Prose log with Kathy
Who: Percival and Kathy (rideonchisatsu)
When: yesterday-ish
Where: the stables
What: checking in on Kathy and the horses, and belated christmas gifts
There was no way Percival was going to relax or sleep well until he had gotten down to the stables to check on his horse - and the stable's other resident - personally. It took a long time to inch down there on the sheet of ice that covered everything, though the last few yards he was able to cling to the fence along the path for safety. When he was close enough, he called out ahead, "Kathy! Kathy, are you there? Are you all right?"
"Damnit damnit DAMNIT!" came a call from within the barn, but it certainly wasn't adressed to Percival. There was also the sound of several things being tossed about, as well as a few crashing sounds. Another loud screaming grunt and one could tell, from the oustide, that the inside wall of the barn was being kicked. Perhaps in frustration.
Oh dear, Percival thought to himself, teetering precariously on the ice that led up to the door. He was nearly safe, but for one more step, and naturally that was the one his boot missed. He flailed wildly and managed to grab the stable door with a loud thud. "Kathy!" he called again.
She had been taking out her frustration on some equipment when the sound of Percival crashing and his subsequent call pulled her back to reality. Quickly, her face turned to one of concern and she rushed over to him. "Hey, are you alright? What in the hell was goin' on out there?"
"Ah...that's a good question. Thank you," he added for the helping hand. Once inside on dry, stable ground, he could walk normally again, and brushed down his wool coat to regain his composure. "It's a nightmare, all this ice. I wanted to check up on you, it's been days since I've been able to get down here and take care of Midnight..."
"Well they just ate the last of the food that managed to stay dry. A season's worth of feed is ruined, and if we don't head out and git some from Iksay, these horses are gonna starve to death," Kathy spat, her frustration surfacing once more. She motioned to the slushed piles that were against the wall. "That's all gonna rot and be good fer nothin' but compost. They can't eat that shit."
Percival stared in horror. "Oh no! What happened? Did the water get in before it could freeze? Damn!" He rubbed his chin in frustration. "I don't know how we're going to get to Iksay...at least, not with stock. On foot, perhaps, but..."
"I'll go on foot and rent a cart there if I have to, but I can't wait no more, Percy. These horses depend on me and they ain't got no more food left. The insulation, the food, it's all ruined," Kathy sighed, plopping down on an empty crate with a huff. She removed her hat and rubbed at her temple...completely at a loss.
Nearby, Midnight and Phoenix had their heads hanging curiously out their stall doors, so Percival went and rubbed each of their noses. They were indeed fine. "Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked, his voice solemn. "Anything at all? Ah...curse this ice! We can't even let them out into the paddock to dig up the grass under the snow..."
"Exactly...pasture's frozen solid. I ain't got no other choice," Kathy cursed, spitting to her side. "They're happy now, but they won't be for long."
Percival came over to her and knelt in front of her. "I wouldn't want them to go hungry at all, but...how many days do you think they have before it'll be a problem? Two, three?"
"I ain't gonna let it be a problem. I'm leaving as soon as I can," Kathy said with a large dose of her familiar determination. She looked up to Percival, her eyes almost asking him permission to do this...knowing full well the weather was not on her side.
"I can't let you go alone," he said with equal determination. "I don't know how far out from the castle grounds the ice goes...beyond that the snow may be deep. You'll need extra hands no matter what."
"I can bring Melville with me and leave Kinnison here to take care of the animals. Yer needed more here than with me," Kathy responded, sparing little time for thought on her statement. It wasn't as if she didn't want him to come..."Though I can't really put Melville in that situation either...damnit."
Percival breathed a short sigh. "Well, Melville is capable, I certainly would trust him to go along." His brow furrowed in obvious concern. "There are others who can take charge here. I haven't been doing much - following Lord Thomas' requests, mostly. I can be spared to help you."
"During a flash freeze? Hell no, you need to stay here," Kathy insisted further.
"Kathy..." Percival sighed and gave her a helpless smile. "It isn't that I don't think you capable. I simply want to be of help. It's my own horse that needs it, anyway, I ought to be responsible." He shrugged a little. "Perhaps I could be selfish and wish to see my mother. Then I would be going that way anyway."
