rank. It was also rude, stable hand or not, to outright make a different invitation before the other was declined. Not to mention she completely forgot to introduce herself or confirm she was indeed Amelia. Apparently pleasantries were reserved only for friends.

At least she thanked her for the invite; that was something. She also extended her invitation to include her as well. Though first name basis when her last name had been given was also a bit rude. Aria had to wonder exactly how long Amelia had been employed in the stables to be lacking on so much etiquette. Aria inclined her head in thanks, “I’ll have to decline I’m afraid, it has been far too long since I’ve last inspected the drakes housing. I would not put it past my men to have slacked off while I have been cooped up ill.” Yuki would at least know Aria was in charge of the drakes; along with the flight that was stationed in Nova. As a commander and trainer she had a duty to make sure everything was kept in order and up to her standards.

Yuki’s answer to a difficult position was admirable; Yuki had seemed to be improving the past year that Aria had known the girl. She would have to let her know when she got the girl alone, honestly her improvement was impressive. Aria chuckled when Yuki mentioned some of the drakes being adorable; she was happy someone else agreed. ”Noky is still adorable because he’s young; most people are scared by a giant lizard that could breathe fire at them. Even I have to admit drakes do not have the most friendly dispositions…there more likely to eat their handlers then they are not. However the king of Palico has tasked me to begin a breeding program in an attempt to create house friendly drakes. Which means probably by the fall season I’ll have a litter that needs to be socialized. Since most people are skittish around drakes I’m looking for people who will be comfortable enough around them. Would you be interested? I would need to train you on some handling techniques and set you up with some equipment. But I could use the help.” Yuki also knew how most nobility acted and what they’d probably look for in a companion. She actually could be a lot of help.

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Amelia was thinking about what Yuki said, she was scared of the drakes, because of how they breathe fire. Amelia also hadn't seen Yuki in a long time though and really wanted to hang out with her. Amelia responded to Yuki saying "Ok I'll come, even though I'm a little nervous about the drakes." Amelia was thankful that she got invited but nervous about the drakes. She was afraid of being burned. Amelia really wanted to spend time with Yuki though.

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Aolani heard the voice in her mind and looked at Aria almost imitating Yuki's side head tilt. "Thank you, Miss Wurud. I wasn't aware that there was another that could speak with me like this minus the young one there." Aolani responded to Aria was she turned and looked at Amelia before returning her attention to little Yuki.


Yuki was glad Amelia agreed for two reasons one being that this way they didn't insult Lady Aria even if it was unintentional and also she did want to see Noky he was a cute drake. "It's okay Amelia just pretend that the drakes are horses with scales and claws." She said trying to ease some of her nervousness cause she wasn't sure but she did believe that most animals could sense when someone was nervous or afraid of them.


The idea of learning how to handle a drake did appeal to her and if she could do it with Amelia it would be fun. Those she was a bit worried about her having her exam for the Arch coming up and possible become a student the chances of her being able to spend time travelling between the castle and school while still keeping up her work she would have to work on but for now she was excited. "I wouldn't mind helping Aria, though I am a little worried about house friendly drakes?"


When Aria decided to lead them towards the drake's housing before walking away she would give Aolani a hug before leaving. "Stay safe Aolani I'll be back promise." Falling in with Amelia a little behind Aria so they can catch up a little. "Has anything new happen since we last spoke?"

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Aria just smiled at Yuki’s horse; she could communicate with more than just horses. However she did gained a bit of valuable knowledge from the equine. The young girl over there was possibly phioric; or partially so. Aria turned to Amelia and she motioned towards Aolani. ”She has informed me you’re able to communicate with her. May I ask; are you a phioric? Or at least partially so?” So since coming here to Nova, she had met a snake phioric, a cat, a bear, a gorge hound and whatever that dog thing was. If she was an equine phioric she could add that to the list. Aria nodded as Amelia agreed to visit with the drakes; her smile never leaving her face. ”If it makes you feel better, I’m the personal trainer for the Palico Army of the Drakes. You’ll be find so long as you are with me.”

As Aria led the way to the Drake stables she listened to Yuki’s concerns chuckling. ”Honestly Silas had the idea after seeing Noky during the dinner party. Honestly I think he made up the story to save face with his uncle; however he ended up liking the idea so much he tasked me to carry it out. Basically instead of picking the drakes with the high drive that we do for the army, we’ll be picking the ones with a more docile temper and breeding them. There are already a few specimens back in Palico that didn’t quite make the cut for the army that we can work with. I’ll be transporting them to my home down south to begin with.” Aria already had a plan and method to go about this; and had talked with Silas about a realistic time line with the progress. This time he was a little more accepting of the time line then he had been with the drake army.

As they reached the stable reserved for the Drakes Aria turned around to face both girls. ”Ok few quick rules, keep your hands in close, eyes on your fingers, do not make direct eye contact with the drakes, they take that as a sign of a challenge and unless you can take down a full grown drake you might not want to do so. IF caught on fire stop drop and roll; really the first blasts are just to catch you not roast you. They find it funny when people panic. Try not to be twitchy or jumpy; elsewise you make yourself a target. With that said fallow me ladies” Aria turned around an swung the doors open and walked in side. The stables themselves had been altered to have a sandy bedding in each stall, the wood beams had been removed and replaced with either stone or with thick metal bars. One could even note many fire warding enchantments carved into the stone work itself. A portion of the drakes were out on patrol, leaving the barn somewhat empty besides for maybe two or three which had probably just been relieved of night shift. They currently were lazily sleeping away.