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Description

    A shrill whinny woke me. Sitting up quickly I glanced out my window to see the very beginnings of dawn. Mist still hovering above the grass and the sun’s rays were just starting to peek out from behind the clouds. I took a deep breath and gave a small sigh of content. I loved this smell. It was a mixture of the morning dew, Hay and undertones of horse sweat. Another shrill whinny broke my state.
    “Calm down Brienne.” I called pushing the covers back and hopping out of bed. My mare was always the most eager when it came to food, she woke me every morning with her demands for breakfast. I rolled my eyes but gave a fond smile when she complained once again.
    I quickly made my bed and dressed for the day. My clothes weren’t fancy, consisting of a beige underdress, McCallen plaid corset, pale red skirt with green rag skirt cinched at the waist, and a pair of breeches on beneath all of it so riding wasn’t uncomfortable. I slid my stockinged feet into my boots and rushed down the stairs into the stables.
    The barn was brand new, just renovated by the Clan McCallen crew, Elphame had insisted the stables be one of the first things finished so our horses wouldn't have to suffer out in the elements while everything else was restored. She figured our goddess Epona would be upset if the horses were made to live in deplorable conditions and I couldn’t agree more. As of right now I was in charge of 5 horses. Typically 6 but Cuchulainn and Brighid were still bringing the New Fomorians back from the outlands. Though I suspected that Cu’s buckskin would be back shortly, and probably not in great shape.
    Brienne’s snort paused my thought process. “Fine!” I laughed rubbing her nose. Brienne was my horse, I had purchased her as a young filly after working tirelessly as a groom in the stables of a hotel. The owner had agreed to let me pay board and keep Brienne there. I spent years training her in my free time and working towards starting a new life. When the news got out of Epona’s chosen rebuilding McCallen castle I knew it was exactly the right opportunity for Brienne and I. Within the first day Elphame recognized my gift with the horses and I was given the position of McCallen’s horsemaster. My chest swelled with pride, it was my dream job.
     Brienne began pawing at her stall impatiently. “I’m sorry ok!” I laughed pouring her oats into her bucket and smirking as she eagerly chomped them down. “How very ladylike.” I teased patting her neck. Brienne was huge, easily 17 hands in height, her mane, tail, and forelock were a deep black and her coat was the most vibrant strawberry roan. She held a crooked blaze on her face and one white stocking on her left front leg. Of all horses I had worked with, Brienne had the most beautiful, intelligent, doe brown eyes.
    I moved along to the 4 workhorses in my charge. It was Tully and Brooke’s day off today, but Juno and Milo would have a long day ahead of them. I gave each horse their share of oats and hay, leaving them with a loving pat on their shoulder. Tully was pitch black, no white markings to be seen, Brooke was a deep bay with a star on her forehead. Juno and Milo were both grey, you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart if it wasn’t for Juno’s pink nose. Each horse was as tall or taller than Brienne.
    I set to work preparing for the day, Tully and Brooke would be pastured after breakfast and then I’d have to get Juno and Milo groomed and tacked, and then Brienne and I would check the fence… and so on. There was always work to be done in the stables.
    “Elise?” Elphame called from the stable entrance.
    “M’lady.” I called approaching her. “I wasn’t expecting you?” I noticed Lochlon and Ralph were with her. I made eye contact with Ralph before turning my gaze back to Elphame.
    “Yes I know it's not common for me to drop by.” Elphame chuckled. “But we’ve received news.” She glanced back at Lochlon.
    “The New Fomorions are arriving today.” Lochlon continued. “The horsemaster Meera from Dale is escorting them.”
    “She’s bringing about 10 horses with her to help with the travel.” Elphame interrupted. “I was thinking if you would go meet them and escort them back. Cu and Brighid are fairly exhausted and I’m sure could use your help.” Elphame stated her lips pursing with worry when mentioning her brother.
    “Of course m’lady, I’ll just get Juno and Milo ready to go an-”
    “That won’t be necessary, we can get them this time.” Ralph interjected. He gave a playful smirk and winked at me. I felt my cheeks flame.
