Bippity Boppity Boo [Willow]

Kinda late on the time, but this is for your birthday/Willow's early xmas present! c:

The Neko watched as the clock struck noon, dinging twelve times, which each one he insisted he must count to be sure, and waiting for when he should call to make plans. He sat on his couch, and stroked his jaw in mass interest as to what he would do for her. There were many things which he had already done, and since the last one, he was afraid of taking another chance of leaving the kingdom due to her predicament. He suffered a strong guilt for what all had happened to her, and under his watch. The brigadier got up at the refusal to keep seated, and paced quietly back and forth before the front door. Never would he ever be able to forgive himself for what he could have stopped, and it all started because he couldn't keep his feelings under-wept. But how could he after loving someone for so long, and finally getting the reassurance that she loved him just as much in return. It was almost impossible to keep his emotions from showing the longer he thought about it as he paced, and for the employees to be so rude as to literally throwing them into the walls and streets, shame on them. The thought of it angered him severely to the point that he had already put a dent in his bedroom wall the night they returned after he made sure that she was alright in the Alchemists' care. If they were to put her under any sort of pain other than what she was feeling, he would hurt them just as much. No one could put her under that much stress without getting away with it, and that idea of revenge upon the theatre men still burned a bright flame in his olive-colored eyes. As he glanced back at the clock, he had noticed he had already wasted ten minutes about thinking about the past, and still had yet to progress with the idea of their afternoon arrangements. Connor then stopped and closed his eyes to count to ten. The only way he would be able to clear his thoughts and let off some steam was to take a walk, like he always did around sunset when he wasn't with his majesty.

Having already been through the woods neighboring his slightly isolated cottage this morning, the Brigadier moved up towards where the stables sat nearest to the Queen's gate. There was also another stable down to where the borders were, but that was more so for the commoners and kingdom guards. When he arrived, he was greeted with a man that looked to be southern, or a rancher to some extent due to how he was dressed. Two guards stood at the stables entrance, not far in front of the truck's back end. He was aged beyond his years, so he predicted the man to be human. Perhaps the guards had let him in when he requested for the Brigadier's presence. "Are you Connor Stiles?" The man asked, his eyes dark, but held a gentle light within them as most wise, older individuals did. Connor nodded, "Yes, what is this about? I was to not get the delivery till winter I believed. Why so soon?" The Brigadier said while looking to the trailer dome carried behind the vehicle, hearing the shadow whinny from within the metal cage. He glanced at the guard and flicked his few fingers to open it so that they could take the horse forwards. The man then gave him the ballet, which he signed as he answered, "Looks like ya' got lucky, son. We got'em over quick enough now that gas is cheap. Hope'ya have a good one." He said lastly before taking the papers back and hopping into the truck as the guards shut the dome. Clicking forwards, the Neko looked up to see the horse which he had bought almost a few months ago in advance. He had thought that the stallion wouldn't be able to come till the snow would stick, but perhaps he was fortunate enough to have it brought sooner. With this, he grinned and stroked the horse's nose, greeting it to his horse, Temptress in the second to last stall next to the empty one which would eventually be the Queen's. Handing the reigns to one of the guards, Connor wished him off to groom the horse before grabbing his phone out of his pocket and dialing Willow's number first. It rang two to three times before it finally picked up, "Good morning, beautiful.. I have a surprise for you, I will be picking you up soon to carry you to the stables." He murmured in a deep masculine, raspy tone through the device for ending the call.

As soon as he had put the phone away, the Brigadier looked up and flew up one of his hands as a way of gesturing the guards' attention. This was not his favorite part of the job, but it certainly wasn't his most hated trait. Since becoming higher than Noble, he had become quite infested with the power, and tended to do things without realizing it. He was afraid he was loosing himself within that, and quickly put his hand back down to replace with a friendly smile. Connor was back, "Fetch me my horse, please. I request the stallion be cleaned and fitted with a fresh saddle and pair of reigns. The best we own here, for the Queen and her alone. May he have a large red bow placed upon her seat, and his mane and tail braided. I will be returning soon." As Temptress was brought to him, the man naturally found his way by himself upon her back and straddled the seat as best he could before snatching the reigns at her neck and turning her so that he faced the exit. "If these tasks are not prepped before I return with the Queen, all will face the same consequence... Yah!" The neko exclaimed, gently kicking the side of his horse so that she started off into a swift, gradual gallop out of the building. He had tried so long to afford another horse so that the Queen could have one to ride with him, to feel the warm gust of hair run through her beautiful hair and the same happiness he feels when he rides Temptress. Now she would, and they'd be able to ride together along with that. When he got to her cottage's long path, he pulled on the thin straps and hushed his mare to slow down to a complete halt before jumping off. He walked to her front door and knocked twice. Stepping back, he smiled from ear to ear and awaited her presence.