Kathy let out an annoyed huff and stepped away for a moment. Why was he being so insistant? "It's not like I...You're needed more here during this bad weather, alright!"
Percival backed off, folding his arms over his chest. "Very well. If you're absolutely certain. But I'll give you the name of a few of my mother's friends in Iksay. If you need any help with the wagon coming back, they would jump to assist. All right?"
...Whoah, he actually let off? She looked just a tad shocked as she turned back to face him. Maybe...maybe she was being a bit too harsh...She put on a slightly sheepish smile, tipping her hat. "Well...maybe you should come see yer mama at least..."
Percival blinked, and after a second began to smile. Inwardly, he was thinking that he still didn't understand women after all this time. "Are you certain? I mean, not that I don't want to see my mother, but if my presence isn't wanted.."
"I just dun like the idea of you goin' so far outta yer way for me...so I'll just think of it as you goin' t' see yer mama, and not, you know, being with me. On supply run, I mean," she responded, almost stuttering. Yes, that was quite sound logic.
"Ah..." Some part of that made sense, at last, so Percival nodded. "I see. Then, this little box I have tucked inside my coat is something you wouldn't want me to give you, either."
"Little....box?" Kathy blinked, honestly perplexed and thrown completely off guard
Percival tugged aside the lapel of his coat and pulled out a small, flat box, about the size of a book, from inside. "I figured as long as I was going to the effort to get down here, I would bring it along. There's no sense making two trips in this weather." He held it out. "Happy christmas, good Yule, whichever you celebrate."
Kathy...blinked again, and her jaw was a bit slack as she reached out to slowly take the box. She regarded it as if it were some kind of strange idol, much the way archeaologists studied Sindar artifacts. She wasn't expecting anything like this at all...it came as a complete shock to har. Tenderly...she began to open it.
Percival beamed at not being rebuffed. He had taken his time choosing this gift, after all, and it wasn't easy finding matching pieces. The bridle headstall inset with blue stones was for Slow Dancer, but the simple necklace was all Kathy's. "I'm sure you don't need new tack, but I thought it looked nice."
She held both objects just slightly out of the box. All of her frustrations and worries seemed to melt away. In their place, something else swelled...perhaps the very thing that drew her more and more to her friend. She couldn't help but let out a slight laugh as happiness filled her up. No words...just a strong hug for Percy in thanks.
Percival returned the hug happily, patting her on the back. "I've never seen you speechless," he teased. "Perhaps I should buy my friends riding gear more often."
"Well...I got you somethin' too, but that can wait till later, alright?" Kathy said, wiping away a tear as she laughed. She didn't quite release the hug though...
Percival seemed not to notice, even though he started to pull back. "Oh? Oh, wonderful! And here I thought the most important part of being here for the holidays was being close enough to visit my mother. No, gifts from friends are far better." He raised an eyebrow at her. "So I'm allowed to assist in the acquiring of supplies for the horses, yes?"
"Yes, of course. You dun buttered me up to it boy," she laughed heartily. The laughter faded a bit as she turned away. She held the necklace in her hand a moment, regarding it with a soft and thoughtful smile. Not ever had she recieved something like that as a gift before...she still wasn't certain what to think of it.
Oblivious, Percival tilted his head. "Do you need help putting it on?" Since that was the thing any man asked any woman upon gifting a necklace with a clasp.
"Ah...erm...yeah, actually, ha ha. I ain't worn a necklace like this since I was a little girl," she said, still in a bit of a daze from it all. The very feeling of it all was still sinking in, and she wasn't certain what to say.
"Here..." Percival took it back for the moment and rubbed his chilled fingers on his coat before undoing the clasp and stepping around behind Kathy to put the necklace on. The stone wasn't an exact match to the ones on the headstall, but it was at least the same shade of blue. "There! How's that?"
Well, if she had managed to hold it off before based on the shock alone, now she was fully flushed in her face as she regarded the stone in the mirror that was up against the barn wall (she used it to brush her teeth in before). She couldn't get over how...beautiful it felt. And she'd never really felt beautiful before.
