Secret Plans

First Snow.

Erlont had been looking forward to the season's first snow for weeks now; anticipation building in his chest like water behind a damn fit to burst. The autumn moons had grown cold though, and dark clouds had begun to gather over the western mountains. Perhaps today would be the day, and the thought had him nervous for his plan to take shape, but also excited. More than once that day Master Ravon had admonished him for grinning like an idiot, much like he was doing now while polishing tack for the chocobos.

The summer had been arid, the autumn windy and yet more dry. So much so that the supply of good crops had dwindled to the bare minimum and prices had soared. He was tired of it, and it would be good to have a break in the drought with a blanket of snow. If the skywatchers were right and the building grey clouds over the distant mountains any judge, he would get his wish. Though for all the pains of the summer and fall, all the meager rations and hard work to train and learn his master's craft, the seasons would still be remembered fondly in some way. Each week a new experience with Avianne. Each time was filled with laughs and more conversation than Erlont usually had with anyone at the stables or the close-at-hand Camp Dragonhead.

Looking back on it he realized only after the fact that it was the first snow of the previous year had brought House Vorard to the stables. Each week through the winter he had enjoyed the company of his new friend. Avianne, through no small feat of negotiation and promises to her father, had been permitted to come to the stables once a week. Of course that was only true if she attended to all her other tasks and studies with expected diligence. 

Erlont still remembered when she listed everything she had to do each week. From lessons with her mother on household running, time with the staff to learn business aspects of House Vorard, to magical tutoring which she showed great aptitude for. It made his day-to-day life at the stables seem painfully dull by comparison. Though she wasn't a member of one of the Major Houses, Lord Vorard clearly didn't care. He pushed his daughter to the brink, always to learn something, always to perfect whatever she was working on. Erlont saw it sometimes, straining through her perfect smile and demeanor. Something in her eyes that always let him know if she was having a bad day. In some ways, he liked those days best because by the time she had to leave again, she seemed more cheerful and he liked to think he had some small part in that. 

He looked up from his work to peer out the tiny window to the distant towers of Ishguard. The spires of the city gleamed in the chill of near winter, defiant against the coming storm. Any moment now her carriage would be descending the winding streets and out across the great bridge. His stomach squirmed uncomfortably and he bent his head to his work, polishing the same bit of leather for the fifth time without realizing it.

Of course, aside from the snow, his little plan was resting on who would accompany her. No matter what he would have to contend with a blond-haired squire, the same one that had accompanied the family on that first visit. He was a tall elezen with broad shoulders and a build that spoke to his martial skill. He always had a slightly tired expression but he never strayed far from Avianne until she was secure inside the stables. Then he would go and sit with the carriage driver to await her return. Erlont didn't know much about this man as he rarely ever spoke and while Avianne looked at him with the same affection that she did her blood-born brothers she didn't speak much about him either. Erlont only knew that soon he would be sanctified as a knight.

In addition to the soon-to-be-knight Avianne was usually escorted by a sternfaced female attendant. This attendant with her falcon-sharp eyes and sour face, like she just took a bite of bad cheese, was the one to worry about. She would give him no quarter for what he had in mind. A woman of iron resolve and unwavering duty, would not do at all. She wouldn't hear anything beyond Lord Vorard's instructions. With Master Ravon's permission, Erlont was the one to coach Avianne on her riding which meant they spent several hours together uninterrupted save for the ever-watchful attendant. Avianne had always been strict in her belief that she and Erlont had to be very careful with how they conducted themselves together lest any suspicion that she was not comporting herself as a lady should reach Lord Vorard.

But if one of her brothers came there was a chance they could be reasoned with. A slim chance. 

The morning drug on painfully slow. Each minuet unto an hour in Erlont's mind. Yet he went about his daily tasks as expected. Polish and clean the tack used the day prior, lay down new straw in the pens that had been mucked out, check the larder stocks, instruct the other boys on winter preparations at the stables, bring out the young chicks that had hatched that fall and their mothers to let them play in the fields. This year ten had hatched, all in fine healthy condition, their soft down the color of soot and each as fluffy as a dandelion puff.