The soft hum of a soft she didn’t know radiated from the other room while she remained in the kitchen. Her hips swayed from side to side underneath the fabric of her long, flowing skirt in a happy dance. The hard cast remained on her wrist, but the Haedyn had given her something to numb the pain completely. Now the orange wrapping was only a memory, though the bone was still healing from the break. She hummed under her breath and pushed the memory back as her hand pinched the sprinkles and showered them down upon the freshly frosted cookies. Somewhere in her lifetime she’d learned the art of making sugar cookies, an art she found that she could do well. A faint mark of flour rested upon her cheek and spattered her hair, the auburn tresses braided and hanging over her left shoulder. Willow smiled as she heard the back door swing open and, after a long pause, it finally shut. She turned and rested her back against the counter to watch her beloved alligator shuffling towards her. His damp and scaly nose touched her ankle, causing laughter to bubble out from her lips. The queen leaned down to scratch his large head gently, her smile warm as his head turned up towards her. She’d often wondered if her alligator was capable of loving her. Bruce had yet to try to eat her, so she figured it was a start. He’d grown bigger everyday until his tail had to weave between the tables and chairs so he could fit. Like a wild beast he was very exotic and Willow was very happy to have received him. She needed to house him, or he would’ve became the nest like in reptile boots. The neko considered the though and shuddered before turning back to her cookies.

When the phone rang, she made an effort to hop over bruce and nearly make a dead run to where it charged on her nightstand. She knew it was him, it had to be him and, as she picked up the phone, she found it was him. Willow tapped ‘accept’ and pressed her phone to her ear, shivering as his masculine voice trebled into her ear. She spoke little, only the occasional starstruck ‘okay’ or ‘alright’ until he’d hung up. Like a schoolgirl she pressed her back against the wall and did a little dance; she’d been wanting to see him after the accident. It wasn't his fault; she wanted him to know that. Still she could feel the man’s hand gripping unforgivably in her hair, him throwing her against the wall mercilessly. The crush of her bones that were now trying to heal rang in her ears. The wouldn’t be returning unless some new management came to be. Maybe she’d add on to the Lounge and add a little movie area. Mr. Clemmings was a business man after all, though humans had no clue that the big and burly man was a tiny woman in a hidden reserve. The place was on no maps; a little money went a long way. Willow dwindled on these thoughts until she realized she should be getting ready. The queen shimmied out of her skirt a placed warm skinny jeans on instead. A deep burgundy scarf wrapped around her neck and splayed itself over her chest in a beautiful show of color. Her shirt was white and long sleeved, plain in order for her to spice up whatever she wore. The lovely leather jacket she recently purchased slipped over her arms like water and fit her perfectly. Willow slipped her fuzzy-socked feet into winter hiking boots likes with artificial fur, adding more warmth to her as she prepared to embark on whatever adventure he planned today.

She’d only finished preparing the cookies in a little bag for him when his knock floated from the door and to her calico ears. Her tail flicked happily from side to side as she walked to the entrance opened the door. Immediately the smell of baking and warmth whooshed from the small opening though it couldn’t be seen as her arms came around him and she hugged him tight. Her soft lips splayed a kiss upon his cheek before she stepped back and looked him over. “As handsome as always,”she said, not realizing that her thoughts had drifted from her mouth.  Willow had forgotten the smear of flour across her cheekbone and the bits that peppered her braid. She needed to clean her hair and her face, but she’d been too busy preparing the little gift bag that hung lazily in her hand. Her cheeks went red as an apple and her free hand lifted to rub it off. “Hehe.. Uh, hey hun.. I’m sorry about my face, but I have cookies for you!” She smiled brightly and lifted the little snowman-printed bag in offering.