    “But- I need to brush them and-”
    “Elise, we know how to do this, we’ve done it before. You aren’t the only one who can tack up a horse you know.” Ralph laughed.
    “I know that I just-” I stopped when i saw Elphame’s pleading gaze. I let out a deflated sigh. “If I find out something wasn’t done properly I’ll blame you Ralph.” I stated in defeat.
    “Don’t worry Elise, you’re horses are safe with me.” He teased walking past me to grab Juno and Milo.
    I glanced after him, I did not like the idea of not doing my morning routine.
    “Do you two...like each other?” Elphame asked surprisingly much closer when I turned back to her. I felt my face flush.
    “I wouldn’t say that.” I stammered. Ralph was attractive I’d give him that. With fair skin and long auburn hair, and very bright green eyes. Many maidens had swooned for him and I know many had warmed his bed. There was something about him that I didn’t completely trust. I glanced back towards him just in time to see the ever mellow Juno pin her ears at him and snap her tail in annoyance. The horses hated him, Brienne especially. As a matter of fact, I hadn’t seen any animal approach him. That was enough to have my doubts about him. If my horse didn’t like him then something was there I couldn’t see. “He may like me but my stomach hurts when I see him.” I continued.
    Elphame laughed. “Elise! That’s what love is! Isn’t it wonderful?” She grabbed my hands. She looked so happy for me in that moment. I didn’t feel like telling her she was wrong. I may have never loved a man before but I had a feeling it felt different than this.
    “Maybe you’re right.” I smiled. She pulled me into a hug which I returned.
    “Say hello to Cu for me ok?” She murmured.
    “Of course.” I responded before breaking the hug.
    Shortly after Lochlon and Elphame left, his wing hovering around her as if to protect her from the coldest of winds. I would be lying if I said I didn’t envy their love, it was something I thought about often. But the way things were going I’d have no time for a man.
    I glanced back at Ralph who was still grooming Juno. He seemed careful and was doing a fairly decent job. He seemed to catch me looking at him because he gave a wink. I gave a small smile back before heading into Brienne’s stall.
    “So Elise.” He started to speak as I was getting Brienne into the crossties. I glanced at him and waited for him to continue. “When you get back, we should eat together.” He flashed his award winning smile and I felt my stomach shrivel.
    “Well, I have to bed down the horses and muck stalls...I’ll have too much work to do Ralph.” I responded.
    “Oh c’mon you have to eat sometime.” He grunted as he struggled to lift Juno’s hoof.
    I shot a glare at Juno who usually lifted her hoof at the slightest touch. But there she was her tail flicking with annoyance. Why did these horses dislike him so much?
    “Here let me do that.” I sighed pausing my brushing of Brienne. I bent over and scraped the dirt from each hoof. “I do eat Ralph, but usually after everyone else. I’m just too-”
    “Busy?” I could hear the smirk in his voice.
    “Yes busy.” I finished the hoof and set it down.
    “I can get the rest.” He took the pick from me and grabbed for her hind leg. Either Juno thought it was me or her mood was getting better because she picked that hoof right on up.
    I finished brushing and tacking Brienne while keeping an eye on Ralph. He did a decent job, his grooming was almost as good as mine and he tacked her up well. Maybe I was too hard on him. I turned to leave with Brienne but paused. “I’ll eat with you tonight Ralph.” I stated before continuing my walk.
    “Knew you couldnt resist!” He called after me.
    “Bye Ralph.” I chuckled mounting Brienne easily. I heard a muted goodbye from him in response.
    With barely a nudge to her side Brienne set off at a ground eating trot.

  “Owyn tell me another story!” I turned to the young boy perched on the rail of the cart.
     “Evan get down, you’ll fall.” I scolded. He gave me his best pout and thumped to the floor of the cart. The noise resulted in Shala flinching. The whites of her eyes shone and she snorted in fear.
    “Easy there love.” I breathed rubbing the swirl between her eyes. She had been the second horse I had seen. After we met Meera and were loaned 10 horses for our travels I immediately volunteered to lead Shala. Her kind blue eyes and calm demeanor caused me to gravitate to her. It had taken a bit of time for her to grow used to my black wings but once she did she proved herself to be quite the companion. “It’s alright, just a silly boy.” I threw a small glare back at Evan who shrank in his seat.