Percival stood back grinning like an idiot. "Well? Don't tell me it doesn't match..."
"N-no, it's not that, just....Percival, this is wonderful," she spoke, her words carried on strained breaths. She used his full name...perhaps a testament to how effected she was.
He flushed a little across the cheeks as well, scratching the back of his neck modestly. "I'm glad you like it. I honestly didn't know if it would be too much, or too little. But it's the holidays, I'm allowed to treat the people in my life as extravagantly as I want."
Kathy looked over at him, giving him an honest and soft grin. Honestly, after what happened the last time they got to speak so personally like this, she should have known better than to let herself get emotional. But she just couldn't help it. "Percival...thank you. Thank you so much, not just for the gift but...for how it makes me feel."
"Ahh..." Percival very nearly asked for an explanation, but thought perhaps it would be less than tactful. If she wanted to share that, she could. He simply smiled his warmest smile and bowed slightly. "You're welcome. If I've blessed your holiday the tiniest bit, then I've done things right for a change."
If Kathy were feeling more courageous...no no, best to put that thought aside. But in one visit, Percival managed to turn what was going to be a sour and frustrating holiday into one of the best she'd had since her mother passed away. Things were looking up, and she felt her stress just melt away. "You've made me the happiest girl in the castle. Quite a turnaround from how ya found me, ha ha!"
"Well, good!" Percival sobered a little. "Though, I don't blame you. Losing all that feed is a huge blow. We shall have to hope that we get a thaw soon, and the ice melts off the pasture before the next snow blows in." He looked past her to the outside, his brow knitting slightly.
"In the mean time, we better get some emergency feed...it'll be a hell of a treck into town, but for these horses, there ain't a task too great!" Kathy said with bountiful amounts of cheerful determination.
"Indeed." Percival nodded smartly. "How soon do you think we can be prepared to leave?"
"I'll be ready at dawn," Kathy responded in a chipper tone. "I'll have the boys watch the stables while I'm gone."
"All right. I will make my way down here by then." Percival went over to his horse and patted him on the neck. "Sorry, old boy, I wish I had time to give you a good brush-down, to make up for not being here. But I do have things to attend to...and I don't relish climbing up those icy steps."
"I can help you back up. My boots have cleats in them, after all," Kathy remarked, noting that the ice really had done a number on the terrain outside.
"Is that so?" Percival set his hands on his hips, giving her a mock-scolding look. "Well, aren't you lucky? I can't even wear my armor, it makes things even more slick. My boots are all worn down." He rolled his eyes. "It's a good thing Borus isn't here or I'd never hear the end of it. Needing a woman to help me around."
"Oh hush. You, better than anyone, oughta know I am prepared fer any kinda environment year round. That's the law of the trail, after all," Kathy laughed, giving Percival a kunckle to the shoulder for his jesting.
"Then I have quite a bit of work to do in order to be able to keep up with you," Percival teased back, rolling with the punch. "If I end up lagging behind you on the trail, don't let my mother know. It'll shatter her image of me."
"You know, I dun think it'll matter TOO much. But I do need to have a sit down with that mama of yers. I've got a few things I need to ask. And no boys allowed on this conversation, ya hear?" she teased him, making her way up the steps now that they had cleared the stable area.
"Uh oh..." Percival looked vaguely worried, though part of that was from having to grab a hold of Kathy's arm to stabilize himself on the ice. "Well, I'm sure my mother would love the chance to meet more of my friends, so you may well get that..." He suddenly flailed and his feet came up as he tumbled over backwards.
Kathy used both arms to catch him and was surprisingly able to hold him in place without loosing her footing...well, for a few moments anywars. A piece of the ice broke beneath her foot and she too went falling backwards with a decidedly girly yelp. She still held onto Percival though...
Percival threw his arm out to catch himself, landing full on his hand with Kathy half on top of him. For a second he lay stunned, and then gasped and started cursing a most un-knightly blue streak in pain.