The door magically opened, and he was taken suddenly back by the embrace of his radiant leader, and other-half, only to allow his arms to wrap around her and pick her off the ground in a full fledged spin before settling her back down gently. His hands remained gently at her sides and he kissed her lips in a returned hello as she had welcomed him with the peck of his pink-pigmented cheek. The Brigadier bowed to her as a gentle reference to his own manners before taking her hand in his own and kissing her knuckles before she exclaimed over her bag of cookies, to which she had baked for him. Man, she's so beautiful, he thought silently amongst himself, and despite the mess upon her very flesh and dark-red shaded face, his thoughts still remained in full honesty. The giggle to which rang from her very lips made him internally shiver, and he couldn't help but hold in a shortened chuckle. "Not always, m'lady.. And I thank you, and thank you for the cookies as well, but they are ours to share today. Bring them with, my dearest, we shall eat them on our afternoon together." He said happily with a broad smile while licking his thumb a bit to clean the white residue off her cheek. Hopefully when riding, the flour would release from her strands of hair and allow her to feel more comfortable with her appearance. But either way, Connor would not find her any less eye-catching, as it only made it even more appealing to him at how cute she could be sometimes. He took the bag from her into his other hand and lead her, hand in hand, to his trusted steed who whinnied excitedly at the image of Willow approaching her. Temptress had earned a love for her, as she knew Connor's attachment, but used to envy the Queen's ability to have the Brigadier's attention more so than her. Now, he was threatened to think that the mare enjoyed Willow more than him, but then again, he loved Queen more than himself, too. He was the first to get on, straddling the saddle easily before hoisting the Queen back up with his strong grasp. She weighted little to nothing, which also benefited him in getting her on. Before heading off to the stables, he tucked the cookies in the side pouch and looked to Willow to see if she was okay, smiling sweetly before kissing her nose and looking back to Temptress's flickering ears. "Onwards." He requested, gently applying pressure to her side like before and sending the horse into a smooth trot down the hillside.

When they had arrived, he made sure to stop just before getting into the view of the stable's main entrance, so that he could get down and leave Willow to remain settled upon his horse to spar him some time. The Brigadier rounded around inside the building and shot a look to the guard who was in charge, whom sent an affirmative nod in return to let him know that everything was prepared for the Queen's presence. Connor went out the other doors to the garden, finding a rose as beautiful as his beloved's soul and returning to the stable's center. The stallion, unfortunately without a name, was brought to his side, prepped like he had asked of from the men and granting them a pleased smile in doing so to the horse caretakers and guards. Clicking his mouth, he make a snipping noise to which sent Temptress's attention to come forth into the area he was at. He had trained her to answer to his call and brought Willow into the stable's. The Brigadier stepped back and the stallion peered genuinely into the Queen's direction, as if it were love at first sight and that bond could not be taken from the horse's mind set. "For you, my Queen.. Tis an early Christmas present.." He announced, swaying towards the woman to help her down from the saddle and gently lead her to the nameless horse to which was her gift, and hers only, "He is all yours, forever till he is weak and can no longer serve your beauty and gentle presence.. But he has no name, other than the one the ranch he resided from. He does not answer to it, so he is yours to call to what you wish.." He murmured into her ear, holding her hand gently as he went in to kiss her cheek, "I love you." he whispered. In the mists of things, Temptress, his horse, had come forwards to greet the stallion with soft sniffs of his neck. Connor smirked quietly, only to take Willow's side with one of his arms and handing her the rose, "For you as well."

Encased in the loving warmth of his arms, Willow buried her face in his neck and inhaled. Warmth and wind and the scent that was purely Connor filled her nostrils to the brim and spread an all-encompassing loved through her body. It was warm honey over cold bones, setting her alight and placing that lovely twinkle in her eye. The queen rose onto her toes until they left the ground completely, his spinning causing her to bubble with laughter. Within the circle of his arms she returned to the ground and felt a kiss upon her lips, sweet as the baked goods she held within her hand. He was such a gentleman and she was breathless every time they spoke. Connor made her feel awkward sometimes with how graceful he was, a swan within the body of a man. He didn’t miss a beat and she regretted not finding him sooner than what she had. The neko was a comfort, a beloved piece of her that she wouldn’t dare remove. Along with this came Temptress. The very moment she saw the mare Willow had darted from Connor to greet the horse. She cooed at Temptress, commenting on her lovely dapples and sheer beauty. The queen’s kisses graced the mare’s velvety nose and cheeks. Her finger’s played with the mare’s forelock as she praised and stroked Temptress’ soft fur. Willow could not describe how she adored her beloved’s pet, though actions spoke louder than words. She’d been quite comfortable to take Temptress on a lovely walk, but Willow’s face paled as she saw Connor swing up onto the horse. The neko stood on her toes to try and see over the horse’s back, a feat she could just barely manage. Fear was encasing the edges of her mind as she stared at Connor’s outstretched hand. Her heart sped up to a race in her chest as she looked to the horse, then to her brigadier. With a shaky hand she took Connor’s, feeling her feet leave the ground as she was swept up onto the horse’s back. It didn’t appear that the horse minded her extra weight, but she stroked the horses side. If anything she was trying to reassure herself more than the animal itself. As they began to move she clutched Connor tight, finding this helped her balance.

