[h2][color=f6989d]Liliana I[/color][/h2][hr][right][b]Fallow Hill[/b], the Riverlands[/right][hr]
The day was warm but the shade from the roofing and the slight breeze that occasionally swept through from the courtyard, offered enough relief. As such, Liliana was more than content as she held out an apple to a huge destrier, his mouth eagerly biting down on the fruit in large mouthfuls, causing her to giggle a little at the feeling on her palm. The young female was at the far end of the stable, stood by one of the stalls far from the quiet hustle and bustle of the stable hands. They of course knew that she was there but did not offer anything in the way of discouragement for her presence. As long as she did not cause more work for them or spook the horses, they were content. And the fact that she had also come loaded with a few fresh apples did not hurt either.

She had arrived after seeing Ashton lead the court earlier that morning. It wasn't something she had attended at Fallow Hill before, but she liked what she'd seen of the youngest Landry so far, and had been curious as to what he'd be like. He had impressed her and dealt with the queries far better than she could have, having to contain herself a couple of times over some ridiculously amusing disagreements between neighbours. Lilliana would have to remind herself to let him know later...
 
“Miss, please. We should go. It wouldn’t be proper for you to greet the Lord and his family in the stables.” The voice that spoke up came from a tall and somewhat lanky maid that stood beside her with hands clasped together insistently, her words breaking Lilianas train of thought. The pair were close enough to the gates that they had overheard the guards announce that their Lord was returning to Fallow hill, having been spotted traversing the wide fields. 

At first Liliana simply continued to feed the horse, waiting until only the core of the apple was remaining and then letting the chestnut coloured destrier consume that as well. She enjoyed their enthusiasm for food and their single-mindedness in getting it. She smiled gently at the creature, rubbing its muzzle with her free hand. Beatrice, of course, was right. But she did not see any need to rush away immediately. 
 
“Miss Blackwood, please…” The handmaid pressed on, a rising level of anxiety clearly etched across her plain features. The apple gone and the horse content, Lilliana finally turned to answer her maid. [color=f6989d]“I’m gone. I’m gone.”[/color] She laughed , holding her hands up in submission, then wiping them roughly on the front of her dress.
 
[color=f6989d]“And must you insist on calling me that? Do we not know each other well enough by now? I think anyone who has seen me undressed should be able to call me by my first name.”[/color] She responded, only the slight up-curl of the corner of her lips indicating that she anything other than deadly serious. 
 
“Miss..!” Beatrice blushed a bright crimson as a hand cupped over her mouth in surprise. The ‘girl’, though she had to be at least a few years Lilianas elder, still seemed to be shocked by every other thing the young Blackwood said, despite being well acquainted with her. She did not recover quickly either and one would think she heard nothing more outrageous in her entire life. “You shouldn’t...that isn’t proper...” Came her eventual reply, the poor girl at a complete loss as to what to say. 
 
By this point Liliana had to lean against one of the aged wooden posts that held up the stable as she composed herself, unable to contain her amusement at the maids easily shockable nature. When she was so easily teased, Liliana could just not help herself.  It was as tempting as the bright red apple had been for the destrier.
 
[color=f6989d]“Fine, I’m sorry...”[/color] She eventually conceded, knowing that Beatrice only meant the best for her.  She had been in her families service during many of her formative years at Blackwood Hall and Lilliana was eternally grateful that she had agreed to come to Fallow Hill with her. [color=f6989d]“Call me what you wish. I will utter no further complaints!”[/color] She submitted, flicking her long plait over her shoulder. [color=f6989d]“And look, I’m perfectly clean.”[/color] She continued, gesturing to herself proudly. And in truth, Lilliana was clean. Somehow, she had not a mark on her, save for a couple of pieces of hay which she picked off gently and dropped to the ground.  It could have been a purposeful effort but really it was just luck that led Liliana to not be covered in, and smelling of, the stable muck.
 
