It would seem that potent attraction between them would need to wait, despite the tangibility of want that laced through them. It was a shame not to seize upon that moment while they possessed it and how much more enjoyable it would be... After. After she had seen all he had planned. After all, her cowboy had seemingly put a great deal of planning into showcasing his efforts here.

Even if that meant riding a horse. She had to admit that this was not how she thought it would begin. Nor did she expect him to question if she knew how to ride. Of course, she could! It was not merely a thing that was forgotten. Nor the memories of side-saddle that was soon brought up by him, dredging hateful memories that caused her delicate brows to form a frown. How long had it been since she had seen one of those? It would not be long enough. She would burn every last one if she could. A very scourge of this earth. She was certain of that very fact. She would much rather have the clunky saddle with the horn protruding from it, like the one she looked at now. At least that was functional. At least that saddle's single purpose wasn't to keep women's legs shut. Although her mate seemed to ponder further on the ancient relics of her time, seemingly far more perplexed with the notion of how she even got on a horse when wearing so much fabric. How certain she was that the sheer number of layers was supposed to act like a form of a chastity belt, also designed by men to keep women 'pure'. Times had certainly changed.

"I had my ways. I have ruined a great number of dresses." Something akin to a knowing look crossed her features that matched the tone of her voice that didn't dare to hide that she took a great deal of pleasure in that thought. Although, there were many creative workarounds that she was more than willing to exploit back then. A much better use of brain power than the mind-numbing things they expected of the high-class ladies of her time to learn. It should hardly be surprising that the she-devil expanded the use of her mind in ways most women did not.
Yet while women were focused and dedicated to attracting a suitable husband, honing those so-called attractive skills, Risque took another route. Although, attracting men had never been a problem for her. The burden of being attractive with a title and rich she supposed. The true dilemma that she had to face was the arduous task of deterring them. Now that was a skill that needed to be honed. After all, it didn't matter how badly you rode, or how she paraded around her father's horse that was not suitable for a lady.. or how abysmal her needlework was. No, people failed to realize that men didn't care about any of it. Most of them so entirely short-sighted to look further than the tip of their cock.

But it was the notion that Darcy had been doing some reading on her time period that seemed to interest her far more than the thoughts that surfaced within the figurative minefield that was Risque's mind."You have been doing your research, although, as far as I am concerned those wretched saddles deserve to be buried with the rest of the past and its relics." She nodded ever so sharply as if agreeing with herself even if she was admittedly curious about his sudden interest. Was it an effort to impress her with his knowledge? To understand where she had come from better? How curious it was that he would go through the effort. Yet, one thing for certain that did not go unnoticed by her astute eye was that a lot of planning had gone into this very visit.

Darcy seemed focused on his own considerations before her cowboy claimed that this saddle was far more comfortable, that she could sit in it all day without complaint. It was like he could read her mind about the horn. Claiming it had a use. For roping. How she had no desire to rope anything unless she sought to bind him within their bed. How that was likely a very different kind of roping than the one that Darcy suggested. Pity really. "You are proficient in this roping too?" Of course, such a thing was hardly surprising for a cowboy.

However, that topic too did not linger long. Not when movement caught her eye. The human. He scurried quickly, trying to avoid the eye of the vampires and yet failing, succeeding only in his task of preparing those horses without lingering. Yet there was hardly a quiet moment before the minor hiccup with her tiger. It was swiftly decided that it was best that her striped beast remain here. Her cowboy, however, appeared just as amused as the horses were, irritated with the feline. Not that it took much to appease them when she sentenced the feline to protect the cabin.

Darcy appeared content enough to explain Seth's behaviour with other horses, the south never quite leaving the man as it leaked out into those words she considered to be cowboy talk. What she could garner from it, was that the stallion was like most typical males. Risque's words seemed to cause a sharp snort from Darcy's own lips, his amusement palpable. He only claimed it was hardly the fault of men when blood rushed downwards, rather than upwards. His own chuckle escaped him, the sight of it showing just how at ease he was here. He was not coiled with the same violent tension that always seemed to cling to his body that was primed to attack, defend or feed at a moment's notice. But here, away from their usual home, even she could not help the slight upturn of her own lips, a fang peeking from them. Darcy then at that moment held her reins for her to mount in a way that displayed that he was still quite the gentleman to her alone, even if it was concealed beneath his instinct and murderous teeth to everything else.