He was watching the two largest ones play fight with one another, amusing himself by considering names for them. As his work with Master Ravon progressed he knew it wasn't yet time for him to start naming the chicks but perhaps in a few years. He was still learning to read people and animals like the old man and until he could he wouldn't feel comfortable with any name he offered. Still, he tried. He closed his eyes and tried to extend his energy beyond his body. Pushing past the bounds of himself and enforcing his will on the world around him by altering the balance of things wasn't natural to him. With his physical presence or with aether, he soon gave up and just went back to simply watching. He had thought to ask Avianne but something always stopped him. 

Frowning at his continued struggle with this aspect of his training he hadn't heard Oshisk approaching from behind. But the mothers did. A chorus of hissing and warning whistles announced the boy's presence. "I still don't know why they let you so close!" 

Erlont stood and peered at the other boy with a raised brow but didn't say anything. 

"It doesn't matter how much time I spend with them the moment their eggs are laid they want nothing to do with me. I wonder what I'm doing wrong." Oshisk was a short stocky boy for his age, only fourteen to Erlont's seventeen, and he was clumsy, loud, and much too eager for his own good. And worst of all he was Erlont's best friend. When Erlont still said nothing Oshisk sighed dramatically, "Well are you going or not?"

Erlont frowned for a moment and then his stomach dropped to his boots and he had to suppress the grin that started to spread across his lips. Not that it mattered apparently as Oshisk chuckled, "I saw the carriage coming down the road and figured you would owe me if I took over the watch from you."

Erlont jogged forward to the boy and nodded, "Thanks... Oshisk. You can have my supper."

Oshisk gave the much taller boy a shove, "Go on before I change my mind!" 

Erlont sprinted for the main paddock resolved to go hungry that night but not caring. 

When he arrived he had still beaten the carriage to the stone courtyard and gathering his breath he ordered Etie for Lady Avianne to be saddled and taken to the arena. Soon Master Ravon joined him, no doubt having seen the carriage come down the road from his offices. The older elezen gave Erlont a small nod before standing beside him and placing his hands behind his back to wait. "How are the little ones?"

"Good- strong today. They're starting to wander farther afield."

He hummed in acknowledgment as if it were to be expected, "And your attempts?"

Erlont hesitated for only a second, "I'm still struggling."

"Hmm." From the corner of Erlont's eye Master Ravon's stance didn't shift, nor did he look as if he disapproved or was surprised. "You have it in you, boy. It may not be strong but you've got to work at it like you do aught else. Perhaps try while touching the object you're trying to understand. The physical contact may assist."

Erlont only nodded and if there was to be more to the lesson it was cut short as the carriage pulled into the stone courtyard. The simple carriage was pulled by two large chocobos, their black plumage in stark contrast to the white paint of the carriage. The door of the carriage was emblazoned with the crest of House Vorard. A shield backdrop with two crossed lances with a lit lantern resting on top of them, flanked on both sides with bluebell flowers, and at the bottom, above the motto were two silver lilies- an addition from Lady Vorard's original house. 

Master Ravon approached the carriage as the driver stepped down and opened the door. Erlont cursed inwardly as he saw the attendant greet the chocobo master followed by the blond-haired squire who was silent as usual. Erlont remained just out of earshot of polite conversation though he could easily hear the benign pleasantries between the two. He was paying attention instead to Avianne as she stepped free from the carriage and added her voice to the greetings and how-you-dos. Today she was in a pale blue dress with long white sleeves and, in anticipation of the coming cold weather, a white fur collar protected her neck where a simple black ribbon was tied as her only adornment. She didn't look his way but that didn't matter. It was a necessary reality of her attendant, always watching and reporting back on her good etiquette. So Erlont waited patiently 

When the group at last turned he bowed deeply and formally, "Lady Avianne, Mistress Brevont, Squire Valtin."

"Tea is waiting for you in my offices as usual Mistress Brevont. Please, allow me." Master Ravon gave Erlont a nod and then turned to Avianne whom he bowed to, before escorting the attendant inside. 

Avianne turned to the squire and the older boy placed a hand on her head lightly, so as not to ruffle her hair, a faint smile on his otherwise plain features. They didn't exchange words but it wasn't necessary. Erlont could read the conversation in their silence easily enough. Valtin fixed Erlont with piercing cerulean eyes and dipped his head before turning back to the carriage. 

