Back Then

[Ash Leone]

Ash DID get smacked in the face with some blonde hair, but he didn't complain.  He held his tongue, giving her the silence she was giving him, and she wasn't the only one plotting.  He was already intending to have the biggest, meanest serving woman on the estate drag Danielle in for a bath and change of clothes after some breakfast, and he would take joy in knowing that Danielle would not enjoy it.

He had no delusions as to the fact that he was going to have a hell of a time getting her off the horse, either.  There would be some men in the courtyard to help, though.  Surely they'd be curious enough as to what was going on that he wouldn't even have to look far for them.

Sure enough, there were plenty of eyes on them the instant he rode into the courtyard, and he waved a few of them over.  "Get her off this horse, and do NOT let her run," he told them in swift French, not about to get off the animal until she was already gone.  If she tried anything, he was going to be along for it.

[Danielle Vida]

They wrenched Danielle off of the horse and led her back inside, with her dragging her feet all the way. She was still trying to come up with a plot to get herself out of this. She needed an incantation or something, but she was betting her Vida magic was nil. She could feel definite pain from all that activity, and whatever strength she had found she was going to base on adrenal urges rather than magical prowess.

Once they were inside the dining area, they shoved her down into one of the chairs, and she hit the base of it with a little 'Oomph' sound. She just stared at the food that was prepared before her. She wasn't feeling very hungry, and she didn't intend to eat any of this stuff. It was probably poisoned.

She narrowed her eyes at Ash, but remained silent.