As they reached the stables, Willow grew curious. The trails were plentiful; she’d expected a romantic ride ending in a picnic or something of the like. She didn’t frequent the stabled except to give the occasional apple to Temptress and the other stable horses. Willow wondered who owned them sometimes; their appearances were always impeccable. Even now she admired the way Temptress’ coat gleamed beneath the slivers of sunlight that broke through the trees. How they could be so clean? She’d grown comfortable enough on the mares back for her mind to wander off to these things. No one but the stable hands appeared to be here, and Willow’s stomach suddenly sunk. What if something had gone wrong? One of the beloved horses passing, perhaps? She’d grown so used to Connor whisking her away that she nearly forgot that anything could go wrong with the world. Willow’s eyes grew glazed with tears though she had no clue what was going on, she prayed that nothing had taken a beautiful animal from the world. The queen’s eyes widened and the fear was back as she realized Connor was getting off, preparing to removed herself from the horse’s back until she noticed it was not his intention. “Oh.. U-uh Connor.. I don’t..” She spoke too quietly for him to hear, her voice still stuttering as she watched him vanish into the stables. Suddenly she was alone with large creature and the ground was much farther away than it should have been. Her body trembled as she moved slowly to lift herself into the saddle from Temptress’ back, the saddle having been far too small for them both to fit. Willow sighed in relief as she managed this, her legs clutching onto Temptress for dear life as she realized that the stirrups were far too long. A soft nicker drew her attention to the horse, seeing Temptress’ kind eyes gazing into her own. Willow stroked the mare’s neck quietly as she began to relax, holding the reins in one hand and waiting for her beloved to return.

Connor never did return to her, but rather she was brought to him. She heard nothing but was alarmed when Temptress’ ears shot up and her head raised from the casual grazing she’d been doing. Willow clutched the horse as she began to move, her eyes closed as to not see the ground moving beneath her. The soft thud against hooves against the ground became a clack as they entered the stable, Willow’s eyes opening to view the stalls that passed by. All the ones in front were occupied or covered with nameplates made to announce the stalls’ residents. She smiled and waved at the horses as they passed by, her eyebrows raising as she was brought to the very back of the rows. Once Temptress stopped Willow tentatively slid from her back only to see the face that peered at her. He was big but not gigantic, gazing at her with the deepest of brown eyes. A coat the color of a copper penny, darkening to black around the legs and muzzle. His mane was black and impossible soft, occasional copper hues showing within the inky mass. Willow was in awe, her lips parted slightly as her hand still rested upon Temptress’ neck. Connors voice floated into her ear off his soft lips, bringing a smile to her own. As she stared at the stallion her eyes grew watery, turning to kiss Connor on the lips in full. “I love you too. Thank you so much,” she said softly, taking the rose and moving over to the stallion. Her hand opened to him and she watched him smell her scent, blowing onto her skin in the softest way. Quietly Willow stroked his velvety nose and rubbed his forehead. For some reason she was not scared to get on his back; the queen found she even wished to do so. Willow found he was already saddled, a small mounting block resting beside him. From a guard she took his reins, stepping up onto the block and fitting her small foot into the stirrup. In her mind she counted to three before heaving herself onto him. She found it easy and the saddle fit perfectly for her. During this time he had not moved but to look back at her and nuzzle her leg. Willow smiled and looked to Connor, her eyes bright and happy. “This is perfect Connor.. You’re perfect.” Quietly she turned to her horse and stroked his neck, trying to decide upon a name. Finally it struck her and she spoke to him. “Your name is Inquirer, and you are mine.”

It was the greatest feeling in the world to see a smile shine so brightly across her face, and he could only hope he could keep it that way as long as he lived and was apart of Willow's life. For Christmas, that's all he could ever ask for is for her to smile, if she were to ask, and he would hope that he be the reason behind each one she made. Connor adjusted himself to stand back, yielding the need for him to rush to her and provide her with a shower of affectionate kisses while the moment still last, keeping himself content along side his horse as he awaited the name to which she would call the dark, penny-bronze coloured stallion. He was at a loss of breath as he paused from breathing to see her taking the risk of getting on the horse so soon, but he too, had that first close connection of trust when he first laid eyes upon Temptress. The brigadier assumed it to be a tie between the love of an animal and human for companionship, but his guess was as good as anyone's, so he did little to think about it in this moment. He had a Queen to love, and she loved him just as much, there was nothing really else that he could have ever asked for. Well, there was one more thing, but that all depended on what lied in the future for him. As for now, he could only take baby steps - gentle risks to depend on their loyalty, and hope for the best when taking them for the both of them. In that time, a part of him compelled him to do the same, so he did. Lifting his foot up into the stirrups, Connor grabbed the little notch formed into the saddle's back and hoisted himself up on. The moment was as easy flowing as water was to a warm rock, as he had become well accustomed to the ways of riding and getting on and off of a horse within a reasonable time limit. When settled, he grabbed the dark, leathered reigns of his horse and neared to the stallion's side in a few steps. A small smile curled at his lips as Willow looked to him, "I am far from perfect, my love.." He wore the perfect riding outfit, which consisted of a nice pair of worn in jeans, brown boots, and a open red and black checkered flannel, a black v-neck underneath, one which a lumberjack would wear whilst he cut wood for his occupation. When granted a name, he nodded to the guards, letting them know what to but on the plaque for the stallion's stable door. Just as Temptress had, hers was a golden plaque that held her name imprinted with a beautiful font, and Willow's horse would be treated the same. "Inquirer it is, and he shall be yours, indeed." Connor said proudly, rearing back his horse to meet her level so that his leg matched across from hers as they sat on their horses. "Our date has just begun, m'lady." He winked with a charming, boyish grin.