Risque then settled into the saddle before replying. "A well-known fact, but a man who is able to admit it? Now that is something of a rarity." It was the closest to a tease she would ever achieve. Even though the she-devil knew all too well that her mate was nothing short of cunning. She then collected the reins within her hands as he moved to Seth's side, mounting the sooty grullo with ease. Risque could hardly help but observe her mate in his true cowboy glory upon his steed. It was impossible to not appreciate that very sight before she finally inquired if the horse she rode upon was called anything.

Dark Fang Blue Jeans. What a bizarre name. Demin for short. She was certain she would not be calling him that. Only her cowboy did not stop at the name, giving her the creature's brief history and its pedigree. That while well-bred, Denim was reduced to becoming a gelding. Her lover's accent was once more, thicker than ever before. She didn't dare ask what made a ranch horse stud quality. She was certain she didn't need to look much further than his own mount to see. "So they are not mongrels, is that what you are saying?" At least that was a relief that it was not some kind of free for all. It explained why they were handsome mounts. Unique in their colour, she had to admit.

Darcy shifted once more in his saddle, as he explained riding one-handed, insisting that it was easier, that taut reins were only used for stopping not manoeuvring. Her pretty face shifted to a frown looking at those reins before holding it in one hand like her lover had shown. It still felt foreign, especially as her left rested on her thigh. He claimed that the free hand was used for important tasks like roping and shooting. Although, surely he did not expect her to do either of those things!

Darcy moved to press his heels to Seth once more, the grullo effortlessly stepping up beside the blue roan she sat upon as he eyed her hands to make sure she held the reins in the correct position. Once satisfied, the cowboy tapped his heels to his mount again so the pair could fall into an easy pace as they rode off into the darkness that hardly hindered either of their vampiric eyes. Darcy then took that very moment to show her how to turn. He elevated his hand, his reins loose and yet that hardly seemed to hinder the command that he asked his steed. Seth responded with only the lightest of cues. It was almost like the stallion could anticipate those demands before he asked. He manoeuvred the animal effortlessly and admittedly far less crude than she originally thought it would be like, it was seamless. Well, that looked easy enough. She could manage this, she was certain. Darcy then brought his mount to her side again, she had to admit that seeing him upon his horse certainly was an appealing sight.

"Seems simple enough.." She admitted as she attempted to guide Denim around a thick, gnarled tree off to the side. Such a loose rein seemed like a crime and yet... it was proven effective. So the horse wasn't half dead after all. Denim was clearly listening, ready for even the lightest of commands without even the hint of protest. Darcy's then slipped in his last jab about French horses, she could see the teasing expression as she shot him a look.

"Better? I take it you have not heard of the ancient breed from France called.... The Camargue. Or so I have heard, they are the superior cattle horse. It is a shame they only come in one colour that I admit I find boring. They all turn grey.... These horses, I will admit are certainly... far more handsome. Nor will I deny that they are obedient. I can appreciate that." She took that moment to make use of her free hand and tuck the blue-black strands of her hair behind her shoulder. She had to admit the blue roan's colouring certainly complimented her midnight-hued locks that nearly kissed the back of the saddle's skirt as it moved with the movement of the horse.

Besides, what could an American horse do that a French horse could not do better? "Perhaps, now that you seem so adamant to prove your point. We should settle this once and for all.. in France. It is the only way." It had been long enough and she was due for a visit. How certain she could make that very point there. Maybe then he could sit on the finest and know for certain.

The horses seemed content to walk the trails even at night, the steady clopping of hooves amongst the dirt creating a steady, sound that she found set her body to ease with the rocking motion of her smooth ride. Despite the muck and drawbacks that nature so often presented, she could not deny she found this night to be pleasantly peaceful. So peaceful that the vampire queen was almost forced to take it all in, to simply relish in her mate's company and the land that surrounded them without any distractions, save for the sound of the bugs around them. Even still, there was an unmistakable rare tranquillity that seemed to exist, setting the mood for the night as Darcy led the way to their first destination. The horses climbed the wide path towards that very ridge where they halted near but not precariously near that ledge that gave a bird's eye view of the sprawling landscape.