"It's good to see you again, m'lady." Erlont said in an even tone meant to be carried to those listening. 

Avianne responded in kind, "And you as well Erlont. I trust the gloomy skies do not bend your spirit?"

"On the contrary." He lowered his voice as they entered the paddock. Though no ears were there to hear at the moment he kept the tone of a proper gentleman firmly in place knowing it would rankle her to no end, "No grey cloud could dampen my heart in your presence."

Her brilliant green eyes narrowed just a touch but she was still smiling. Today was a good day it seemed, her formal tone continued as they walked towards the arena, for the benefit of the other young boys watching. Erlont still found the lengths that she went to to protect their friendship strange but he wasn't about to argue about it any more than he already had. He didn't understand the ways of the nobles and they might as well be a different nation altogether to him but she insisted it was necessary, though she had never gone into the reasons why with him. Was it so bad that she be allowed to speak the way she wanted to with a friend? "How are the little hatchlings?"

"Well. They grow stronger each day. Perhaps soon you'll be able to meet them." He had been loathed to have had her miss the hatching of this year's clutches of eggs and more aggrieved that Master Ravon had forbidden her to see them for the last month but Erlont had not been in a position to argue. 

They passed from the main stables and outside into the arena where, blessed Fury, they were alone. Avianne's cool expression morphed into a gentle smile, her eyes taking on a sparkle that before had been hidden. Erlont's chest felt tight as he admitted, "I thought the coming storm might make you miss this week."

"When have I ever missed a riding lesson?" She gave him a playful grin and began to run to the other side of the arena where the chocobos were waiting, pulling up her pale blue dress around her ankles to keep it from tangling around her flats. As usual, Etie was waiting for her. The brilliant white gleam of her feathers was a beacon next to the black feathers of Erlont's chosen mount. Today he would be riding Ofex, a five-year-old male who required some extra work. 

Etie trilled happily when Avianne lifted up on tiptoe to wrap her arms around the bird's neck. Erlont caught up to her at a slow walk and stroked Ofex's obsidian feathers. "You could never miss one. Etie would be so sad without you coming to visit her."

"Exactly. I couldn't do that to her."

Erlont glanced around for a moment, confirming that they were alone. Even if she wasn't here with one of her brothers... maybe Avianne could be in on the surprise. Just a little. He chewed on the idea, loath to tip her off that he had something planned and had just resolved how to go about it when Avianne turned to look at him and his words caught in his throat. She frowned as she looked up at him, her eyes filling with confusion and a touch of worry. Gods, what must his face look like? 

Shaking his head he untied the two chocobos from their pickets to hide the heat coming to the tips of his ears and began to lead Etie to the mounting block. "Ofex still needs some practice at the battlefield. We'll start there today. I'm sure Etie won't mind you practicing your jumps until a little later." Avianne jogged to keep up but she kept her silence which Erlont was grateful for. She had grown taller in the last year but she was still short next to Erlont. At the rate he was growing, he would be as tall as any knight.

Once the pair reached the far end of the arena Ofax began to shift nervously, pawing at the sand with agitation. Avianne guided Etie through the newly arranged area with ease a few times while Erlont tried to calm Ofax. Each week the dummies, flags, and broken weapons were re-arranged to give a new space for the chocobo to be trained in. This week there were also standing dummies in mock poses of battle. Though it would never compare to the actual rigors of combat it still gave Ofax anxiety. Remembering Master Ravon's suggestion he placed a hand on the chocobo's glossy neck and tried to calm him with a gentle outpouring of aether. He closed his eyes to focus on the feeling of the bird's movements, his intentions, and his emotions. It was so hard to grasp the faint eddies of energy that made up the creature but he eventually grasped one and pressed forward, expanding the magical link, clumsily. 

Ofax whistled in alarm and flared his wings nearly unseating Erlont and breaking his focus. When he settled Ofax again using gentle strokes to the neck and hushed tones to calm him, Avianne had appeared at his side, "Are you okay?"

Nodding Erlont said, "Yes, he's just- I think he's more restless than yesterday."

"No, that's not what I meant." She moved Etie so that they were side by side, her knees nearly brushing his as she faced him in her side-saddle position. "Were- did you try to manipulate aether?"