Kathy was just as stunned, really. The awkward position of their landing certainly didn't help. But as soon as he started yelling, she realized he'd probably banged himself up something fierce. "Calm down! Show me where it hurts, alright?"
"My hand - my wrist," Percival hissed, holding his left arm cradled with his right. It may have saved him from hitting his head, but he'd done something else stupid in the meantime.
Kathy removed a kerchief from her duster coat and gave a look over the hand. She examined it in a somewhat motherly manner, looking it over for signs of bruising. "Does it hurt when I do this?" she said, moving his thumb just slightly.
His reaction was to yelp and kick out at the step which had caused his downfall. "Yesss!"
"Looks like you sprained it then. That muscle there?" she said, pointing to the now swelling bit of his thumb. "That connects over here at yer wrist. Imma take this kerchief and twist it round here you it won't move so much, okay? It should be fine if yer careful," Kathy remarked, beginning her work. "I did this all the time when I was a kid, so you dun worry."
"All the same, I'm going to - ah! - have the infirmary look at it," Percival panted, trying to hold still. "It really hurts. Ah...at least it's my hand, and not my feet, I can still travel," he chuckled weakly.
"Good call. Whelp! Git back up now, no use in sittin' round. Try again," Kathy smiled as she dusted herself off, extending a hand to him as she stood back up. She had all but forgotten how they landed...
"Spoken like a true horseman. Woman." Percival accepted her help, hauling himself to his feet and holding his left arm close to his chest. "And after I've been telling everyone else to watch their step and not hurt themselves. Honestly. Let's go...we're halfway there."
"Halfway there...heh," Kathy chuckled inwardly. Words like that...meant so much in so many ways that she couldn't possibly relate to him. She felt like she really was halfway there in her life...and with him. It was perhaps foolish to dwell on it, but who knows. But she would know soon enough....
Percival held a little more tightly to her arm this time, taking each step gingerly up to the courtyard. Unfortunately, the throbbing in his wrist erased any thoughts of anything else that had just happened, for the time being. All he wanted was to get to the infirmary, and hope they cleared him to go to Iksay, because he didn't want to let Kathy down.
When: yesterday-ish
Where: the stables
What: checking in on Kathy and the horses, and belated christmas gifts
There was no way Percival was going to relax or sleep well until he had gotten down to the stables to check on his horse - and the stable's other resident - personally. It took a long time to inch down there on the sheet of ice that covered everything, though the last few yards he was able to cling to the fence along the path for safety. When he was close enough, he called out ahead, "Kathy! Kathy, are you there? Are you all right?"
"Damnit damnit DAMNIT!" came a call from within the barn, but it certainly wasn't adressed to Percival. There was also the sound of several things being tossed about, as well as a few crashing sounds. Another loud screaming grunt and one could tell, from the oustide, that the inside wall of the barn was being kicked. Perhaps in frustration.
Oh dear, Percival thought to himself, teetering precariously on the ice that led up to the door. He was nearly safe, but for one more step, and naturally that was the one his boot missed. He flailed wildly and managed to grab the stable door with a loud thud. "Kathy!" he called again.
She had been taking out her frustration on some equipment when the sound of Percival crashing and his subsequent call pulled her back to reality. Quickly, her face turned to one of concern and she rushed over to him. "Hey, are you alright? What in the hell was goin' on out there?"
"Ah...that's a good question. Thank you," he added for the helping hand. Once inside on dry, stable ground, he could walk normally again, and brushed down his wool coat to regain his composure. "It's a nightmare, all this ice. I wanted to check up on you, it's been days since I've been able to get down here and take care of Midnight..."
"Well they just ate the last of the food that managed to stay dry. A season's worth of feed is ruined, and if we don't head out and git some from Iksay, these horses are gonna starve to death," Kathy spat, her frustration surfacing once more. She motioned to the slushed piles that were against the wall. "That's all gonna rot and be good fer nothin' but compost. They can't eat that shit."
Percival stared in horror. "Oh no! What happened? Did the water get in before it could freeze? Damn!" He rubbed his chin in frustration. "I don't know how we're going to get to Iksay...at least, not with stock. On foot, perhaps, but..."
