Exert from Beyond the Fog: The Mapping of Fogs Keep (a wip by H.B. Kuruk)
The fog outside was dense as I rode alongside Benjamin. I could feel the moisture sticking to every last bit of fabric I had on my person, trying to seep in between the threads and chill me even more than I already was. Even wearing multiple layers, gloves, another scarf (the one I had gifted to Ransom's family wasn't my only one, despite Benjamin's claims), and thick wool socks under my riding boots didn't help the chill and the sting in the back of my throat.
"I heard rumors," Benjamin was gabbing. "That several young ladies are going to host debutante balls soon, including Miss Rosaline. Her family is one of the wealthiest in the West Quarter, you know. She could be looking for suitors." He paused dramatically before glancing over at me from his mount. "Are you listening?"
"Hm," I said through the scarf wrapped around my nose.
"All I'm saying is," he spat to the side and wiped his nose on his sleeve. "We're not getting any younger, and neither are the ladies. I shall be attending, will you?"
He fixed his gaze at me, staring me down until I shifted in my saddle uncomfortably. "It depends, Benjamin. My health-"
"Rubbish! You're always speaking about your ill health. Hogwash to your ill health! Life is only worth living if you get out there and live it to the fullest!" Benjamin clenched his fist and punched towards the sky, but quickly reigned his stallion in after. "Whoa there! Speaking of ladies, it seems they've decided to come to us. What did I tell you, Cornelius? If we hadn't been out, we never would have had a chance to speak to them, perhaps offer to be an escort."
Further up the wide path through one of the several parks in the West Quarter, I saw the silhouettes of three figures, all wearing bonnets, hoop skirts, and muffs. Their voices, though muffled through the fog, were giggling and gossiping as they approached and hushed upon seeing us on our horses. Benjamin tipped his hat and bowed, and I nodded in their direction.
"Such a day to be out and about on your own, ladies!" Benjamin quipped down at them. "Would you three care for an escort from me and my friend here?" He got soft giggles in response.
"Benjamin," I whispered in his direction. "I can't. I shouldn't have even come out today. My head-"
Benjamin whispered back without breaking his gaze with the women, "You've made it this far. What's one little escort? You're not going to die."
I sighed, realizing he was right. Again. I was still riding Annabelle, not exerting myself with walking. Yes, he was right. It was just one little escort. I could handle that much.
