Next chapter here we go! I guess we all wanted to see what happens when they ride out, didn't wwe? So I thought I just skip the procrastination and get to the Point ;)

I thank you all so much for your continued support - the reviews, the favourites and the follows. But I also really want to thank all my silent readers, I feel honoured that you take the time to read what I am writing.

Disclaimer: I still don't own BSG, only my OC's and the storyline

October 1803

Back on Horseback

Laura Roslin

Laura had told Adama that she didn't ride - well, that had been a lie. She did, from time to time, just to practice in case she might need it. She had never been more grateful than today.

Why had the woman not told him? Perhaps because she had tried to avoid a trip on horseback, perhaps because she was scared that, despite her training, she might embarrass herself. A small, or maybe not that small, part of her still wanted to impress him, to show only her best parts and camouflage the rest.

Isabelle had looked shocked when she had told her about the bet, but laughed afterwards, saying that only a Roslin could come up with a scheme like this. She might have also mentioned that it was good for Laura's ego to loose from time to time, of course the other woman disagreed. There was nothing wrong with her ego, thank you very much!

Stepping out of her carriage in a longer riding habit was not as difficult as one would have thought, after all there was a sling attached to the dress to lift it up slightly. Adama was waiting outside, as last time. The sun was shining on his grey-black hair and he stood relaxed, seeming much more at ease as she was currently feeling.

"Good afternoon", he greeted her, "lovely to see you."

A slightly mischievous smile spread over her lips.

"Pray, did you think I would not come? That you had scared me off?', she teased him.

"No, I was sure you would be true to your word. Now, would you like to have some tea inside first or get going right away? We could also take some snacks for a picnic."

Laura was completely taken aback, nobody had ever proposed a picnic to her at that time of year. That was not how things were done! Picnics were for summer, for strawberries and cream and large parties. Not for autumn, for pumpkin pie and only two people. But then she saw the hopeful look in her friend's eyes and her resolve weakened. They had crossed so many lines already, one more or less wouldn't matter. It was a fine day, still warm, and no cloud in the sky.

"Alright, let's have a picnic then. But how will we get the things to the picnic spot?", she wanted to know, "by carriage?"

He laughed a little at that.

"No, where we are going is difficult to reach by carriage, one would have to drive around a lot. I was planning to take the nececities on my horse. It won't be a three course meal then, of course."

Was he testing her or simply stating an obvious fact? Laura wasn't so sure, that man had apparently made it a habit to confuse her.

"Well, alright then, though I guess your horse will have to carry the gear as we can't attach saddle bags to my side saddle", she answered and he nodded.

"Alright, I think Dee has already packed everything", he said.

"So you were quite confident that I would agree to the picnic", she smirked and the Commander chuckled in response.

"Let's just say I was hopeful."

He called inside the house for his servant, then he turned back towards his guest.

"I will get my horse then, he is already prepared but I have to put on the bridle. Would you like to accompany me? I could show you the garden on the way. Even though I have to admit I don't really have a green thumb."

When Laura agreed, they walked around the house, side by side, passing through a neatly kept kitchen garden. Next came what must have been a rose garden once, though it now was a poor excuse of it.

"Yes, well, you see, after my wife passed, nobody really took care of it any more. It is definitely nothing for me or my son, Kara doesn't really care for it either and Dee has enough to do already. But the trees over there", he pointed to the farther end of the lawn, "are cherry trees and they look beautiful in spring. From the parlour we were sitting in last time, you can see the green meadows in summer and they are full of wildflowers. It is an amazing sight. If one likes that kind of thing, of course."

"I know what you mean", the woman agreed and he looked over to her, obviously slightly surprised, "even though the gardens close to Caprica Manor are trimmed and cared for and look, if I can say so myself, impeccable, I leave one field just the way it is, every year. There is a hedge so visitors can't see it, but I can from my bedroom window. There will be poppys all summer, it is a sea of red."

"That sounds amazing indeed", he agreed, just before they reached the stables.

Adama whistled and all of the horses suddenly looked out of the windows of their boxes, as if to greet them. He pointed towards the first one.

"This is Starbuck, my daughter's horse. The next box belongs to my son's horse, Apollo, but he took it with him. Then there is my other son's mare and the last one is mine."

The dark-haired woman looked at the grey stallion appreciatively. He was a gorgeous animal, quite tall and with dark, expressive eyes. She was so absorbed in her observation that she didn't even realize what her companion was doing, until he suddenly opened the door of the box, reigns in the hand. Together they went back the way they came and saw Dee already waiting in front of the house. She curtsied deeply in front of Laura who smiled gently at her. While the man was tying some gadgets and bags to his saddle, one of Laura's servants stepped closer towards her. He had ridden to Kensington, leading Blackbird on long reigns with him at the same time. Now he handed them over to Laura. Even though the man easily could have given her a boost up into the saddle, she denied the offer but put her foot in the sirrup, swinging herself gracefully up. She gingerly sat sown, making sure her legs and ankles were properly covered by the long skirt of her dress, before accepting the Long whip. Then she moved her horse over to where her friend was standing. She realized that he was not wearing a hat, but she wasn't surprised. The Commander was a practical man and hats often weren't. Also she didn't really mind, she liked that look on him. His eyes shot up to her.

"I can see, you are ready to go Ms Roslin:"

"Indeed I am. I am ready", she answered, and she meant it.

Thank you for reading! I hope to update as soon as possible!

Random Regency Fact:
Ladies were usually using a side saddle and the riding habits were made out of thicker material and quite Long, so they covered everything down to the shoes when riding. Obviously there were no helmets, but people wore hats.