"I'll go on foot and rent a cart there if I have to, but I can't wait no more, Percy. These horses depend on me and they ain't got no more food left. The insulation, the food, it's all ruined," Kathy sighed, plopping down on an empty crate with a huff. She removed her hat and rubbed at her temple...completely at a loss.
Nearby, Midnight and Phoenix had their heads hanging curiously out their stall doors, so Percival went and rubbed each of their noses. They were indeed fine. "Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked, his voice solemn. "Anything at all? Ah...curse this ice! We can't even let them out into the paddock to dig up the grass under the snow..."
"Exactly...pasture's frozen solid. I ain't got no other choice," Kathy cursed, spitting to her side. "They're happy now, but they won't be for long."
Percival came over to her and knelt in front of her. "I wouldn't want them to go hungry at all, but...how many days do you think they have before it'll be a problem? Two, three?"
"I ain't gonna let it be a problem. I'm leaving as soon as I can," Kathy said with a large dose of her familiar determination. She looked up to Percival, her eyes almost asking him permission to do this...knowing full well the weather was not on her side.
"I can't let you go alone," he said with equal determination. "I don't know how far out from the castle grounds the ice goes...beyond that the snow may be deep. You'll need extra hands no matter what."
"I can bring Melville with me and leave Kinnison here to take care of the animals. Yer needed more here than with me," Kathy responded, sparing little time for thought on her statement. It wasn't as if she didn't want him to come..."Though I can't really put Melville in that situation either...damnit."
Percival breathed a short sigh. "Well, Melville is capable, I certainly would trust him to go along." His brow furrowed in obvious concern. "There are others who can take charge here. I haven't been doing much - following Lord Thomas' requests, mostly. I can be spared to help you."
"During a flash freeze? Hell no, you need to stay here," Kathy insisted further.
"Kathy..." Percival sighed and gave her a helpless smile. "It isn't that I don't think you capable. I simply want to be of help. It's my own horse that needs it, anyway, I ought to be responsible." He shrugged a little. "Perhaps I could be selfish and wish to see my mother. Then I would be going that way anyway."
Kathy let out an annoyed huff and stepped away for a moment. Why was he being so insistant? "It's not like I...You're needed more here during this bad weather, alright!"
Percival backed off, folding his arms over his chest. "Very well. If you're absolutely certain. But I'll give you the name of a few of my mother's friends in Iksay. If you need any help with the wagon coming back, they would jump to assist. All right?"
...Whoah, he actually let off? She looked just a tad shocked as she turned back to face him. Maybe...maybe she was being a bit too harsh...She put on a slightly sheepish smile, tipping her hat. "Well...maybe you should come see yer mama at least..."
Percival blinked, and after a second began to smile. Inwardly, he was thinking that he still didn't understand women after all this time. "Are you certain? I mean, not that I don't want to see my mother, but if my presence isn't wanted.."
"I just dun like the idea of you goin' so far outta yer way for me...so I'll just think of it as you goin' t' see yer mama, and not, you know, being with me. On supply run, I mean," she responded, almost stuttering. Yes, that was quite sound logic.
"Ah..." Some part of that made sense, at last, so Percival nodded. "I see. Then, this little box I have tucked inside my coat is something you wouldn't want me to give you, either."
"Little....box?" Kathy blinked, honestly perplexed and thrown completely off guard
Percival tugged aside the lapel of his coat and pulled out a small, flat box, about the size of a book, from inside. "I figured as long as I was going to the effort to get down here, I would bring it along. There's no sense making two trips in this weather." He held it out. "Happy christmas, good Yule, whichever you celebrate."
Kathy...blinked again, and her jaw was a bit slack as she reached out to slowly take the box. She regarded it as if it were some kind of strange idol, much the way archeaologists studied Sindar artifacts. She wasn't expecting anything like this at all...it came as a complete shock to har. Tenderly...she began to open it.
Percival beamed at not being rebuffed. He had taken his time choosing this gift, after all, and it wasn't easy finding matching pieces. The bridle headstall inset with blue stones was for Slow Dancer, but the simple necklace was all Kathy's. "I'm sure you don't need new tack, but I thought it looked nice."
