Am Escape into the Night

*Elizabeth overhears the end of the argument echoing through the corridor as she makes her way to exit the castle. She catches the Marquis of Pembroke's arm as he leaves the chamber and pulls him along the corridor with her and outside the castle to where her horse awaits.*

You think me a fool *Nicholas frowns*

I do not think thee a fool. I think thee good hearted and in love with a woman who - it seems - would lay down with thine brother in front of thee had she the chance!

*Elizabeth shakes her head and sighs*

...I'm sorry. This whole thing, it is so far out of my power and it is destroying you before mine eyes. I am full vexed and mine mind canst not make sense of it.

You hath had fuller torment by the recent happenings than I. Come my lord, let us find another good horse and ride out silently into the night where none of this canst get to us for an hour or so. We need an escape from this whole mess, if only to revive ourselves and find some solution.

*Nicholas's lips part in a weary smile*

I know she loves me but ... *shakes his head*

You are right my friend, a ride in the moonlight will do us both good.

*Nicholas seems to melt into the night. He returns a few minutes mounted upon a steed so dark of coat it culdst have been made of shadows*

Doth thou think thee can keep up or shall I go it a mild pace for thee ? *Nicholas grins and raises his brows then promptly bolts out into the night*

*Elizabeth roars with laughter at the very thought of anyone out-riding the finest and fastest horsewoman in all England*

*As her horse - which gallops across the ground as though it had the fear of God behind it - passes his she yells out to him.*

Eat my dust, Sir!

*she gallops laughing into the night*

*Nicholas laughs for the first time in weeks*

Now we can not be bested my old friend *he encourages his mount to move faster* if we doth not catch her we will never hear the end of it

The steed seems to understand his words and finds even more strength, every muscle in his body ripples as his hooves pound the ground.

*Moments later Nicholas is at Elizabeth's side once more*

You were saying? *he grins*

ah, we are fine match for each other my lord!

Perhaps we shudst not tire these poor beasts out so soon, I am not in a mood to return back to the castle with haste.

A truce then? *Nicholas smiles, and slows his mount to a steady canter, half expecting her to take off again*

I too am In no hurry to return.