On The Way To Their Defenses [Memory #2]

" 'Your animal will never fully understand how you truly feel if you don't take time to soothe them.' " Marianne said, patting the neck of her horse Macha with pride, "Your advice was quite helpful, Desmond. Thank you. Macha and I are getting along quite well now."

The horse in question neighed and playfully shook her mane, as if trying to ward off Marianne's hand. The Queen simply laughed, tugging at the reins gently and adjusted her seat as they made their way along Eldin Road. The repair of this important road was one of the very first project Marianne embarked after she returned from her mysterious disappearance [link] even if she had to personally haggle with The Masons' Guild [link] to get the best price she wanted while the kingdom's treasury was drained by The Battle of Eldin and taxation was in disarray -the rightful King was more often absent than not when she returned.

And now, almost one year later, the people of Eldin were reaping its benefits. Improved paving in some key areas and smoothed out dirt road meant less hazard for carriages and coaches, speeding up travel, while the inclusion of sideways rest areas and guards posts boosted local economy along the roads and made the road safer. There were also improved toll gates security which meant more efficient taxation, but we don't talk about that~

In any case, just from the quarter-yearly report since the road repairs completion alone, the Ministry of Trade reported three times increase in trade volume between Goron City, Kakariko, and Hyrule Castle Town! That report alone made Marianne smiled all day long.

And now, with Twilight Curtain looming from the direction of Lanayru, the road would prove even more vital to allow rapid reinforcements of troops and mobilization of logistics. Should Eldin be invaded, this road would prove to be its most vital blood vessel. Marianne, however, hoped that such scenario did not come to pass.

Still, it was the duty of The Queen to oversee every part of her kingdom's defenses and be prepared for the worst. This trip was one such cases. She had planned to check on the newly fortified ramparts around Goron City and the huge catapults being installed there by their engineers. Goron City already boasted formidable natural defenses. But since the plan was to evacuate Kakariko should Eldin be attacked and concentrated the defense in Goron City, Marianne insisted that more defenses were to be added.

And thinking that it would be a great occasion to ride with her new horse Macha more, she sent for the Hyrule Field Stable the first thing in the morning to retrieve her. While there, she practically dragged Desmond who was there at the time to ride to Goron City with her, insisting that she needed him in case she could not control Macha again. She also wanted to show off her progress. hoping to be praised-  m-mint!! how could you?!  -sorry Mari!!

So, the stablehand and the queen of the realm found themselves riding side by side in this crisp spring morning, as the sun lazily climbed from the east and the wild flowers on the roadsides had just begun to open their petals. Of course they were not alone. In this dire times even The Queen had her rapier and her bow in her person, and she insisted that Desmond also brought a weapon of his own. Behind the two rode three Royal Guards abreast, but they were some distance away to allow them to talk more or less in private -Queen's orders.

Also Desmond would recognize that, for this particular journey, Macha was outfitted by a dazzling set of Royal Gear, which the horse seemed to wear with pride. In the sunshine Marianne caught the glint of the Royal Harness as her horse swayed and let out a small laugh.

"At first, I wasn't sure if I should outfit her with all the Royal Gear. I thought, 'only after I am sure she won't throw me off her back again.' "She chuckled, leaning backwards so she could get a better view of her horse's neck. "But looking at her, I'd say she wear it like a true natural!"

And she turned towards Desmond, smiling. "I am trying to be a bit more empathetic. Benefit of the doubt, you know?"