The pair slipped out of the stable just as the small party passed through the gate and were, to the relief of Beatrice, out of view before the group headed there to dismount from their steeds. They walked slowly across the grounds, taking their time as Liliana observed the bustling going-ons of Fallow Hill. Too absorbed in the different activities, Liliana did not notice someone was nearby until she heard the footsteps. His longer strides had meant he trod the path they had taken at a much quicker pace and when Liliana naturally turned to find out who they belonged to, she saw that it was Edmund.
 
[color=f6989d]“Oh. Edmund…you’re back.”[/color] Was what she unfortunately blurted out, her mouth just a little too fast for formalities.  Now it was Beatrice’s time to silently laugh. Shooting her a subtle look that clearly meant ‘please go away,’ the maid begrudgingly obliged Lilianas plea, leaving the pair alone. [color=f6989d]“I mean, I’m glad to see that you and your father have returned safely from your trip.”[/color] Lilliana eventually continued somewhat more politely.   

Edmund almost didn't even see Liliana if he was to be honest with himself. She was a welcome site though, his father's company had been taxing to say the least. [Color=coral] “It is quite fine, dismiss the formalities when it is only the two of us.”[/color]

He didn't see the need for formalities when it was just the two of them. He wanted her to be comfortable, dismissing the formalities was the best way he knew how at the moment.

[Color=coral]“It was complicated getting back but safe all the same.” [/color]Extending his arm out so that they may walk.[color=coral] “The road has been long, do you care to have drink with me. The ride from Pinkmaiden has left me parched.”[/color]

Liliana couldn’t help but smile at Edmund, happy that he wished to talk more naturally. If she was honest with herself, she really had no idea how to act, though she had been warned to be well behaved around the Landrys. [color=f6989d]“You must be tired.”[/color] She observed as she took his hand, allowing him to lead them towards the great hall. [color=f6989d]“Complicated?”[/color] She continued as she mused over his words, [color=f6989d]“did anyone...did you get hurt?”[/color] Liliana glanced up at him as she spoke, knowing complicated [i]never[/i] meant anything good. 

Edmund slowed his pace so that she wouldn’t have to struggle to keep up with his stride[color=Coral]”Some did and…”[/color] Debating on how to explain jousting against The Mountain. [color=coral] “Well I am no worse for wear and lets hope I never have to face a particular knight again.”[/color] Offering a small but simple smile to her. [color=coral] “But enough of me, how have you been?”[/color] His travels these last three months had been taxing and strenuous, he wanted to talk about something both simple and pleasant.

[color=f6989d]“Hm, how secretive.”[/color] Came her reply, wondering why he didn’t want to divulge what had happened, to her. [color=f6989d]“Well, best not to tell me or I’d be able to tease you about it then.”[/color] Her smile still playing mischievously at the edge of her lips. She may be able to find out more from his siblings later  anyway. If it had been her family, she would have pestered them until they told her but she knew it wouldn’t be right to torture poor Edmund in such a way. 

[color=f6989d]“Me?”[/color] She paused for a moment as she considered his question. [color=f6989d]“I’m well. Exploring this place has been able to keep me happily occupied.”[/color] She gestured around her just as the two reached the outer doors of the Great Hall. [color=f6989d]“Though unfortunately I haven’t found a Godswood hidden anywhere..”[/color] The one thing she missed about Raventree Hall was the godswood and it’s impressive weirwood tree. She wasn’t a stranger to the idea of septs, for most of the Riverlands worshipped the seven, but it was just not the same for her.

[Color=coral] “Brown beer.”[/color] Edmund called to one of the serving girls as they were about to enter the great hall.

[Color=coral] “Just not good news really. I am no Godswood but perhaps another walk tonight might suffice? I will have a gift for you also that I wish to give you.”[/color] It wasn't so much a gift but practical in his eyes, especially during the shit storm that was about to erupt. That was if he survived supper first.

Lilliana just nodded in response to Edmunds offer, more than curious as to what he meant by a gift. It wasn't something she had expected afterall. She gave the serving girl who Edmund had called out to a small, and probably improper, wave. Lili had gotten to know some of them fairly well and besides, it was how she had managed to get hold of those fresh apples, by being friendly with the servants. [color=f6989d]"A blackberry wine for me. Thank you."[/color]