Erlont frowned, "How-"

"Did I know? Because I could feel it, sort of. I didn't know you were working on spellcasting." She sounded both amazed and impressed which somehow did not ease the embarrassment that now clouded Erlont's feelings. 

"I- well. Not like you. Just- feeling the chocobos, knowing what makes them the way they are."

"It's still wonderful! Knowing the energies that make up the world helps us better understand it. I hadn't realized that you could do that with the chocobos... I'll ask my masters about it. Try again."

Erlont shifted uncomfortably. He had never denied her anything and he wasn't about to start but she was much more skilled at magic than he was. She effortlessly called candle flames to life and made the wind blow through windchimes for her amusement where he struggled to even touch the flows of aether that made up himself. Still, her expression was so hopeful and encouraging his embarrassment was overshadowed by a desire to let her belief in him be true. Resting his hand on Ofax's strong neck he tried reaching for the aether again but he could only feel her eyes watching him. 

"Close your eyes." She said softly, her tone calm and hard to hear. "Focus on your breathing and relax. It'll come."

Erlont, attempting to block her out, tried to do as she instructed. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing and with his breathing he could feel the expanding and contracting of Ofax's body beneath him as the chocobo's breath came in just as quick of bursts as his. They were both anxious but for different reasons. A give and take of energy. Frowning Erlont remembered Avianne's comments from their first meeting and at last they seemed to make more sense. Ofax was feeding off of his anxiety, and in a circle, they were just becoming a bundle of nerves. Pulling on some of his former lessons with master Ravon he tried to call to mind images of the mountains, the feeling of the steady earth under his boots, the unchanging nature of the cobblestone roads. Solid, steady, strong. He didn't feel anything in a particular shift but after a few moments, his hands began to turn warm and grew heavy as they rested on the chocobo's feathers. The bird let out a huff and his breathing started to relax. 

Erlont opened his eyes and saw that Avianne was beaming with pride and he couldn't help but grin back. He had done it. By the look on her face, he had finally accomplished something with aether. He straightened and just gazed at her. "I can't believe it."

There was a smile in her sparkling green eyes, "And why not? Most everyone in Eorzea can manipulate aether to some degree, so why not you? It wasn't an incantation or enchantment but it was still magic."

He shook his head and chuckled, flexing his hands, "I donno- just not something I was ever able to do. I don't really understand it."

"You will. It's not all flashy conjuration and healing. Sometimes it's just sharing yourself with the world." He frowned in thought. That was a different way to look at it he supposed. She moved off with Etie, "Now come on, if we don't get the chocobos worn out soon they'll get suspicious."

"Wait."

She turned back and came close again, head tilted to the side and face filled with curiosity. Erlont regretted opening his mouth instantly and chewed on the inside of his cheek for a moment. Avianne raised an eyebrow, "What is it?"

Erlont cleared his throat. "I- I wanted to get your help with something."

She remained quiet, expectant in her expression but let him speak at his own pace. Usually, he was grateful for her tactful silence but in the moment it felt heavy on his ears. 

"Next week, can you get your brother to come along instead?"

"Why?" 

The boy looked to her at last, feeling the tips of his ears go warm, but the open look on her face was all the encouragement he needed. "I- Well, I know your birthday- I missed it and I wanted to do something."

She frowned and shook her head, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks, "You never have to give me anything! How did you even find out?"

He shifted and looked down. Of course, he couldn't compete with extravagant gifts likely given among noble houses. For his he usually got extra rations or sometimes the boys would all pitch in for something small from a passing trader. This year, with food being so expensive, he couldn't have gotten her anything she might like, something worthy of a noble lady of fifteen. Still, he had something that she couldn't get from her family. "I know. I want to though. But the Madam can't be around."

Avianne frowned again and was about to argue, he could see it on her face when he glanced up. Mastering himself he looked her in the eye, holding her stubborn gaze until he felt the now familiar squirming in his belly. She broke her stare first, glancing down to her hands wrapped around the reigns and Etie whistled gently as if feeling some distress from her rider. "Okay, I'll do my best. But whatever you're planning, I swear to the Fury, if it's anything extravagant I will turn you into a newt."