    “Evan I told you you could ride with us, even though this is a ration cart and not one that’s meant to carry children.” I gave him a pointed look. “If you behaved.”
    “Sorry Owyn, I didn’t mean to be so loud.” His eyes were wide and I swear I saw his lower lip tremble.
    “Just make sure you don’t do it again.” I chuckled. The kid was hard to stay mad at.
    “Ok!” He perked up. “Can you tell me another story now?” He asked resting his head on the rail.
    I rolled my eyes and nodded. “Which one would you like to hear about?”
    “Tell me….tell me how mom and dad met.”
    I felt a small pang in my chest as I remembered, I felt pain every time I thought of Evan’s parents. His father had been my best friend. “Ok.” I took a deep breathe. “It was about 10 year ago now. Your father, Gavin, and I were out hunting and scavenging. Gavin being the absolute idiot that he was, went chasing after a boar. Not realizing that we did not have the correct weapons to take down such a beast.” I cracked a smile. “I followed after him for some time. He just wouldn’t let that boar go. Well I finally caught up and your father was badly wounded and lying on the ground facing the boar with nothing but a makeshift spear. His grey wings were covered in blood and his face was screwed up with rage.” I paused. “I swooped in and managed to carry your father back to our settlement.”
    “You flew all the way back with dad?!” Evan cried.
    I glanced back at him. Flying with another full grown new fomorian wasn’t easy. So I understood his shock. “I thought your dad was dying and it scared me, I think the excitement of the moment helped me. I don’t think I could do it today.” I explained.
    “You could carry me though.” Evan stated proudly.
    “I don’t know, you’re getting pretty big.” I teased.. “Anyway I managed to get us back to the settlement before collapsing of exhaustion. Your mother was training in the art of medicine at the time and she was the first on scene to help your father. When I told her what had happened the first thing she did was call him an idiot.” I laughed at the memory. “For the next week she tended to Gavin and he flirted up a storm. She never stopped calling him an idiot. Even when they married.” I ended the story. “They loved each other until the end.” I sighed feeling the great weight of their loss.
    “I miss them.” Evan mumbled from the cart.
    “Yeah, me too.” I responded.
    It was then that our convoy stopped. I glanced over at Meera who had drawn her sword and then at Cuchulainn and Brighid who had done the same.
    “Evan get down.” I breathed readying myself for battle. We waited with bated breath for the newcomer to be revealed. The sound of hoofbeats was coming closer and closer!
    And then she was revealed. Bathed in sunlight a lovely blonde woman appeared, on a huge roan mare. Her hair was light and seemed to hover and bend around her like it had a mind of its own. Her eyes were a bright blue and held intelligence, She was the picture of loveliness. I felt something inside stir.
    “Elise?” Cuchulainn seemed perplexed.
    “What is she doing here?” Brighid asked also bewildered. The two shared a worried look before she reached us.
    “Elphame sent me to escort you back.” She stated glancing at the two of them. I guessed she could read their worry.
    “She’s worried isn’t she?” Cuchulainn asked.
    “Well yeah. She is.” Elise responded. She must have felt my gaze because she turned her attention from Cu and focused on me. I felt like I was struck by lightning. I could do nothing but stare back at her.
    “Oh yes, these are the New Fomorians Elise.” Brighid introduced us and swept her arm to show all of us.
    “Pleasure to meet all of you.” Her voice got considerably smaller, like she wasn’t comfortable with so many eyes on her. Her eyes met mine again and I felt that little bolt of electricity once more.
    “Are you the horsemaster?” Meera asked breaking the hold. Elise turned to her and nodded and she began walking astride Meera.
    “Who is that Owyn?” Evan whispered.
    “I don’t know.” I breathed.
    “She’s pretty.”
    “She is.” It was like my words had been forgotten.
    “Do you like her?” He teased in a way only a 6 year old can.
    “Settle down you.” I gave him a playful smirk.