"I shall teach you later as to how you ride your horse by yourself, but I'm sure you'll learn quickly by how trusting you are worth him already. As for now, we shall have the horses tied together so that you be not left behind, and that your horse does not wander too far without your control." While he spoke, the stable keeper aided both the Queen and Brigadier's steeds with a six-foot rope, the end was tied to Connor's saddle, while the other end stayed tied to Inquirer's reigns beneath his chin. Once Willow was comfortable enough to have the rope be taken off, he would allow her to do so, until then, Connor would not take any chances of her getting hurt again. And in that case, the rope between them would avoid that trouble, he hoped. "If you are comfortable without it, and Inquirer and you have found an agreement, I shall take it off for you. Just let me know, okay?" Looking to a nearby guard, the Neko wished him over with a curl of his tail, his ears flattening in question to if he could have a bag of carrots or apples for when the horses would be hungry later into the evening. When granted, he allowed Temptress and Inquirer both to have one before tucking it into Willow's saddle side pouch, which had been accompanied with the reigns when equipped beforehand. He reached over and caressed his girlfriend's hand, lifting it up so that he could kiss the back of her knuckles. As he set it back down, he moved around in his seat to get comfortable once more and grabbed a smooth, dark brown coloured cow-girl hat to give to Willow, and a black one for himself from one of the guards. "I figured you'd want one to match your horse. I hope you like it." He knew he could not buy her love, and that was not what he was trying to do at all. These gifts were merrily an offering of his love, not all of it, but internally he felt that she deserved the world, and with that, he could only afford so much. The hat held two feathers within the string tied around it's form, one was as red as the colour found in blood, the other being a white, but it was dappled with an orangeish brown colour. It was to represent the fiery shades she wore so often, as well as her fire-like, bubbly personality. Temptress looked back at him and he nodded happily to move forwards, and she did as commanded with a quick tug at the reigns. She whinnied and flicked her tail as she began to walk, having Inquirer instantly follow suit along her side and out of the stable. So far so good, he thought nervously to himself. "We are to ride to the Cherry Blossom Bridge, and there we are free to do as we like." He said to her, wondering if she would start the conversation while he dilly dallied in leading the horses. The land was quiet, only to be accompanied by a few chirping birds. Perhaps it was because of winter coming soon why so many animals were leaving, as fall was almost at its end. He looked around, wondering as to where everyone had went, but simply ignored it a little after until they finally reached the lands. There, he spotted the little bridge, the garden to which surrounded it and the creak the bubbled on beneath it's red wooden structure. He smiled. It was beautiful, and what more could he ever want was to have the most beautiful woman in the world to be wish him, to make it fifty, no, a hundred times more radiant than before.