Erlont felt a crooked grin creep over his lips unbidden as she threatened him knowing full well that she couldn't do anything of the sort. Yet the way her eyes seemed to glow with an inner fire and the fierce look and set of her jaw.... she was- cute. "As your will commands, my lady." He bowed formally from his seat on the back of Ofax and that earned him an irritated huff which made him grin all the more. The first few flakes of snow rested on her raven-black hair and adorned her cheeks, soft as a winter kiss. 

Snow's Kiss

Erlont waited in the stone courtyard, hands clasped behind his back in a mirror image of the stablemaster who stood beside him. Snow fell lightly, dusting the whole paddock in a thin layer of fresh white and catching in his chestnut brown hair. Though snow fell lightly he could still see the outline of the distant sun through the thin clouds and the wind had blown away the morning fog bringing with it the sounds of little birds. Though it had taken longer than he might have liked, Erlont was finally ready to enact his plan, assuming Avianne could hold to the instructions he had given her. As he waited for the wagon to arrive in the courtyard he replayed the moment in his mind from last week when Evraut had heard him out.

♦

Avianne had started strong upon her arrival last week, asking many questions of Master Ravon in an apparent sudden desire to seek the Chocobo Master's thoughts on many obscure subjects regarding Chocobo. Just as they had planned. Erlont had fed her a few examples of what might get his Master's attention but he never expected her to take to the interrogation with such earnest conviction. Then again she had always been curious, always asking strange questions and wandering down mental paths that seemed beyond his ability to follow. Whenever presented with problems she was always so methodical about discovery, a product of her arcanist tutors no doubt. Nevertheless, it did the trick and Master Ravon began to walk with her toward the paddock speaking with evident delight. She could charm anyone it seemed. 

Left alone with the young lord and the ever-attending squire, Erlont requested that he remain a moment in the open courtyard. Evraut was not as imposing as his father, but he still carried himself with all the apparent authority of an heir to a noble house, and Erlont proceeded with caution. Avianne had assured him that Evraut would be easy to talk to and her love for her eldest brother was plain but to Erlont he was someone to be wary of. If Evraut got the wrong idea or even disliked him in any way, Avianne might not be permitted to come to her riding lessons. Mustering his courage and his faith in Avianne's belief, he took a deep breath and forged ahead. In quiet tones, he explained what he wished in simple terms lest he be misunderstood. Evraut listened in silence, arms crossed over his chest as he looked down at the lad. 

At the end of the practiced speech, Evraut seemed to consider the proposal. Then he grinned and nodded, a chuckle bubbling up. The sound made Erlont's jaw clench but the young lord shook his head, "Oh don't glare at me so, young Kunard. I mean no offense. I think you have a good idea and one that will bring her joy. From what I gather the fighting shows no sign of shifting from the west so it should be safe enough. I will see to it that Master Ravon knows you have my blessing and I will ensure that she has a bag prepared. It would not due to have her return to the estate in a snow-sodden dress, now would it?"

Erlont's face turned from suppressed anger born of embarrassment to gratitude. He bowed his head and only responded with a quiet, "Ser." 

Evraut appraised the young lad, his eyes taking on a shadow of his father's piercing quality. Evraut may have looked like a younger version of his father including the steely quality of his grey eyes. Whatever Evraut saw in Erlont's face he kept it to himself and frowned slightly. Erlont just remained quiet, figuring that it was best to let the man lead the conversation.

While the young lord was evaluating the boy the blond-haired squire was doing the same though with a passive unreadable expression. 

Seeing that the lad was waiting Evraut just shook his head, waving a hand as if to dismiss his sudden dark cloud of thoughts. "Alright, you've got my promise but my squire will follow, just to ensure that she's kept safe." He motioned to the squire who took a step so that he was standing even with his lord, "Lionnet Valtin is a good man, as close as a brother to me so you can trust him as you have trusted me. Go on and get to the lessons. I'm excited to see her progress after all the time, what has it been? A year?"

Erlont did not argue the point of having company. Not only was it necessary to protect Avianne while they were away from the sanctuary of the stables, but it was also necessary for the decorum of it all. He turned and side by side he and Evraut walked towards the stables, Lionnet trailing behind. "Indeed, my lord. Or it will be in two weeks." 

