"Narmada-"

"Shh!" she hissed with a shove to my shoulder.

"Hey!" I shouted, shoving her in return.

"Artemis, shut up," she replied with another, more forceful shove to my chest.

I let out a strangled noise of surprise and fell on my back, in plain sight of any nearby observers. Such as Major Jamie Stewart and Captain James Nicholls. I gaped silently up them, in awe of actually being so close to these two men whom I adored and admired.

The two dismounted, stalking quietly towards me. I awkwardly struggled to stand up, but my foot sliped in the dewy grass and I almost fell on my face again. James, being the perfect gentleman he is, rushed forward and gently gripped my arms.

"Miss," he said softly, looking straight into my eyes, "are you alright?"

I tried to at least say something, so he wouldn't think I was ignoring him, but I found it physically impossible to mutter a single syllable. Narmada scrambled out from behind her bush, coming up to me. "I'm sorry, sir. She's usually a lot more talkative than this, but she gets nervous around men that she's infatuated with."

Oh, she did not just say that. "Narmada!" I screeched, snapping out of my trance. "Have you gone insane? Why would you say that?"

Narmada only smirked at me as a blush spread rapidly across my face. James's cheeks turned a slight red, but he smiled kindly at me. He stuttered a bit, obviously flustered at this sudden declaration of love from a woman he'd never even seen before. I pulled away and turned to Narmada.

"Did you really have to say that?" I hissed when the captain had turned away. "Do you know how embarrassing that is?"

"Well, it's true. You were the one who said you wanted to kiss-"

I clapped my hand over her mouth. "I said no such thing, and you know it." She pulled my hand away and began to reply.

Someone from behind me cleared their throat, and I jumped. It was Jamie Stewart. "I do hate to interrupt you, but I'm afraid there's a more pressing matter at hand." We both looked expectantly at him. "What on earth do you think you are doing out here, in the middle of a cavalry charge? And in those atrocious clothes, no less."

I looked down at my clothes: I was wearing my favorite pair of dark blue skinny jeans, no shoes, and a grey v-neck with the Avengers on it. Narmada was wearing her faded bell-bottom jeans with a pair of not-so-white socks, a dark grey t-shirt, and a brown zip-up jacket.

I started to protest, but then remembered that this was 1914. Women my age in this time period still wore corsets and dresses, something I was not one hundred percent in favor of. Jamie continued, clearing his throat and looking down at us.

"Captain Nicholls and I shall escort you to my quarters where we will talk. And find you something decent to wear."

Jamie then informed us that we would have to ride back to the the barracks with them. He turned to Narmada. "Would you care to ride with me?" he asked softly.

I glanced at my friend, eyebbrows raised suggestively. "Go on," I mouthed.

"Uh, sure," she replied slowly. She sent me a glare and whispered. "You are so dead."

I smirked. Jamie clearly liked her, and she clearly had no idea how to react to that. Behind the major, Topthorn neighed softly and took a few curious steps towards us. I grinned; I always liked Topthorn best.

Pushing past Jamie and the captain, I slowly held out my hand. "Hey there, Topthorn," I cooed. "Here, boy. Here, pretty boy. Could I pet you? Hm?"

"Miss," Jamie called after me, "please don't-"

"Wait," Narmada instructed. "Just wait."

Topthorn snorted, unsure if I was safe or not. "C'mere, pretty boy. It's okay. I promise I won't hurt you. C'mere, Topthorn."

His ears twitched in recognition of his name. He took one hesitant step forward, tail swishing in agitation.

"Miss, please don't touch him."

I ignored him, taking one more step forward. "Here, Topthorn. C'mon, boy. Just let me pet you," I urged.

Jamie stalked up to me, pushing me aside and taking Topthorn's reins in his hand. "I said not to touch him. Now please step back." He motioned for Narmada to come forward, to which she hesitantly obliged. "Stand right here, please," he directed, having her stand next to the saddle. And after about five very awkward minutes, Narmada was sitting behind Jamie on Topthorn.

I burst into laughter at the practically terrified expression on her face. She tried to glare at me but was too flustered and frightened to do it convincingly. "I will skin you," she hissed.

I snorted. "Yeah, whatever, psychopath."

The two officers glanced curiously at us, unsure if they should something or not. James cleared his throat, drawing my attention from the now retreating figures of Narmada, Jamie, and Topthorn. He smiled down at me, Joey's reins grasped in one fist.

"I'm sorry you can't ride Topthorn, miss. However, I can assure you that my Joey is just as fine a mount." He absently patted Joey's neck. "Would you mind telling me you name?"

"Arte- Diana. My name is Diana." Think up a last name, stupid. Something British. "Diana Hiddleston."

James took my hand in his free one, pressing it against his lips. "A pleasure, Miss Hiddleston. Captain James Nicholls, at your service."

Oh, good Lord. He's too perfect for his own good. I blushed and mumbled a pathetic thank you. He guided me over to stand in front of Joey's saddle. "Can you ride?" he asked kindly.

"A little. I'm still learning a few things."

His smile returned. "That's fine. I'll just help you up. Alright?"

I nodded slowly. He kneeled slightly behind me, linking his hands. He was going to give me a boost up. I swalloed nervously, hoping I wouldn't make a fool out of myself. I put my bare foot in his hands and my own hands on the saddle.

"Alright, on three," he whispered. "One... Two... Three."

I bent my knee and hoisted myself up, aided by James's hand on my calves. My feet dangled a few inches above the stirrups, my hands shaking slightly. He comfortingly rested a hand on my thigh. "Now, I'm going to mount up behind you."

"Okay," I said quietly.

He quickly and gracefully did so, cautiously reaching around me for the reins. "I apologize if this is uncomfotable, Miss Hiddleston. It is only for a few minutes."

"N-No. It's fine," I somehow managed to reply.

And we were off at a brisk canter, my back brushing too many times against the captain's chest. I didn't mind of course, but I found that his very near proximity had stunned me into silence once more.