Astride her stallion Willow watched as Connor moved closer. She listened to him brief her over the aspects of riding and the tying of their horses together. Any pride she could have over this matter would be saved for when she would protest later. Horses weren’t small animals; she was amazed that anyone could get other backs and tell them what to do. Willow felt capable of sitting upon Inquirer, but when the animal went into motion she’d be equally as terrified as on Temptress. He was keeping her safe this way; she trusted Temptress more than her own creature at the moment. Still she admired him for such a present and felt guilty she had neglected to give him anything herself. The cookies felt like a measly little gift compared to what she had received in return. Her appreciation for all he’d done for her was everlasting and she found herself about ready to burst with her joy and love for him. Leaning over Inquirer’s shoulder, the queen took her beloved’s chin with a single finger and kissed him softly. It was a feather-light touch of her lips upon his. Her hand curled to cup his cheek. Willows fingers brushed over the soft skin then met there for a moment as her lips left his, her thumb gliding over his cheekbone until she pulled back completely. “Alright,” she said in response to his question. Sitting up in the saddle, Willow straightened her back and watched her love move about in preparation. She wished to help and was going to voice so, but the surge of confidence she’d had before was fading out. The chances of her getting on again were slim, so she remained where she was and watched. Her fingers fiddled with her small braid until he came towards her, a hat in his hand. The neko leaned a bit so he wouldn’t struggle to but the item on her head, feeling it grasp the top of her skull in a perfect fit. She looked up in curiosity and smiled, feeling the brim with her fingers. They met two soft feathers, she’d see their colors later, and looks to Connor in delight. “Thank you babe, I love it.” Willow watched him mount his trusty steed and went into her own little world. Like in fairy tales she imagined herself a princess running away with a night. Cliche as it were, Willow couldn’t get the idea from her mind. Her spine straightened and she sat like a queen, watching her lovely knight astride his horse. She saw Temptress take a step, Inquirer soon to follow, and they were on their way.

Willow was infatuated with the trees. In the winter they were arms reaching up to an unforgiving pale sky. She sometimes missed the blue, but there was something about they way the earth matched it all that intrigued her. Icicles on trees were around them like solid daggers, and she was so much closer to them than before. It was not her feet who were walking nor her body being put to really any work, but Willow felt herself sweating beneath her coat. It was a rush to say the least. She felt Inquirer’s every footfall and movement beneath her, his breathing even and matching her’s breath for breath. Willow could say that, along this lovely path, she fell in love with the world astride a horse. She could see everything she wished and felt herself melding into one with the animal beneath her. Every little part of herself was left in wonderment at the beauty of the earth. “I know why you enjoy riding Temptress so much now. It appears I just had to experience it for myself. How did you find him anyways? He’s magnificent,” she said. The queen’s hands rested on the reins but dared not to pull any certain way, knowing her horse was being lead by the mare beside it. From watching Connor she learned how to direct her horse but didn’t care to try by herself. Maybe on the way back, she decided, but now she would be lead with all her trust in her beloved. Her cheeks were rosy with the cold though she felt warm. The ends of her hair were damp with some snow that had toppled from their homes and onto her. Her hands were gloved and she yearned to take them off and feel the cool leather in her hands. She’d imagined it’d be soft, but as her chin turned up to the view everything else was forgotten. “Wow…” In sudden awe, the queen let her orange hues take everything in. The bubbling creek intrigued her along with the lovely red bridge, but before that came the willow tree. Coincidentally like her name, the tree was one of her favorites. With some distaste, she thought of how rare they were. This one was beautiful and tumbled to the ground in branching layers. Little ice crystals collected everywhere the branches would bud, jingling as the breeze brushed them together. As they passed under the tree everything paused for her. It was so beautiful that she had to capture the image in her mind. A moment later and they were gone from the lovely place and stopped at the place itself. Everywhere was lightly frosted with snow and perfect for a day like today. Willow feared the horses would slip but it seemed the ground wasn’t hard enough to be slick just yet.

Standing in the saddle, Willow slid from Inquirer and held his reins in her hands. She felt his soft nose nuzzle her shoulder and she smiled. The queen looked back into his saddle bags to find an apple to feed to him with the flat of her palm. He took it in a mouthful and nickered to her, delight in his eyes as he chewed. “Well then,” she laughed. “I think we should have a mini picnic on the bridge. Or even under the willow tree.. What do you think, Connor?” She turned to him quizzically, smiling at him as she mentally weighed out her options. Both were interesting places for her to pick, but either one left her to see all the lovely viewpoints that surrounded them. Her hand rested upon Inquirer’s forelock as she delicately stroked it, fanning it out to cover his eyes majestically. His large head rubbed against her side and she smiled, scratching his forehead and waiting for her beloved to speak.

- It's autumn in their thread. Not my best though.

