Standing at, possibly, 5 foot 4, and looking more child-like than womanly, and she looked less then presentable, being scuffed, dirty, with all sorts of twigs and leaves on her person. But it was okay - because even though she was extremely embarrassed and wasn't too keen on looking anyone in the eye, with her cheeks staining the color of crimson, she simply allowed herself to be aided, nodding in a daze.
"Thanks," was all she could say in response to them - they were being kind, afterall. She was just relieved no one was laughing... yet.
The stallion meandered farther and farther away, nibbling on the grass, thoroughly enjoying the sight. Akeringu truly was a land animal - riding or flying was not in her best interest, but they often provided entertainment for those who didn't mind standing around (a good distance away) and watching the following comical events.
The young girl, who was about seventeen, even if her appearance suggested she was actually fiffteen or so, managed to look at Damara. The elder's comforting expression allowed her bruising shoulders to relax and her breathing to become less strained. She was how Calogera said she would be - she could even feel the spirit that was inside her. This was how people should be when they grew old. Hopefully, there sanity would be intact, she still didn't know about Damara's, though. Afterall, her experience with gypsies always said there was at least someone (if not everyone) who was insane.
Then her hazey state returned as she was pulled closer to Damara, the incense rolled around her, beginning to cling to her own skin, hair and clothing. She grimaced slightly, but dared not to do anything more but lightly return the hug. She didn't want to offend the elder or anyone else who was watching (which was just about everyone).
Akeringu found herself able to smile again - recovering herself, because later she could only expect to be mocked for her fall and for her new role as bodyguard. She looked like a child and her introductory was formed by her meeting the ground (not for the first time). But this was to be expected, and she would smile no matter what. Because it was either that or give some people bloody noses, right? And defending herself violently to the people she's supposed to be defending doesn't really make much sense! Nor does it give a good impression about her or Calogera's caravan.
Smiling was the best option, and afterall, it was kind of funny that she had just fallen off her horse (who more than likely did it on purpose). It took some restraint to not go into hysterical laughter after recounting her fall, her appearance, and the fact the blood bay was acting more holier-than-thou than usual.
"Thank you very much, Elder," she told Damara, trying to ignore the tight grip, glancing at Alden out of the corner of her eye, hearing his mutterance about her height, and although her eyes narrowed slightly, she simply smiled in a toothy manner before her attention was held by Damara once again.
"Mama Calogera said to give you this note of apology for the debt being so late," she said, still in a daze, and vaguely noting the stiffness that would be accompanied by soreness tomorrow. She searched her pockets, jacket and then glanced at the stallion.
"Georgie! Come here!" She said, as sweetly as possible, but the horse ignored her, only taking a few steps closer.
"Ah... excuse me! Georgie doesn't listen..."
If that wasn't obvious enough.
"Georgie," she called again, but once again, he took a few steps in front of him, and only one to the side. After a few more minutes of this, with Akeringu's face flushed, feeling more exhausted and embarrassed then ever, her very strained patience paid off.
Georgie came, if only to promptly stomp on her foot, her yelping and grabbing his bridle simultaenously. Why, oh why, did they have to give her GEORGIE? Penelope would have been such a better choice! The mild tempered mare was such a sweet thing... Not the grumpy (albeit beautiful) stallion that loved to stomp on anyone's foot. Especially her's.
"Just.. once sec," she squeaked out, pushing him off her foot, and limping to the pack that was attached to his saddle, rummaging through her belongings and finally producing a letter.
She hobbled back to Damara and presented, murmuring an apology, her grip loosening on Georgie as he went back to nibbling on the grass, and back to ignoring everyone else. After all, they could just admire his beauty, his sleek muscular physique and his gorgeous coloration! It was what a king deserved. And Georgie expected that, at least.
Damn horse.