Closed [The Aylasa Caves] About That Breakfast...(Markus Andres)

[Grace]

72nd Day of Summer, 510AV First Light outside the entry to the Aylasa Caves Markus [closed] Grace sat on a large boulder, stroking Jasper's mane as she watched the path to the caves. Packed for a trip of several days she waited, hoping that her letter reached its intended, and that he might choose to accompany her, at least that was her hope when she'd left the note in the Stone Garden where they'd met. Markus, I know that my behavior does not deserve a second chance. But I hope you may consider giving me one in spite of it. I had to leave, there are things I've been enlisted to do that are my responsibility, I know you can understand this. Perhaps you would join me - help me accomplish my work and allow me to enjoy your company. Make no mistake, I did enjoy your company. I could even supply the breakfast this time. If you choose to come, I will wait outside the Aylasa Caves tomorrow at first light, I hope you do. Yours, Grace Grace played with the chain around her neck, fidgeting with the strange old keys that hung there. Jasper tossed his head and nickered softly. "Yes. I imagine if he were coming, he would already be here. Must you be so impatient? " Grace spoke to her horse as though he would respond, having spent so much time alone, the only real conversation she had most days was the human to animal shorthand she'd created with Jasper. But she'd waited long enough, clearly, Markus had chosen other distractions, and she really did not blame him. Within her life, Grace had learned to count on two things, her wits, and the inconsistency of others. Though her morning with Markus had been the most lovely she'd spent in memory, she'd felt her guard dropping, and she couldn't abide that happening, at least not within the city. In her own world, the place she felt most in control, she could afford to let him in...a little. So, the invitation. A sad smile curled her lips, perhaps another day. She slid off her perch and began checking to see that all her tools and journals were safely stowed, she quietly hummed a playful tune to herself and Jasper. "Looks like it's you and me again. It's a good thing you do not tire of my company. She pulled a piece of dried apple from her pocket and held it under his velvety nose, laughing as searching lips tickled the palm of her hand. "Let's go." She gave a gentle pat to his hindquarter and headed toward the mouth of the cave.

[Markus Andres]

Markus was out on his regular jog. Bastard strapped across his shoulders. He ran into the stone garden. Paying his respect to the fallen knights as he often did. His eyes went to the place he had spoken to the woman, Grace. It stabbed at his heart that she had just left him like that when he had been getting clean clothes. But he assumed she had had better things to do. But he tilted his head as something caught his eye. A piece of paper or parchment. He never seemed to remember the difference between the two. He picked it up. Mighty surprised to find it was addressed to him. Markus spun around before reading the letter. Half expecting a gang of squires to jump out and laugh at him or his master ready to lecture him about not being distracted by trivial things. But as he read the letter. He found the letter anything but trivial. He clutched it tightly and read it again. And then a third time. The Aylysa caves. He had a good explanation for why she had stood him up. It had been nagging him greatly. Markus ran, no sprinted, all the way to his shared room. Got out of his dirty clothes and wore a clean... well, cleaner, set of clothes. Before he was off again. To find his master. To sort everything out for the next day. Make up some lie about why he had to go into the wilderness. Get supplies. Get equipment. But he most of all, wanted to go right away, but his rational side felt that was rather pointless, as Grace would not be there before the next day. Although that was what he really wanted. - The next day. - Markus felt strange. Butterflies in his stomach. It had taken his master a long time to explain Markus where this place was. Markus had never been here before, heard of it, never visited it. So naturally, he had gotten lost and had to backtrack and find the correct trail. The horse between his legs seemed eager to run off and enjoy the freedom from the stables. But Markus managed to keep the equine creature steady and calm. He could not arrive riding a wild beast, would not be befitting of a squire of the Syliran Knights. He loved the outsides. But he was not fooled by the beauty, he knew danger lurked everywhere. That was why he had a shield, borrowed, courtesy of the knights, across his back and his bastard sword strapped to his belt. He had explained to his master that he wanted to some wilderness training. Learn to survive a little on his own. His master had not been happy about that idea, last time Markus had returned near death with Rhuryc. But at last he had relented. Markus found the caves. At last. It was late morning. But the sun was already high in the sky. That was summer for you. Syna graced you with her presence for most of a day. It was lovely. Markus smiled and dismounted outside the mouth of the cave. Eager to find Grace if she was there. "Hello? Are you here Grace?" He called out. He could see fresh prints from a horse. So, someone had been here recently, that much was certain. Still, his hand rested upon the hilt of his blade. Waiting for some sort of response.