The tom's black, triangular ears turned to the sound of her cheerful tune, slightly looking back at her, with as well all the while glancing ahead of him, though he had faith that his horse knew exactly what she was doing. As much as she tried to be tamed and obeying to his grasp, he knew of her to be quite stubborn when she wanted to be - it was one of the wost disadvantages of owning a mare. Sassy creatures they were, which was another reason as to why he wished for a stallion for his beautiful other, his Queen and world. "Far west, our buddy here was being put up for auction. Apparently the ranch they had'em at was beginning to be too small for the horses they had already and they couldn't find a way to get rid of him.. and unfortunately some others which had been born years before." Connor's voice dulled to a low volume at the thought of a ranch wanting to get rid of horses just because there was little room, but he did not own one, nor ever had the chance of thinking he could by himself. Even then, he was successful by pleasing his beloved with a gift she would never turn down, one which they could both find pleasure in having. "I came across the offer while searching for something for you to give you on Christmas, and as you can probably guess, I got the horse. And at a reasonable price too, so don't think it's that much of a bother. Inquirer's former name was actually Mumble, something about him not speaking a lot according to the reviews and information I got back from the rancher. But he never obeyed to the name, so I thought you could name him." Rocking side to side, the steady movement of the horse reminded one of a sailing ship on the ocean surface. It was slow and swayed casually as time rolled on to the Neko's shoulders. A smile wedged across his face, he peeled his eyes back onto her harvest hues, admiring them at first glance, to what brought him back in time to the first he had ever laid sights upon them. It had seemed like ages ago since it had been done of their escape, let alone the first he'd met her in the cages, now it only seemed like a lost cause to even think back that far sometimes. "Riding Temptress gives me a sense of freedom and confidence I never sought to find in myself. I can only hope you learn to find the same when alone with Inquirer eventually. Which brings me to something else we should consider discussing.." He said, trailing softly as the two neared the land within minutes, though it only seemed like seconds with how great of a start in talking they were at upon confidence levels. Thankfully, no one would come to disturb them here, as it seemed to still be left untouched despite their numbers within the kingdom. He knew this by the scent left around the territory, and it was nice to know they were the first few to rejoice within it by themselves.

Once under the willow tree, Connor came to a halt and looked to her with a smile that meant that this was where they'd stop. The Brigadier got down with great ease, resting the palm of his hand against his horse's cheek to rub over the thin pelt before she breathed a delighted huff from her very nostrils. The ground was stiff, though ridden with the colours of late autumn. Some leaves had dried in that time and had become too parched to remain as beautiful in shade, so a majority were a rust brown and half torn to pieces. When he turned around, his dark olive green eyes found her, no longer on her horse, but on the ground. "Impressive, my dear." He said in a tone of shock and giddiness as he defeated to his own underestimation of her ability by taking a gentle bow with an extended hand to what was not to be offered to her, but just for show. Chuckling, the tom straightened back up and nodded to her suggestion quickly before nearing around to his mare's side to find the cookies still latched away into the side saddle pouches. There were also some apples and carrots for the horses, which he humbly fed a carrot or two to his own horse before setting them back in to save for later. "How about.. we picnic under the willow and then take a walk while the horses stay tied close to the tree? Then we can keep an eye out for them as we speak and enjoy ourselves." The man said openly to his lovely companion, wondering to if she'd share what she would want to do rather than what he wished for. His feet crunched the ground as he made his way to her side and requested he slip his hand around her hip before pulling her in close to kiss her lips. Like this, Connor wished he could always remind her as to how much she meant to him, how much he adored her. Sometimes he could not so much as preform that in words, but rather aloud by his actions. There were precautions to doing so much, he knew, but slow and easy seemed like the easiest outlet for him to say 'I love you' to her. Pinching a piece of hair loose from the rest behind her ear, he reared back and smiled down at her. Before she could say something, his eyes fluttered over to a nice spot beneath the tree, but he reminded himself of the horses first and for most, "Have a seat if you want, it'll only be a second while I tie these two guys up for us. " As he took the reigns of both the stallion and mare, he clicked his tongue for them to back up and leaded them over to a low branch to what he could knot their ties together for the time being. While tying them, his hat suddenly was taken off his head and he looked to the culprit to what he then saw that Temptress had it in her mouth. "Give." He commanded, holding out his hand, but the mare refused with a loud huff and stomp of her hoof. "Give or no carrots for dinner." Connor pulled an arched brow and challenging gaze at the horse who soon gave in with a stubborn whinny. Inquirer only watched with frequently rotating ears. Finally after everything had been done, the Brigadier tiredly made his way back to Willow and forced a happy smile before settling down at her side on the comfy ground. Resting his back against the tree, he looked up to see the bare branches and grey-blue sky hanging over them all. He exhaled slowly and put back on his hat to fit snug against his hair and head, covering his ears and leaving that only his tail to be exposed behind him. It lay comfortably over his lap, almost overlapping to touch her leg, though just slight of, "I applied for a job at a derby, a horse race. And got the position." Said he, turning his head to face her with a genuine, charming grin. "You're looking at the man who gets to be in charge of all the horses. I'm thinking of entering some races eventually if I can get Temptress trained in time before spring hits." Slowly did he take her hand into his, softly cradling it within his grasps before his fingers outstretched to fold within her own, "I was wondering.. if you'd be there to cheer me on." Connor said quietly, his eyes watching as his hand layered over hers.