Risque angled her head as she scanned out beyond while Darcy sat proudly surveying what was his. She could easily spot the herds of cattle below. The silvery glow of the moon played with the shadows, illuminating the backs of the large beasts as they were met with the occasional bellow from the herd. The view beyond was striking, much of the land seemingly untouched and exuding a raw sort of feral beauty that the concrete of the city could not replicate. It swept like a vast sea of various terrain across the horizon. Darcy's accented voice soon broke the silence after soaking it in himself. Her pale eyes trailed the words of all he pointed out. Her cowboy confirmed that it looked as it felt, this place had unquestionably grown substantially in size since the last time she was here. He claimed that he helped the old farmers who once owned the land around him to speed his plans along. How she knew what that meant. It seemed to please the dominant predator in her. After all, that language she was proficient in understanding. She too had secured her own foothold in the west around Syn. It caused her to slide her gaze toward her mate, noticing the very smile that set across his lips. He seemed proud of himself. Proud of what he had made and what he now shared with her.

"You did them a service by putting them out of their misery. The elderly are quite... stubborn in their fragile little narrow-minded lives. Worst of all, they tend to be quite nosy. You did the right thing eliminating them." That sensual sound of her voice rang out before she let her tongue dance across her teeth in approval. She never truly cared for old blood so often riddled with disease and weakness, not even enough to sustain a vampire beyond an unfavourable snack. How many farmers had he ended at the tip of his fangs she wondered? No matter what, she was certain it was nothing but ruthless. She would expect no less from him. He claimed he possessed the most land than anyone else in the area. "The biggest? That is impressive, what do... you intend to do with it?" She could not help but ask, as she felt the first taste of pride. After all... she understood the value of land and the power it gave. The influence it gave. In her time and now was no different. No wonder why he wanted to show her his progress now. It was a sight to behold.

Darcy then strategically pointed to the cattle below, explaining the organized operation he had put on the land. He appeared content to point out the purpose of each of them, although she had not the faintest idea of the true weight of his words... not at first. Not until he mentioned the money associated with each head of cattle. Cattle that he was breeding, making them a renewable resource. Interesting. More than five dollars a pound... and those well-fed beasts below were large. Fourteen hundred pounds worth... Which made it about 7000 dollars a cow. Well, now that wasn't too bad at all. The living needed to eat. Yet how she could not help that her mind was near disappointed that the vampires could not do the same with people.

Darcy created not only a business but something sustainable on its own.... Regardless of what it was or her knowledge of it. That alone was impressive. Yet that was hardly the most impressive thing to pass his lips. No, it was the final question that caused her to twist her own body to face him, the leather of the saddle creaking slightly as she offered him her full attention.

Did she like what he got for 'us'? Us. Not him.

It was then so plainly clear that he had made all of this with the intent to share it with her. Never once had she had a lover who brought this to the table. Not to this extent. To offer something of this magnitude when it meant so much to them. Something that was very much a piece of himself and to offer it willingly.

"You made all of this... for us?" It didn't exactly feel like just cattle now. How... pleasing to imagine that a man sought ways to contribute in more ways than he already had. She could feel the weight of his own mismatched eyes upon her, could practically see his clever mind latched upon her as he attempted to read her reaction.

"Inouï (extraordinary)" That singular French word was spoken in a quiet tone as she allowed that to sink in.Uncovering the various facets within her dark and treacherous waters that he sought to relish within. How she could not ignore that her cowboy caused something to surge within her. Something that made her wish for their bodies to collide. To claim him as hers all over again. It burned within her eyes that met his own as if it might devour him, like the night they first met. Us.. it had a certain sound to it.

"You have accomplished a great deal." How this was such a contrast from the bustling complicated city kingdom she had made. But this was on another level like he was. Almost like an extension of himself. "You do more than just stand as my mate... you honour me." These words so foreign for her slipped free all the same. After all, that sense of pride in her mate only seemed to grow.

"Dar... there is a matter of seriousness we need to discuss." Something shifted within her hard diamond eyes, allowing the weight of her words to settle between them. "I would like to further explore the perks.... involved in the sharing of all of this with my 'mate'." She may have gestured with her free hand elsewhere but she was solely fixated upon her lover. "I believe a demonstration of your credentials is in order... " How she was certain she could already imagine what he was thinking. "..starting with your prowess on horseback. Oui? I would very much like to see that. I think I would find the sight.... pleasing and necessary of course. Wouldn't you agree? Of course, only after we have finished what you have to show me." She wondered if she caught on to her insinuation. "You wouldn't deprive me of this would you, cowboy?"