Post by padmavati on Mar 23, 2008 0:19:49 GMT -6
Such a beautiful afternoon it was, so much so that it warranted the need for Padma to leave the children under Lalit's care and Rose's watchful eye back at the Inn and do a bit of exploring. It wasn't often, spending an afternoon without them. They were what kept her getting out of bed each new day following her dear husband's death. They remain still what keep her strong and sane amidst the pressures of uncertainty. But, as the young widow was beginning to see, she could not make things right for her children without making things right with her. So it is after a lengthy goodbye for only a few hours that Padma climbed on top of her brown and black mare, Ezra, and rode beyond the city walls and out on to the countryside. The pair did not venture far, but far enough to familiarize themselves with the lands and those roads that pass through them.
About an hour and a half later, they were trotting down a road that led back into Turas Lan in silence before a dirt-ridden path veering from the road and into a large thicket of trees caught her absent gaze. Curiosity filled the void once there as she gently tugged on the reins, bringing Ezra to a stop. Another tug and the mare was slowly walked the few steps backwards to bring them back before the pathway. Back bent slightly to get a look at what lay ahead, but to see through to the other side was near impossible with all the trees and branches in the way. She straightened and looked around, seeing nobody about nor hearing anything. For some reason, she felt compelled to see what hides behind the brush, if for no other reason then to simply know for knowings sake. So, after a moment of stillness, another nudge was given to the sides and Padma led the mare down the path before they too disappeared.
It was a short walk amidst the trees before they emerged in an open clearing completely surrounded by forest. In the middle of the clearing? A large wood and stone farmhouse, modest yet commanding in its towering design. It appeared that no one lived there from the looks of the long since dead flower gardens and the lack of animals in the stables or life in the house. Slowly Ezra came to a stop in the yard and Padma's stormy blue/grey eyes drifted over the exterior. Despite clearly looking as if it hadn't been lived in in years, she could see the rustic appeal in it. The potential it has to have some much needed life brought back. But.. the question is, who does it belong to, if anyone? Staying horseback a moment longer, one long leg finally swung over the horse's behind and both feet were firmly planted on the ground. She worried not about the mare for she would not go anywhere without her mistress, and so, focused on the cautious approach.
The windows were bare of any drappings, a wooden bucket upturned on the yard, and once she stood at the threshhold of the opened door, she saw absolutely nothing inside. Very bare and further lending to the idea that nobody lived there. Inside, the possibilities became a plethora with its many open spaces and empty walls. Visions of vibrant rugs and furniture, paintings, and delicious foods being prepared as the children played danced in her mind. Through the foyer, library, and kitchen, she walked, calling out to the people she did not think were there. Into the dining room and already she could hear the distinct melody of waves rolling up on the beach from beyond the double doors. Leather bound, knee high boots padded softly against the wooden floors as she crossed the room, fingers adorned in silver and sapphire grasping the twin handles and firmly pushing the doors open.
A sea-breeze gust of air greeted her on the other side, freeing strands of wavy hair from their bundle at the nape of her neck to caress parts of her face in the chilled wind. Mixed with the sight of the spansive yard surrounded by trees that eventually leads to a beach and the great sea, and it was enough to nearly steal the very breath from her. Captivated by this beach home, it took Padma a moment to realize that she stood not alone upon the back porch. She did a double take to the left where a rather large dog laid, staring out at the sea. Her body froze instinctively at seeing the massive beast with its muscular frame and bull snout. But to her surprise, it did not attack or growl... in fact, it merely sat there, looking to her with those sad brown eyes, and his thin tail wagging! Padma relaxed some at that and as the dog excitedly approached, a broad smile was seen...
Minutes later, after feeding the pooch some of the dried meats she had brought with her to snack on, the trio of woman, dog, and horse walked up to where the cool grass turned into sand. Releasing the reins so that Ezra could graze, Padma coolly walked on to the beach, the waves which came ashore just barely missing booted feet. She felt at peace in this spot.. her mind lulled by the song of the sea, providing her a moment's clarity. She wanted this house. It seemed so perfect to house her family and her dreams. Yet, if by some chance she did acquire it, that would mean they would be staying in Skye permanently. Even as talks of war reach her ears. A fierce gust of wind blew, loosening the deep purple scarf from her neck. It blew again, even more fiercely, and the sheer fabric whipped around her neck and blew away over the beach. Taking with it any uncertainties. Yes... as soon as it was possible, Padma would go see the Lady Aberdeen and find out about this house by the sea.