    “What grains do you feed your horses? Mine always get oats with some barley. If they’ve done exceptionally well I may mix some honey in the mixture.” Meera explained.
    “Brienne just gets oats but the others need a little more so I give them alfalfa as well.” I answered. I glanced behind me and made eye contact with the new fomorian behind me. I hurriedly faced forward and blushed deeply. Every time I looked his way he was looking right back. He was very handsome, with olive skin and long black hair, the hair of a warrior. And wings as black as a ravens. His stare was a bit unnerving. Part of me wished he would stop but another part was curious. I wondered briefly why he would be staring at me so intently. Was there a stain on my back? Or maybe a piece of straw dangling from my hair. I absently reached behind me to check.
    “Elise? Elise are you listening?” Meera barged into my thoughts.
    I pulled my hand forward quickly. “Oh I’m sorry, I'm afraid I was distracted, thinking of preparations.” I laughed sheepishly.
    “It's quite alright. Now we’ll need your stable hands to-”
    “I don’t have any of those.” I interrupted.
    “What? No stable hands!” She gaped at me.
    “Well it's only 5 horses, 6 with Cu’s gelding.” I admitted.
    “You will have to appoint at least 1 stable hand when we get back.” She demanded. She wasn’t wrong, 16 horses was a lot. Even for 2 people. And I had a feeling Meera’s horses needed a lot of extra attention. They’d had a long journey.
    “I agree.” I relented.
    The rest of the ride went by with Meera and I swapping stories of our horse escapades. I explained my bond with Brienne and she described hers with her dappled grey stallion. Her horses were much lighter and fairer than mine, I mostly worked with drafts but hers were warmbloods for sure.
    “It’s just up ahead now!” Brighid called flashing a smile to Cu. They both looked ready for the journey to end.
    “We’ll drop off the new fomorians and their belongings, and then we’ll care for the horses.” Meera stated.
    I nodded and glanced back behind me. The dark haired fomorian wasn’t staring at me now, he was chatting with the young boy in his supply cart. With a playful arrogance to him, he lifted the child onto his shoulders to see better. I could hear the giggles from where I rode. I smiled fondly and then once more made eye contact with the handsome stranger. This time I chose to wave instead of turn away, flashing a small smile. He smiled and gave a small wave back.
    “You best pick your stable hand now, Elise.” Meera hinted.
    “O-oh yeah.” I faltered. Reining in Brienne I turned her to face the crowd of new fomorians. I knew everyone from the village had a job and were far too busy to add stable hand to their duties, well except maybe Ralph but having a stable hand the horses hated was not a good idea..
    “H-hello!” I became suddenly aware of dozens of eyes on me. I shrank in my saddle. Reaching down I clutched onto a chunk of Brienne’s black mane for strength. I never appreciated attention. “I….I’m in need of a stable hand. The work will be hard, and admittedly dirty, but also rewarding. I’ll teach you to ride as well.” I paused. “Would anyone be interested?” I willed my voice to grow stronger. The children all raised their hands and I smiled appreciatively.
    “Thank you little ones but we’ll be needing an adult.” Meera interjected.
    The small hands went down with a resounding ‘awwww.’ There weren’t many adults though, I hadn’t noticed before but the children far outnumbered everyone. They all looked amongst themselves uneasily, no doubt unable to help me based on prior responsibilities. I imagined each adult had at least 3-4 children to care for. I was beginning to think I’d have to pick someone when a hand rose. The handsome stranger was volunteering.
    “I’d like to volunteer m’lady.” His voice was deep and husky. “I have Evan to look after though, would he be permitted to accompany me?”
    “Of course.” I smiled kindly at the child still on his shoulders. The young boy beamed back his eyes alight with excitement.
    “Walk with us..I’m sorry we haven’t gotten your name?” Meera stated.
    With a graceful flap of his black wings he leapt to our side. Brienne snorted and eyed him fearfully.
    “Oh sorry.” He blushed and held out his hand for her to smell.”Sorry girl.” He cooed gently stroking her neck. “My name’s Owyn.”
    I liked how he handled Brienne’s fear, he seemed to know his way at least a little around the animals. “Have you been around horses Owyn?” I asked.
