A Prologue Fit For Royalty

Rowyn's "A Short Fall From Grace"

During the summer, Rowynthia got to escape the grueling classroom setting and learn different skills. Proper things only, of course. One summer, in particular, would turn out to be the start of her love of horseback riding. It provided a convenient mode of transportation, allowing her to escape her life for hours at a time. Learning how to ride would mean she could travel further, much faster, and do more exploring with Ruehnar. Her brother had received the opportunity to learn many summers before she had, a fact that she would never not be bitter about. 

Rowyn was still small that summer. She had yet to grow into her limbs, leaving her gangly and not particularly graceful. Her first mount was a dainty little mare by the name of Laborros. She was small and stout, and her shiny coat matched the color of the fallen leaves that adorned the Autumn court. The young princess was immediately smitten. The stablemaster popped her into the saddle, and thereupon, into the mercy of the pony. Rowyn held the reins with a confidence equal to that of a foal standing on it's spindly legs for the first time. She tried her best to pay attention to the instructions of the stablemaster, but her execution fell a little short. 

After weeks of lessons and a lot of begging, Rowynthia had learned enough that the stablemaster allowed her loose on a supervised trail ride. Ruehnar accompanied her, and he took every opportunity to make fun of her unpolished skill. "Your leg is in the wrong position." He would tell her, even when it wasn't. He taunted her relentlessly, saying that it was his duty as the older brother. Ruehnar would push his horse faster and faster, leaving his sister struggling to keep up.

"Rune!" Rowyn shouted, a bit of urgency creeping into her voice. Laborros kept a swift pace, unwilling to let the other horse get away without a fight. The pony paid no mind to the princess as she tried to slow down. Rune turned his head to glance at the duo behind him, a mischievous smile on his face. As they turned the corner, a fallen tree appeared. Rune and his horse popped over it, effortlessly. Rowyn shrieked, and did everything she knew to do to get the pony to slow, but Laborros was unyielding in her effort to keep up with the prince, and so they too, made the leap over the fallen tree. Entirely unprepared, Rowyn toppled over the red mare's shoulder, landing face first in the dirt. 

Even years later, Ruehnar would never let her forget it. The graceful princess made an ungraceful fall, ruining her dress and her pride.