She held both objects just slightly out of the box. All of her frustrations and worries seemed to melt away. In their place, something else swelled...perhaps the very thing that drew her more and more to her friend. She couldn't help but let out a slight laugh as happiness filled her up. No words...just a strong hug for Percy in thanks.
Percival returned the hug happily, patting her on the back. "I've never seen you speechless," he teased. "Perhaps I should buy my friends riding gear more often."
"Well...I got you somethin' too, but that can wait till later, alright?" Kathy said, wiping away a tear as she laughed. She didn't quite release the hug though...
Percival seemed not to notice, even though he started to pull back. "Oh? Oh, wonderful! And here I thought the most important part of being here for the holidays was being close enough to visit my mother. No, gifts from friends are far better." He raised an eyebrow at her. "So I'm allowed to assist in the acquiring of supplies for the horses, yes?"
"Yes, of course. You dun buttered me up to it boy," she laughed heartily. The laughter faded a bit as she turned away. She held the necklace in her hand a moment, regarding it with a soft and thoughtful smile. Not ever had she recieved something like that as a gift before...she still wasn't certain what to think of it.
Oblivious, Percival tilted his head. "Do you need help putting it on?" Since that was the thing any man asked any woman upon gifting a necklace with a clasp.
"Ah...erm...yeah, actually, ha ha. I ain't worn a necklace like this since I was a little girl," she said, still in a bit of a daze from it all. The very feeling of it all was still sinking in, and she wasn't certain what to say.
"Here..." Percival took it back for the moment and rubbed his chilled fingers on his coat before undoing the clasp and stepping around behind Kathy to put the necklace on. The stone wasn't an exact match to the ones on the headstall, but it was at least the same shade of blue. "There! How's that?"
Well, if she had managed to hold it off before based on the shock alone, now she was fully flushed in her face as she regarded the stone in the mirror that was up against the barn wall (she used it to brush her teeth in before). She couldn't get over how...beautiful it felt. And she'd never really felt beautiful before.
Percival stood back grinning like an idiot. "Well? Don't tell me it doesn't match..."
"N-no, it's not that, just....Percival, this is wonderful," she spoke, her words carried on strained breaths. She used his full name...perhaps a testament to how effected she was.
He flushed a little across the cheeks as well, scratching the back of his neck modestly. "I'm glad you like it. I honestly didn't know if it would be too much, or too little. But it's the holidays, I'm allowed to treat the people in my life as extravagantly as I want."
Kathy looked over at him, giving him an honest and soft grin. Honestly, after what happened the last time they got to speak so personally like this, she should have known better than to let herself get emotional. But she just couldn't help it. "Percival...thank you. Thank you so much, not just for the gift but...for how it makes me feel."
"Ahh..." Percival very nearly asked for an explanation, but thought perhaps it would be less than tactful. If she wanted to share that, she could. He simply smiled his warmest smile and bowed slightly. "You're welcome. If I've blessed your holiday the tiniest bit, then I've done things right for a change."
If Kathy were feeling more courageous...no no, best to put that thought aside. But in one visit, Percival managed to turn what was going to be a sour and frustrating holiday into one of the best she'd had since her mother passed away. Things were looking up, and she felt her stress just melt away. "You've made me the happiest girl in the castle. Quite a turnaround from how ya found me, ha ha!"
"Well, good!" Percival sobered a little. "Though, I don't blame you. Losing all that feed is a huge blow. We shall have to hope that we get a thaw soon, and the ice melts off the pasture before the next snow blows in." He looked past her to the outside, his brow knitting slightly.
"In the mean time, we better get some emergency feed...it'll be a hell of a treck into town, but for these horses, there ain't a task too great!" Kathy said with bountiful amounts of cheerful determination.
"Indeed." Percival nodded smartly. "How soon do you think we can be prepared to leave?"
"I'll be ready at dawn," Kathy responded in a chipper tone. "I'll have the boys watch the stables while I'm gone."
