Kennelmistress' Cottage

[Barley]

Saesha was not approving of her dismissive tone, but knew when to quit when she was ahead.

"Of course, See you at the tourney, you must be so excited." With that she left, to find more civilised company.

[Bret]

Aelison shook her head as her cousin's wife left. Shimmying into her leathers, rushing to pull her hair back,"I can't believe I just let her talk into moving into the keep...."

[The Raven]

***

Hoster Shoreham and his lordly father arrived after the melee, attended by a pair servants. Lord Oswell rode his own horse, which was lead by his son on foot to the cottage as they spoke a great deal.

There was no sign of the perpetually glowering Alester.

[Bret]

Aelison was goofing around with Clout, when she stood up to see the approaching horse. Both her and the dog were slightly dirty as she smiled at Hoster, but she then glanced at his father,"Lord Shoreham, please excuse my state.. I rarely get time with this one as he is a bit of a goof." She patted his head, the dog barked happily.

"What brings you two by here, Milord", she asked.

[The Raven]

"Oh, Hoster said you were lovely, and no amount of dirt could argue with him on that account. Help me down, son." When the old man was on his feet, he dusted his clothes off as he spoke. "In my youth, I was quite the jouster, but now I am proud that I can still saddle a horse."

He knelt down. "Is he a friendly one, your Clout? Or is he bred for war like your cousin Belric?"

[Bret]

Aelison blushed slightly under the small patches of dirt on her face,"Thank you Lord Shoreham...", she looked at Hoster wth another smile.

"I am sure, you are just fine", she watched him as he approached Clout. The hound tilted his head curiously, sniffing his hand.

"Oh no, he is bred for it. All of the dogs have their personality, but they will do their duty when it's time."

[The Raven]

"Well, there's little more can be asked of most of us." Lord Shoreham stood. "Well... I think that will conclude my sightseeing for the day. After seeing my son's fancy, there can't be aught in this castle left to dazzle me in one day."

He returned to his horse, which a servant assisted him in mounting. "I think I have no more need of you this day, my son. Enjoy yourselves." He leaned forward as he looked at the pair with a solemn expression. "My bones tell me joy will be a rare commodity again before long."

[Bret]

Her cheeks were a little more blushed at his comment. "Again, I thank you for the compliment, Lord Shoreham, but for right now I think trouble is a long way off."

"I think things should be happy for a time", she replied as he sat on his steed. "And truth be told, I rather enjoy your son's company", smiling at Hoster.