[Grace]

As she stood just inside the mouth of the cave, Grace checked once again to make sure she had everything she needed. You're stalling. She could almost hear Jasper saying the words when he let out a small snort. Her procrastination had served to give Markus every opportunity to join her, but now it was time to go. The sun was already high in the sky and she hoped to be deep in the heart of the caves by mid day. "Fine... we are going. She wrapped her fingers around the pommel of her saddle, and was about to swing onto Jasper's back when she heard the stuttered hoofbeat of an approaching horse. A lopsided grin curled her lips and she slowly turned to walk to the cave mouth, a cautious hand resting on the grip of her blade. Hello? Are you here Grace? Her fears were waylaid, and she nearly burst into a run toward the voice, but instead she took a long breath, walking with a cool composed gait. In no time at all, she reached the cave's entrance and took a spot against the rocky surface, leaning on her elbow with her arm casually dangling behind her head. She watched him for a few moments before speaking, leading his horse, his hand poised on his sword. The similarity in their approach was not lost on Grace. "You found my letter." A gentle push off the wall sent her walking toward Markus. "Are you ready for an adventure?" She smiled as she reached him, resting a soft touch on his shoulder before she leaned in and brushed a light kiss on his cheek, just missing his lips. His skin warmed beneath her kiss and as she pulled away, she paused, veiled gray eyes taking in his face for a lingering moment. "We should be on our way. You have yet to meet Jasper." She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth while wearing a sweet smile and Markus' horse began to move behind her. For several moments, she walked in front of Markus saying nothing, her long graceful strides falling in syncopated time with the sound of the horses hooves on the ground as it followed her like a puppy. "I have a way with horses." She spun to face him as she continued to walk, navigating the distance to the cave without the benefit of sight; clearly, she'd been here before. Watching Markus walk behind her, Grace could not help but think about his chosen path, so very different from her own. He will make a fine knight. She had the highest hope that one day they would not end up at odds with one another. But for the moment... an adventure. "I'm so happy you came." Her spoken word was not loud, but the sincerity of the statement could not be doubted. A bright sparkle flashed in her eyes before she turned to face the path ahead, making her way into the mouth of the cave. "We will walk for a bit,and then I will make you the breakfast I promised." Her pace altered to match his, aligning them side by side. "Get a move on." She spoke to Jasper as they reached him, receiving a toss of his head in acknowledgement just before he started walking. Without any guidance, Jasper sidled into the space between Markus and Grace, offering a substantial barrier between them. Grace grinned, stooping as she walked, to peer beneath the curve of Japser's neck. "This is Jasper." She laughed, watching Markus' stomach for a moment before she straightened up to her full height. "He is my guardian."

[Markus Andres]

My apologies for the long wait.

An unexpectedly warm smile crossed his lips when he saw Grace come waltzing out of the cave. His hand, automatically, moved away from the hilt of his sword. There was no danger. He nodded when she stated the obvious and added the prospect of adventure. He considered his nod short and curt, if not cool. But in fact he was nodding a little sheepishly and far from cool at all. A deep flush would appear on his face when she moved into his personal space. Then bypassed that and went directly into his personal skin and grazed his cheek with a kiss. It felt like his cheeks were burning. His green eyes not daring to move away from her face. The warm smile was still on his lips. But it was frozen with shock and bewilderment. He was at a loss for what to do. How to react. Would someone give him an enemy where he knew how to react! The moment seemed to drag on forever. The colour in his cheeks deepening and his eyes unable to waver from her beautiful face. She broke that trance. By clicking with her tongue and mentioning a "Jasper?" He made the motion if to say the word, but not a sound escaped his lips. Who was Jasper? Did she have a fiancé? He followed behind her, heavy hearted and his mind still tumbling over several obstacles and desperately trying to get back on its metaphorical feet. A feat it was exceptionally bad at. He looked at her horse and all his mind could register was: Yup, that was indeed a horse. Even his own horse abandoned him to and went with Grace. Not that he could blame it. "You don't say." He managed to quack out. His mind starting to get back into working condition. She walked the path with ease. All the while looking at him. That was impressive. Either she had a talent for blind walking, or she knew the place very well. Markus would have assumed the latter, but at the moment his mind was not in the condition to make such logical connections. Instead, he was just impressed. His eyes managed to divert away from her and at the cave. Yep, that's a cave. But he did manage to notice details. It was a rather large cave. At least that he noticed. He had over heard people speak of this place. Markus realized he had forgotten to pester his master about these caves. Might have been able to impress the woman before him. No such luck now. "Are these caves dangerous?" Markus asked. He looked to her side. That strange weapon. He was actually very impressed that she dared be out in the wilderness alone. She must be quite well-versed in the use of that weapon, however strange it seemed. Then something lifted from his heart. Jasper wasn't some other guy. It was her horse! How relieved he felt when she said that. "And that sounds good, I am quite hungry. Took longer than I expected to come out here. Took a wrong turn somewhere and I got lost..." He let a hand slide through his hair and looked sheepishly. "Hello there Jasper. Guardian of Grace." Markus said clapping the horse on its muscular neck, while smirking at his own title-giving. But if he leaned away from Markus, Markus would step away and give him the space he needed. But Markus was a bit annoyed the big oaf had put itself right between Markus and Grace. "Quite a beauty. How long have you had Jasper?" He tried to start so many small talks that Grace must be overwhelmed by his many questions and excuses and what not.