"All right. I will make my way down here by then." Percival went over to his horse and patted him on the neck. "Sorry, old boy, I wish I had time to give you a good brush-down, to make up for not being here. But I do have things to attend to...and I don't relish climbing up those icy steps."
"I can help you back up. My boots have cleats in them, after all," Kathy remarked, noting that the ice really had done a number on the terrain outside.
"Is that so?" Percival set his hands on his hips, giving her a mock-scolding look. "Well, aren't you lucky? I can't even wear my armor, it makes things even more slick. My boots are all worn down." He rolled his eyes. "It's a good thing Borus isn't here or I'd never hear the end of it. Needing a woman to help me around."
"Oh hush. You, better than anyone, oughta know I am prepared fer any kinda environment year round. That's the law of the trail, after all," Kathy laughed, giving Percival a kunckle to the shoulder for his jesting.
"Then I have quite a bit of work to do in order to be able to keep up with you," Percival teased back, rolling with the punch. "If I end up lagging behind you on the trail, don't let my mother know. It'll shatter her image of me."
"You know, I dun think it'll matter TOO much. But I do need to have a sit down with that mama of yers. I've got a few things I need to ask. And no boys allowed on this conversation, ya hear?" she teased him, making her way up the steps now that they had cleared the stable area.
"Uh oh..." Percival looked vaguely worried, though part of that was from having to grab a hold of Kathy's arm to stabilize himself on the ice. "Well, I'm sure my mother would love the chance to meet more of my friends, so you may well get that..." He suddenly flailed and his feet came up as he tumbled over backwards.
Kathy used both arms to catch him and was surprisingly able to hold him in place without loosing her footing...well, for a few moments anywars. A piece of the ice broke beneath her foot and she too went falling backwards with a decidedly girly yelp. She still held onto Percival though...
Percival threw his arm out to catch himself, landing full on his hand with Kathy half on top of him. For a second he lay stunned, and then gasped and started cursing a most un-knightly blue streak in pain.
Kathy was just as stunned, really. The awkward position of their landing certainly didn't help. But as soon as he started yelling, she realized he'd probably banged himself up something fierce. "Calm down! Show me where it hurts, alright?"
"My hand - my wrist," Percival hissed, holding his left arm cradled with his right. It may have saved him from hitting his head, but he'd done something else stupid in the meantime.
Kathy removed a kerchief from her duster coat and gave a look over the hand. She examined it in a somewhat motherly manner, looking it over for signs of bruising. "Does it hurt when I do this?" she said, moving his thumb just slightly.
His reaction was to yelp and kick out at the step which had caused his downfall. "Yesss!"
"Looks like you sprained it then. That muscle there?" she said, pointing to the now swelling bit of his thumb. "That connects over here at yer wrist. Imma take this kerchief and twist it round here you it won't move so much, okay? It should be fine if yer careful," Kathy remarked, beginning her work. "I did this all the time when I was a kid, so you dun worry."
"All the same, I'm going to - ah! - have the infirmary look at it," Percival panted, trying to hold still. "It really hurts. Ah...at least it's my hand, and not my feet, I can still travel," he chuckled weakly.
"Good call. Whelp! Git back up now, no use in sittin' round. Try again," Kathy smiled as she dusted herself off, extending a hand to him as she stood back up. She had all but forgotten how they landed...
"Spoken like a true horseman. Woman." Percival accepted her help, hauling himself to his feet and holding his left arm close to his chest. "And after I've been telling everyone else to watch their step and not hurt themselves. Honestly. Let's go...we're halfway there."
"Halfway there...heh," Kathy chuckled inwardly. Words like that...meant so much in so many ways that she couldn't possibly relate to him. She felt like she really was halfway there in her life...and with him. It was perhaps foolish to dwell on it, but who knows. But she would know soon enough....
Percival held a little more tightly to her arm this time, taking each step gingerly up to the courtyard. Unfortunately, the throbbing in his wrist erased any thoughts of anything else that had just happened, for the time being. All he wanted was to get to the infirmary, and hope they cleared him to go to Iksay, because he didn't want to let Kathy down.