"It moves quickly, does it not?" When the younger boy didn't respond other than to nod Evraut continued and let the conversation fade and the pair traversed the length of the stables in silence.

♦

That had been the previous week and now all Erlont could do was wait with bated breath, and hope he had put his faith in the right man. 

Thankfully he did not have to stew in his anxiety for long. The white carriage appeared as punctual as ever though tied to the back of it with a long lead was a large noble-looking chocobo with a fine saddle. When it came to a stop Evraut opened the door himself and assisted Avianne out of the carriage followed by the squire. The grip that had hold of Erlont's heart like bands of icy iron relaxed and he could breathe again.

Without delay, Master Ravon went to greet his guests. The same pattern unfolded as all the weeks prior though now the stablemaster was animated and there was a faint bounce to his movements as the spare chocobo was brought over to the young lord. Soon Evraut and Master Ravon were headed inside the stables together leaving Avianne in Erlont's slightly bemused care though not alone as Lionnet was hovering close by, looking to the distance as if he was not listening to their every word.

When they were out of earshot Avianne explained in an undertone, "To keep Master Ravon occupied Evraut decided to bring Senn along. It was Master Ravon who had helped choose Senn for him several years ago. We thought it would keep him happy and not give you much fuss about... whatever you have planned."

Erlont let out a little sigh. So, the young lord chose to keep secret the events of the day. He felt a wave of gratitude wash over him for the young man. He turned to Avianne and felt a smile tug at his lips at her impatient look. "No, I'll not tell you."

She huffed in a spectacularly over-the-top fashion, "I could order you."

"Such is your prerogative, m'lady." He was delighted to no end that she seemed to hate not knowing. It was the first time she had shown such un-composed emotions and he savored it. Not to mention the opportunity to tease her. "But m'lady won't for she is as true a lady as the epics and sagas sing about. Gentle, wise, and above all understanding of her subject's freedoms, never wont to abuse her power."

She clicked her tongue at him and he could see that a faint blush was starting on her pale cheeks. Erlont thought he heard a faint hum of amusement from the silent squire but he couldn't be sure. "Truly, you are vexing." 

"If you truly wish to know then let us be off." 

Avianne held out the small cloth satchel she had brought to make Erlont carry it, likely as a form of punishment, but also to keep up appearances of their separation in rank. He smiled and took it from her, pleased and grinning like an idiot. First, he led Lionnet to the stables where he had a younger stablehand take him to select a suitable chocobo. Avianne raised an eyebrow at both of them but she didn't ask any questions likely with great self-restraint by the way she seemed to be biting her tongue. Then, instead of going to the arena, Erlont guided his friend to the tack room. Taking a key from around his neck he unlocked the door and held it open for her. When Avianne raised an eyebrow at the arrangement Erlont offered her the bag back. "This should be a change of clothes."

Narrowing her eyes at him she took the bag and slipped into the room. Erlont stood guard outside the door and waited patiently, bouncing on the balls of his feet with his hands clasped behind his back. So far so good. 

When Avianne reappeared she was dressed in a thick cream colored wollen sweater with a green shawl around her shoulders that brought out the brilliance of her eyes. The sweater was mostly covered by a brown leather vest that came down to her thighs and around her waist was a skirt made of some kind of fluffy material that was the same color as her shawl. To top off the look she donned a magenta and green knitted cap that could be pulled down over her ears if they got too cold. Erlont had never once seen her in anything other than fine dresses that were after the noble styles of Ishgarud that made her look older and more stately. Now she looked like a girl that he might befriend from Camp Dragonhead. Though he would never describe her as plain, not with her beautiful eyes watching him so attentively, she was less formidable. The floor seemed to have fallen out from under him again looking at her. If she had been cute when she was agitated, she was now adorable in her little knitted hat and heavy boots that looked too big for her.

"Well, am I dressed appropriately?" She did a little spin.

Erlont could only nod earnestly as his voice had betrayed him.

She observed his face for a moment and then a smile split her features. She handed him her bag and then began to make her way back to the main paddock area. 

Erlont had enough presence of mind to remember the door and locked it behind her, then followed her to where Etie and Ofax were saddled and tied outside their stables, waiting patiently. He secured her bag in Ofax's stable where it would be undisturbed until they returned and then put on a worn leather duster coat that was too big for him, made for a grown man, but it was warm and the fur-lined hood might come in handy later. 