    “Just Shala over there, it took her some time for her to get use to my wings but once she did she proved to be quite the companion.” He spoke fondly of the mare.
    “She seems very comfortable with you.” I complimented. I felt my insides shine. I could tell he loved the mare.
    “When we get back, we’ll be unloading the carts and then it’ll be our job to get all 12 of these horses-”
    “14 counting my 2 drafts who worked all day.” I added.
    “Right, 14 horses untacked, rubbed down, fed and bedded for the night. They’ll be sleeping in stalls tonight as it’ll be too dark to turn them loose and I don’t want any of my horses running through the fencing.” Meera continued. She was very demanding and strict. Something I needed to learn if I was to be a good horsemaster.
    “It’ll take a bit but the horses definitely deserve it.” I added patting Brienne fondly. I could tell she was tired. Her hooves seemed to drag, she hadn’t had a day off in a bit and today was supposed to be an easy day for her. I’d definitely be giving her a long holiday after this.
    “Is that the castle!” Evan pointed ahead. The McCallen castle towers could just be seen over the trees.
    “Yes.” I looked at the blonde boy. “That’s your home.”
    “Owyn it's so big! Can you see? Did you see?” He shrieked in excitement.
    “Yess! Calm down Evan or you’ll spook the horses! Again!” Owyn laughed pulling the child down from his shoulders and letting him run and frolic with the rest of the excited children.
    “He’s an excitable one isn’t he?” I laughed watching him whoop and holler with 2 other boys.
    “Yup just like his dad.” Owyn’s smile held a tinge of sadness.
    “You’re not the father?” I asked. “Oh I’m sorry, that was rude. You don’t have to answer me.”
    He shook his head. “No I am not the father.” He answered.
    “OWYN IT'S EVEN BIGGER UP CLOSE!” Evan’s shout could be heard clearly.
    “I better go collect him before he hurts himself.” Owyn chuckled before taking off, his wings flapping to give his strides extra length.
    I glanced at Meera. “He seems like a good fit.”
    “He does indeed.” She appeared thoughtful. “I will ride ahead and speak with Elphame. Can you lead them the rest of the way?”
    “Yeah of course.” I nodded. She spurred her stallion on and took off in the direction of the castle.

Elise and Owyn (c)

Description

    A shrill whinny woke me. Sitting up quickly I glanced out my window to see the very beginnings of dawn. Mist still hovering above the grass and the sun’s rays were just starting to peek out from behind the clouds. I took a deep breath and gave a small sigh of content. I loved this smell. It was a mixture of the morning dew, Hay and undertones of horse sweat. Another shrill whinny broke my state.
    “Calm down Brienne.” I called pushing the covers back and hopping out of bed. My mare was always the most eager when it came to food, she woke me every morning with her demands for breakfast. I rolled my eyes but gave a fond smile when she complained once again.
    I quickly made my bed and dressed for the day. My clothes weren’t fancy, consisting of a beige underdress, McCallen plaid corset, pale red skirt with green rag skirt cinched at the waist, and a pair of breeches on beneath all of it so riding wasn’t uncomfortable. I slid my stockinged feet into my boots and rushed down the stairs into the stables.
    The barn was brand new, just renovated by the Clan McCallen crew, Elphame had insisted the stables be one of the first things finished so our horses wouldn't have to suffer out in the elements while everything else was restored. She figured our goddess Epona would be upset if the horses were made to live in deplorable conditions and I couldn’t agree more. As of right now I was in charge of 5 horses. Typically 6 but Cuchulainn and Brighid were still bringing the New Fomorians back from the outlands. Though I suspected that Cu’s buckskin would be back shortly, and probably not in great shape.
    Brienne’s snort paused my thought process. “Fine!” I laughed rubbing her nose. Brienne was my horse, I had purchased her as a young filly after working tirelessly as a groom in the stables of a hotel. The owner had agreed to let me pay board and keep Brienne there. I spent years training her in my free time and working towards starting a new life. When the news got out of Epona’s chosen rebuilding McCallen castle I knew it was exactly the right opportunity for Brienne and I. Within the first day Elphame recognized my gift with the horses and I was given the position of McCallen’s horsemaster. My chest swelled with pride, it was my dream job.
