Summer 1094 SR
On the spur of the moment, they decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and saddled up their horses for an afternoon ride. Ludwig, trying to be chivalrous, volunteered to help with Charlaine"s horse, but the smith quickly informed him his assistance was neither needed nor warranted.
“It’s a poor horsewoman who can’t look after her own mount,” she said.
He finally surrendered to the inevitable and sat atop his own mount as she tightened Emerald’s straps. They set off at a brisk pace, the smith eager to begin.
“Why the hurry?” he asked. “We’ve got all afternoon.”
“True, but I didn’t ask my father if I could go.”
“Why not?”
“Better to beg forgiveness than ask permission,” Charlaine admitted. “And I don’t want anything to ruin this perfect day.”
“I don’t know that