[/center] [/color]About an hour and a half later, they were trotting down a road that led back into Turas Lan in silence before a dirt-ridden path veering from the road and into a large thicket of trees caught her absent gaze. Curiosity filled the void once there as she gently tugged on the reins, bringing Ezra to a stop. Another tug and the mare was slowly walked the few steps backwards to bring them back before the pathway. Back bent slightly to get a look at what lay ahead, but to see through to the other side was near impossible with all the trees and branches in the way. She straightened and looked around, seeing nobody about nor hearing anything. For some reason, she felt compelled to see what hides behind the brush, if for no other reason then to simply know for knowings sake. So, after a moment of stillness, another nudge was given to the sides and Padma led the mare down the path before they too disappeared.
It was a short walk amidst the trees before they emerged in an open clearing completely surrounded by forest. In the middle of the clearing? A large wood and stone farmhouse, modest yet commanding in its towering design. It appeared that no one lived there from the looks of the long since dead flower gardens and the lack of animals in the stables or life in the house. Slowly Ezra came to a stop in the yard and Padma's stormy blue/grey eyes drifted over the exterior. Despite clearly looking as if it hadn't been lived in in years, she could see the rustic appeal in it. The potential it has to have some much needed life brought back. But.. the question is, who does it belong to, if anyone? Staying horseback a moment longer, one long leg finally swung over the horse's behind and both feet were firmly planted on the ground. She worried not about the mare for she would not go anywhere without her mistress, and so, focused on the cautious approach.
The windows were bare of any drappings, a wooden bucket upturned on the yard, and once she stood at the threshhold of the opened door, she saw absolutely nothing inside. Very bare and further lending to the idea that nobody lived there. Inside, the possibilities became a plethora with its many open spaces and empty walls. Visions of vibrant rugs and furniture, paintings, and delicious foods being prepared as the children played danced in her mind. Through the foyer, library, and kitchen, she walked, calling out to the people she did not think were there. Into the dining room and already she could hear the distinct melody of waves rolling up on the beach from beyond the double doors. Leather bound, knee high boots padded softly against the wooden floors as she crossed the room, fingers adorned in silver and sapphire grasping the twin handles and firmly pushing the doors open.
A sea-breeze gust of air greeted her on the other side, freeing strands of wavy hair from their bundle at the nape of her neck to caress parts of her face in the chilled wind. Mixed with the sight of the spansive yard surrounded by trees that eventually leads to a beach and the great sea, and it was enough to nearly steal the very breath from her. Captivated by this beach home, it took Padma a moment to realize that she stood not alone upon the back porch. She did a double take to the left where a rather large dog laid, staring out at the sea. Her body froze instinctively at seeing the massive beast with its muscular frame and bull snout. But to her surprise, it did not attack or growl... in fact, it merely sat there, looking to her with those sad brown eyes, and his thin tail wagging! Padma relaxed some at that and as the dog excitedly approached, a broad smile was seen...
Minutes later, after feeding the pooch some of the dried meats she had brought with her to snack on, the trio of woman, dog, and horse walked up to where the cool grass turned into sand. Releasing the reins so that Ezra could graze, Padma coolly walked on to the beach, the waves which came ashore just barely missing booted feet. She felt at peace in this spot.. her mind lulled by the song of the sea, providing her a moment's clarity. She wanted this house. It seemed so perfect to house her family and her dreams. Yet, if by some chance she did acquire it, that would mean they would be staying in Skye permanently. Even as talks of war reach her ears. A fierce gust of wind blew, loosening the deep purple scarf from her neck. It blew again, even more fiercely, and the sheer fabric whipped around her neck and blew away over the beach. Taking with it any uncertainties. Yes... as soon as it was possible, Padma would go see the Lady Aberdeen and find out about this house by the sea.