     Brienne began pawing at her stall impatiently. “I’m sorry ok!” I laughed pouring her oats into her bucket and smirking as she eagerly chomped them down. “How very ladylike.” I teased patting her neck. Brienne was huge, easily 17 hands in height, her mane, tail, and forelock were a deep black and her coat was the most vibrant strawberry roan. She held a crooked blaze on her face and one white stocking on her left front leg. Of all horses I had worked with, Brienne had the most beautiful, intelligent, doe brown eyes.
    I moved along to the 4 workhorses in my charge. It was Tully and Brooke’s day off today, but Juno and Milo would have a long day ahead of them. I gave each horse their share of oats and hay, leaving them with a loving pat on their shoulder. Tully was pitch black, no white markings to be seen, Brooke was a deep bay with a star on her forehead. Juno and Milo were both grey, you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart if it wasn’t for Juno’s pink nose. Each horse was as tall or taller than Brienne.
    I set to work preparing for the day, Tully and Brooke would be pastured after breakfast and then I’d have to get Juno and Milo groomed and tacked, and then Brienne and I would check the fence… and so on. There was always work to be done in the stables.
    “Elise?” Elphame called from the stable entrance.
    “M’lady.” I called approaching her. “I wasn’t expecting you?” I noticed Lochlon and Ralph were with her. I made eye contact with Ralph before turning my gaze back to Elphame.
    “Yes I know it's not common for me to drop by.” Elphame chuckled. “But we’ve received news.” She glanced back at Lochlon.
    “The New Fomorions are arriving today.” Lochlon continued. “The horsemaster Meera from Dale is escorting them.”
    “She’s bringing about 10 horses with her to help with the travel.” Elphame interrupted. “I was thinking if you would go meet them and escort them back. Cu and Brighid are fairly exhausted and I’m sure could use your help.” Elphame stated her lips pursing with worry when mentioning her brother.
    “Of course m’lady, I’ll just get Juno and Milo ready to go an-”
    “That won’t be necessary, we can get them this time.” Ralph interjected. He gave a playful smirk and winked at me. I felt my cheeks flame.
    “But- I need to brush them and-”
    “Elise, we know how to do this, we’ve done it before. You aren’t the only one who can tack up a horse you know.” Ralph laughed.
    “I know that I just-” I stopped when i saw Elphame’s pleading gaze. I let out a deflated sigh. “If I find out something wasn’t done properly I’ll blame you Ralph.” I stated in defeat.
    “Don’t worry Elise, you’re horses are safe with me.” He teased walking past me to grab Juno and Milo.
    I glanced after him, I did not like the idea of not doing my morning routine.
    “Do you two...like each other?” Elphame asked surprisingly much closer when I turned back to her. I felt my face flush.
    “I wouldn’t say that.” I stammered. Ralph was attractive I’d give him that. With fair skin and long auburn hair, and very bright green eyes. Many maidens had swooned for him and I know many had warmed his bed. There was something about him that I didn’t completely trust. I glanced back towards him just in time to see the ever mellow Juno pin her ears at him and snap her tail in annoyance. The horses hated him, Brienne especially. As a matter of fact, I hadn’t seen any animal approach him. That was enough to have my doubts about him. If my horse didn’t like him then something was there I couldn’t see. “He may like me but my stomach hurts when I see him.” I continued.
    Elphame laughed. “Elise! That’s what love is! Isn’t it wonderful?” She grabbed my hands. She looked so happy for me in that moment. I didn’t feel like telling her she was wrong. I may have never loved a man before but I had a feeling it felt different than this.
    “Maybe you’re right.” I smiled. She pulled me into a hug which I returned.
    “Say hello to Cu for me ok?” She murmured.
    “Of course.” I responded before breaking the hug.
    Shortly after Lochlon and Elphame left, his wing hovering around her as if to protect her from the coldest of winds. I would be lying if I said I didn’t envy their love, it was something I thought about often. But the way things were going I’d have no time for a man.