A smile graced her lips as her arms rose above her head and to the sky. Her stretch was slow and graceful, arching her body up like the cat form she became when she desired. Willow felt her limbs give in to their extended position to bring a wave of relief fluttering through her system. The queen was happy to admit she was lost in this place, this scene, and this life every day she happened to breathe the air around her. Quietly her arms came down and her head turned to look at her love in question. Her lips were parted, her cheeks a bright pink in the cold as she widened her smile. With him Willow felt like she was set aglow; she was amazingly happy with the person that he made her become. Joy and love danced among the stars and under the sun to improve her mood when he was around with each passing day. She listened to him speak, hypnotized by his voice, until she finally agreed to his suggestion. “Alright, that sounds wonderful. Like our own little paradise,” she said in delight. Her lips closed, covering her teeth and leaving a small grin as she watched him come closer. Her body leaned into his and she inhaled his scent deeply before her chin tilted up towards his. Automatically her body leaned into him and her torso arched up. She felt that she knew what he was going to do before he even did it; she could see that look in his eyes. Willow rested her hand on his neck and cupped his jaw. Her fingers glanced over his skin as she stroked his soft cheek with her thumb. The queen watched him lean down, felt herself gathered against him, and let her eyes flutter shut as she felt her lips touch his. It was soft at first; a featherlight pressure until it creased. This simple, light touch left her feeling as if he were speaking so many words into her mouth. In that moment she felt so much, practically heard so much that he had to say without saying it. Her hand gripped the collar of his jacket and she kissed him back, saying those things right back in that silent little way of theirs. It left Willow feeling hollowed when he pulled away but overjoyed that he was there to stay. Dumbstruck from their kiss, willow could only nod like a bobble-head as he said he would tie up the horses. With admiration she watched her stallion move and his muscles flex as she was awed that such a creature could exist. Her hand came over her mouth and she giggled as her eyes met the scene of her beloved’s mare taking his hat. She continued to watch him until he returned to her. By then her small frame had found its way to resting against the base of the willow tree. Her heart beat steadily and happily as he sat beside her. From behind her Willow’s tail slithered out and moved to twine with his in a loving gesture as her harvest hues admired him.

Willow was positively overjoyed with him getting his position at the race track. Her hands clapped together quickly and she squeaked in joy. “Oh my gosh, Connor! That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you! It’d be marvelous to watch you, so of course I’d cheer you on!” She felt his hand over hers and her fingers moved up to twine with his. The queen loved him, truly loved him, and rubbed her thumb over the back of his hand. “Unfortunately I don’t have much to talk about. I mean I’ve been keeping busy with some new books and such but everyone seems to be happy with the world. The humans still don’t know we’re here nor can they eradicate us, there isn’t a shortage in money flow, and I’m not involved with any politics currently.” Quietly Willow played with the grass with the hand that was not occupied. She gazed at him with love and affection as her hand left his to stroke gently through his hair. Leaning back, Willow lay upon the ground and looked up at him from a new perspective. Still handsome as ever, and she lifted his hand to kiss each of his fingers adoringly. After a few moments of silence, she finally spoke up. “I kind of just want to stay here forever, you know? The day is so beautiful and quiet. It’s all quiet and the silence is peaceful.” Her words rang out around the land, perking the horses’ ears and traveling on the lovely breeze that stirred her hair across her face. Willow looked up at Connor and reached over her head to take his hand once again, shifting her hips to rest her gathered knees to the left. The queen quietly closed her eyes and let her body relax. They opened soon enough and she spoke curiously. “You know what? I need something to do.. I cannot wait until I can actually begin riding Inquirer to cure some of my boredom. I never thought being a queen would be this dull, especially from what I read about when there were kings and queens and such. Not that you’re dull, but my days without you are extremely so. But other than that I have nothing to do when my race is happy. Hence the cookie baking earlier.” Willow fidgeted with the brace on her wrist, pulling on the strap every now and then when the injury began to ache. It wasn’t like anything she’d experienced in her past; the pain in her past was much worse. To escape the thoughts she pushed herself up and scooted over to him, trailing her fingers up his arm until she could cup the side of his neck. “I love you,” she said, short and simple but meaning everything at once. Her body leaned into his and her heart began its happy skip like it did when he was near. Beneath her hand she could feel his warmth and his presence, but all she wanted to do was get washed away in the tides that were Connor. So quietly her head tilted up and her eyes fluttered shut as she brushed her lips against his and leaned in for a real kiss.