Lionnet approached, leading a saddled Guidien of all birds. He hissed and flared his feathers so he looked twice as big but followed the quiet squire without much more protest. Erlont eyed the pair for a moment assessing why they might have been a good match for another. Avianne voiced his curiosity, "That's Guidien!"

The squire looked at her with a cant of his head to the right but Erlont explained for her, "He's a very willful chocobo, usually only listening to seasoned knights."

Lionnet turned to look at the chocobo who pawed the ground impatiently. "I think we will be fine."

It was the first time he had heard the young man speak and by the quiet tone of confidence in his soft voice, he wasn't about to argue with a squire of House Vorard. 

There was no mounting block in the paddock so Erlont guided Etie to settle on the floor, allowing Avianne to clamber onto her back with ease. As she was not in a dress he had left the saddle in its natural state and Avianne took a moment to get her balance before Etie stood in one smooth motion. She giggled and twisted around, swinging her legs as she got used to the new feeling. "This is so much better!"

The lad chuckled at her exuberance and then went to check the straps of the saddle. Once he was satisfied that all was in order he climbed into his saddle and then began to lead Avianne out of the paddock, away from the arena. As if by some unspoken agreement neither spoke. Erlont was glad for it as he was trying to focus on her face to tell him her thoughts rather than her voice. They moved side by side through the courtyard, Lionnet following some fifteen yalms behind, past her carriage, and then waited at the arched entryway of the stables. Before them, the snow-dusted landscape of Coerthas unfolded in all of its post-autumnal splendor. 

The Black-Snow stable was situated northwest of Camp Dragonhead, close enough to the great bridge that linked Ishgarud with the land it ruled, to not be an inconvenience, but far enough away from Camp Dragonhead to isolate the stables even only in part. While it could be inconvenient Master Ravon insisted that it was necessary as the chocobo needed room to be free, but more importantly, to be undisturbed. The lands that surrounded the main stable structures all belonged to Master Ravon for many malms, and while some were closed pastures for the chocobo, others were unconfined by fences and only had simple riding trails to mark their boundaries. Stands of tall pine trees, open meadows, creeks, and jagged cliffs all dominated the land offering many terrains to train the birds for their necessary duties. 

Avianne gazed out over the waiting expanse with wide eyes and then looked up at Erlont. A touch of apprehension was buried in the green depths of her eyes under the excitement and Erlont attempted to reassure her with a gentle smile, lowering his voice to a whisper so that Lionnet couldn't hear,  "Remember, I promised I would be with you?" 

The tension left her shoulders and she offered him a smile and a nod. He guided her toward, to the north across the road to areas not confined by fences. He was slow at first, allowing his friend to get used to the new saddle arrangement as well as the boundless freedom the wild lands offered. The trio picked their way towards a stand of tall pines and naked broad-leafed trees where the crunch of leaves accompanied each footfall of their chocobos. It wasn't so far from autumn that the smells of the season were replaced by the icy grips of winter just yet. Thankfully, he had not missed her birthday by much. It was chilly but not uncomfortable and the new environment seemed to make the chocobo happy as there was a prance to their steps and they kept fluffing their feathers. 

Before long Avianne was the one to lead the pace and guide their direction. The pair remained silent as Erlont became little more than a watchful guard, only directing her lightly towards his final destination. Lionnet didn't speak at all and stayed roughly the same distance away from them at all times, even when Avianne motioned for him to come closer so that they could talk. The man would simply dip his head and remain at a distance. Erlont decided then that he was a decent fellow and he understood why the family seemed to like him so much. A quiet, tactful, but attentive guardian for the young lady of the house.

From time to time the girl would reach out a gloved hand and run it along the rough trunk of a tree they passed, other times she would pause to look out over a sight she had never seen before. Each moment she took to drink in their little world was one that Erlont swore would be burned into his memory. Not for the world he was familiar with, but for how it was seen through her eyes. Her beautiful, spring green, awe-inspired eyes. 