    I glanced back at Ralph who was still grooming Juno. He seemed careful and was doing a fairly decent job. He seemed to catch me looking at him because he gave a wink. I gave a small smile back before heading into Brienne’s stall.
    “So Elise.” He started to speak as I was getting Brienne into the crossties. I glanced at him and waited for him to continue. “When you get back, we should eat together.” He flashed his award winning smile and I felt my stomach shrivel.
    “Well, I have to bed down the horses and muck stalls...I’ll have too much work to do Ralph.” I responded.
    “Oh c’mon you have to eat sometime.” He grunted as he struggled to lift Juno’s hoof.
    I shot a glare at Juno who usually lifted her hoof at the slightest touch. But there she was her tail flicking with annoyance. Why did these horses dislike him so much?
    “Here let me do that.” I sighed pausing my brushing of Brienne. I bent over and scraped the dirt from each hoof. “I do eat Ralph, but usually after everyone else. I’m just too-”
    “Busy?” I could hear the smirk in his voice.
    “Yes busy.” I finished the hoof and set it down.
    “I can get the rest.” He took the pick from me and grabbed for her hind leg. Either Juno thought it was me or her mood was getting better because she picked that hoof right on up.
    I finished brushing and tacking Brienne while keeping an eye on Ralph. He did a decent job, his grooming was almost as good as mine and he tacked her up well. Maybe I was too hard on him. I turned to leave with Brienne but paused. “I’ll eat with you tonight Ralph.” I stated before continuing my walk.
    “Knew you couldnt resist!” He called after me.
    “Bye Ralph.” I chuckled mounting Brienne easily. I heard a muted goodbye from him in response.
    With barely a nudge to her side Brienne set off at a ground eating trot.

  “Owyn tell me another story!” I turned to the young boy perched on the rail of the cart.
     “Evan get down, you’ll fall.” I scolded. He gave me his best pout and thumped to the floor of the cart. The noise resulted in Shala flinching. The whites of her eyes shone and she snorted in fear.
    “Easy there love.” I breathed rubbing the swirl between her eyes. She had been the second horse I had seen. After we met Meera and were loaned 10 horses for our travels I immediately volunteered to lead Shala. Her kind blue eyes and calm demeanor caused me to gravitate to her. It had taken a bit of time for her to grow used to my black wings but once she did she proved herself to be quite the companion. “It’s alright, just a silly boy.” I threw a small glare back at Evan who shrank in his seat.
    “Evan I told you you could ride with us, even though this is a ration cart and not one that’s meant to carry children.” I gave him a pointed look. “If you behaved.”
    “Sorry Owyn, I didn’t mean to be so loud.” His eyes were wide and I swear I saw his lower lip tremble.
    “Just make sure you don’t do it again.” I chuckled. The kid was hard to stay mad at.
    “Ok!” He perked up. “Can you tell me another story now?” He asked resting his head on the rail.
    I rolled my eyes and nodded. “Which one would you like to hear about?”
    “Tell me….tell me how mom and dad met.”
    I felt a small pang in my chest as I remembered, I felt pain every time I thought of Evan’s parents. His father had been my best friend. “Ok.” I took a deep breathe. “It was about 10 year ago now. Your father, Gavin, and I were out hunting and scavenging. Gavin being the absolute idiot that he was, went chasing after a boar. Not realizing that we did not have the correct weapons to take down such a beast.” I cracked a smile. “I followed after him for some time. He just wouldn’t let that boar go. Well I finally caught up and your father was badly wounded and lying on the ground facing the boar with nothing but a makeshift spear. His grey wings were covered in blood and his face was screwed up with rage.” I paused. “I swooped in and managed to carry your father back to our settlement.”
    “You flew all the way back with dad?!” Evan cried.
    I glanced back at him. Flying with another full grown new fomorian wasn’t easy. So I understood his shock. “I thought your dad was dying and it scared me, I think the excitement of the moment helped me. I don’t think I could do it today.” I explained.
    “You could carry me though.” Evan stated proudly.
