pony ride

[snakewithbox]

Snake didn't know if Zelda had seen the horses yet, but he figured that was the kinda thing she'd like, so while the weather was still nice he intended to take her on a ride. He woke just after dawn, and made both of them breakfast, and brought a cup of coffee upstairs for the princess. Didn't know if she drank coffee, but with it clear and cold

Comments

The icon actually makes sense for a change!

[nayrusdaughter]

"Hmm?"

Zelda had dozed off in her dressing gown, a book of poetry clasped in her hand. She shifted, mumbling, and started to rub her eyes. Something smelled good and strong.

"Snake? What...what time is it?" This was new; he'd never before come in to wake her, but he didn't seem panicky so she doubted the house was on fire.

[snakewithbox]

Snake settled on the edge of the bed, and held out the mug of coffee.

"Daybreak. I've got a surprise for you, but you need to wake up first, princess."

[nayrusdaughter]

"A surprise?" She shifted to sit up, and accepted the mug. "Mm. Thank you, that's good. Now, what is this all about?"

Not that she was complaining. She smiled at him, still a touch disoriented, but not at all displeased.

[snakewithbox]

"Taking you horseback riding to watch the sun rise," Snake said, smoothing down her hair. "Sound good?"

[nayrusdaughter]

"R-really?"

If she didn't know better, Zelda would say that was the most romantic thing she had ever heard.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. Are you sure it's not too cold for the ponies?"

[snakewithbox]

"We'll make sure they're warmed up first," Snake promised. "Don't worry about 'em. They probably want the exercise."

[nayrusdaughter]

"I quite liked the temperament of the one I rode the other day," she said. "Cherries Jubilee -- when I met Elizabeth Swann, I told you about that. I should like to ride him again, he reminded me of one of my horses at home. How soon should I be ready to go?"

[snakewithbox]

"I'll get out of here so you can get dressed, sweetheart." Snake laughed, giving her a teasing grin.

"Unless it's Christmas early?"

[nayrusdaughter]

Zelda failed to recognize the teasing, mostly because she didn't understand the context.

"What's Christmas?"

[snakewithbox]

Snake gave her a puzzled look, then realized his the princess wouldn't know an earth holiday.

"It's a winter solstice celebration," he explained, grinning. "Usually put up decorations and give presents."

[nayrusdaughter]

"Oh!" Zelda nodded. "We have something similar in Hyrule, but it takes place at midsummer. A festival of the three goddesses. We honor the gift of life by exchanging gifts with one another. When is this celebration of yours?"

[snakewithbox]

"The twenty fifth of December. That's this month," Snake explained. He lowered his voice, tipping her chin up a little as he spoke.

"What do you want for Christmas, sweetheart?"

[nayrusdaughter]

A few possibilities sprang to her mind, bringing color to her cheeks, as she doubted any of them were even remotely appropriate.

"I don't know, Snake," she murmured. "It's a new concept to me, I'll have to give it some thought. What about you?"

[snakewithbox]

Snake smiled. "I...can think of more than a few things I want. Think I need to make a list for you?"

[nayrusdaughter]

"If you'd like to exchange gifts, a list would be helpful," she agreed. "Though I suppose we're somewhat limited in what we can give -- it's not as if we have access to very many resources here. Still, I shall certainly try to get you something you would like; the list would be useful." She smiled. "We can always discuss it further on our ride, but if you truly want us to catch the sunrise, I had best get ready."

[snakewithbox]

"Probably better, yeah." Snake wanted to crush her close and kiss her. Damn princess---she hit all his buttons in all the right ways. But, because she was a princess, she was too good for him to do something that stupid, and he settled for kissing the top of her head before leaving the room.

He waited outside, leaning against the wall.