In time they came to a wide open meadow several malms long, nestled between steep rocky hills. At the edge, Avianne hesitated under the shade of the thin tree branches. Her breath swirled before her in a mist and her cheeks were red from the chill and excitement. Erlont paused with her, Ofax pawing at the ground with impatience. The girl turned her head to look at Erlont who simply looked back. His chest swelled with pride and joy as he saw the look on her face. She captured his gaze and held it for several untold moments igniting that same soul-shifting feeling he had gotten a year ago. Eventually, the girl reached out a hand and held it in the space between them. Erlont looked at it and then looked at her, then back to the squire who was finding something interesting on a tree trunk to inspect. He took her hand. She squeezed and in the strength of it, he heard her silent thank you.

He squeezed back. 

"So... will you be turning me into a newt?" His tone was as soft as the whispers of falling snow so as to not disturb the quiet. 

A smile pulled at her expression and she gripped his hand tighter. In her eyes, a spark of playfulness appeared. "Not today."

Feeling his chest about to burst, he looked away, down the long stretch of open land. If he looked into her eyes any longer he was sure his heart would try and break his bones to reach her. Instead, he settled on holding onto her gloved hand as tightly as he dared. "I don't have much to give my friends... but I can give myself. I can give this." He let his eyes sweep the land he loved to make his point. What he wanted to say was that he was a poor orphan with no grand future or impressive skills, and he wasn't sure how he had earned the friendship of a girl like Avianne because he didn't have anything to give her besides his own experiences, but he wasn't sure how to articulate the idea without string her displeasure. She hated when he pointed out the realities of his circumstances next to hers. She believed so strongly in the power of the knights and the noble legacy that was hers that any voiced thought of him being lesser was dismissed outright. 

Avianne, slipped from the saddle, frost-covered pine needles and leaves crunching under her too big boots. He was loathed to have her hand removed from his but he followed suit so they could stand together. Avianne looked up at him and in a moment of unbridled joy, she wrapped her arms securely around his waist. 

Erlont stood frozen while her head rested against his chest, terrified that she would feel the explosive thundering of his heart even through the jacket. Then he let his arms wrap around her, lowering his head to rest his cheek against her silky raven hair as he squeezed back as lightly as he could, afraid. An unbidden thought of her father staring at them in disapproval nearly made him pull away but the only witnesses were a young man that Evraut trusted implicitly and three chocobos whom he knew would keep the secret. Avianne's muffled voice reached his ears, "It's perfect." Erlont wasn't sure if she meant the gift of showing her the wilds of Ceorthas, or if she meant him but he took both in stride, holding her more securely.

Even looking back on it in memory he wouldn't have been able to say how long she held onto him to express her gratitude but in time they pulled away from one another and his friend's eyes were filled with a playful energy that he had never seen before. Sure she was always more playful and free when they were alone but now she was completely unreserved. She giggled and faster than he could react, stepped out of the trees, gathered up a handful of powdery snow, and flung it at him. 

He gasped in surprise as the silvery flakes caught him full in the face but she showed no remorse. She ran away as fast as she could into the meadow, her exuberant giggle ringing out in the chill of the mountain air. The snow was thicker where there were no trees to protect the ground and though it slowed him Erlont's long legs and hard work life easily caught up to the girl even though he had stopped to pick up a handful of snow, forming it into a loose ball. 

The chocobo whistled in surprise and followed the pair out from under the trees a few paces but once the snowballs started to fly they kept their distance. That didn't deter them from joining in, kicking snow at one another, chasing one another around in a mirror of their elezen riders, and Ofax even took the opportunity to roll in a deep patch of snow himself turning his black feathers sooty grey. Lionnet remained in the cover of the trees, a silent sentinel keeping guard.

Together Erlont and Avianne exchanged snowballs and chased one another around the meadow. When Avianne couldn't outrun him she resorted to aether. Using it without much thought she gathered blasts of it to shape the winds and launch large piles of snow at Erlont. Without her growing grimour the magic was shapeless, formed more on her emotion than the exacting geometry and spacial calculations she usually used. The boy persevered through all her attacks, ignoring the snow as it got into his jacket and melted against his skin, just to get the chance to get a good shot with his own snowball. In the end, they were both out of breath, both red-faced, damp, and in Erlont's case numb in his unprotected fingers. It would be a fridged ride back but the day was everything he had ever imagined it would be.