    “I don’t know, you’re getting pretty big.” I teased.. “Anyway I managed to get us back to the settlement before collapsing of exhaustion. Your mother was training in the art of medicine at the time and she was the first on scene to help your father. When I told her what had happened the first thing she did was call him an idiot.” I laughed at the memory. “For the next week she tended to Gavin and he flirted up a storm. She never stopped calling him an idiot. Even when they married.” I ended the story. “They loved each other until the end.” I sighed feeling the great weight of their loss.
    “I miss them.” Evan mumbled from the cart.
    “Yeah, me too.” I responded.
    It was then that our convoy stopped. I glanced over at Meera who had drawn her sword and then at Cuchulainn and Brighid who had done the same.
    “Evan get down.” I breathed readying myself for battle. We waited with bated breath for the newcomer to be revealed. The sound of hoofbeats was coming closer and closer!
    And then she was revealed. Bathed in sunlight a lovely blonde woman appeared, on a huge roan mare. Her hair was light and seemed to hover and bend around her like it had a mind of its own. Her eyes were a bright blue and held intelligence, She was the picture of loveliness. I felt something inside stir.
    “Elise?” Cuchulainn seemed perplexed.
    “What is she doing here?” Brighid asked also bewildered. The two shared a worried look before she reached us.
    “Elphame sent me to escort you back.” She stated glancing at the two of them. I guessed she could read their worry.
    “She’s worried isn’t she?” Cuchulainn asked.
    “Well yeah. She is.” Elise responded. She must have felt my gaze because she turned her attention from Cu and focused on me. I felt like I was struck by lightning. I could do nothing but stare back at her.
    “Oh yes, these are the New Fomorians Elise.” Brighid introduced us and swept her arm to show all of us.
    “Pleasure to meet all of you.” Her voice got considerably smaller, like she wasn’t comfortable with so many eyes on her. Her eyes met mine again and I felt that little bolt of electricity once more.
    “Are you the horsemaster?” Meera asked breaking the hold. Elise turned to her and nodded and she began walking astride Meera.
    “Who is that Owyn?” Evan whispered.
    “I don’t know.” I breathed.
    “She’s pretty.”
    “She is.” It was like my words had been forgotten.
    “Do you like her?” He teased in a way only a 6 year old can.
    “Settle down you.” I gave him a playful smirk.

    “What grains do you feed your horses? Mine always get oats with some barley. If they’ve done exceptionally well I may mix some honey in the mixture.” Meera explained.
    “Brienne just gets oats but the others need a little more so I give them alfalfa as well.” I answered. I glanced behind me and made eye contact with the new fomorian behind me. I hurriedly faced forward and blushed deeply. Every time I looked his way he was looking right back. He was very handsome, with olive skin and long black hair, the hair of a warrior. And wings as black as a ravens. His stare was a bit unnerving. Part of me wished he would stop but another part was curious. I wondered briefly why he would be staring at me so intently. Was there a stain on my back? Or maybe a piece of straw dangling from my hair. I absently reached behind me to check.
    “Elise? Elise are you listening?” Meera barged into my thoughts.
    I pulled my hand forward quickly. “Oh I’m sorry, I'm afraid I was distracted, thinking of preparations.” I laughed sheepishly.
    “It's quite alright. Now we’ll need your stable hands to-”
    “I don’t have any of those.” I interrupted.
    “What? No stable hands!” She gaped at me.
    “Well it's only 5 horses, 6 with Cu’s gelding.” I admitted.
    “You will have to appoint at least 1 stable hand when we get back.” She demanded. She wasn’t wrong, 16 horses was a lot. Even for 2 people. And I had a feeling Meera’s horses needed a lot of extra attention. They’d had a long journey.
    “I agree.” I relented.
    The rest of the ride went by with Meera and I swapping stories of our horse escapades. I explained my bond with Brienne and she described hers with her dappled grey stallion. Her horses were much lighter and fairer than mine, I mostly worked with drafts but hers were warmbloods for sure.
    “It’s just up ahead now!” Brighid called flashing a smile to Cu. They both looked ready for the journey to end.
    “We’ll drop off the new fomorians and their belongings, and then we’ll care for the horses.” Meera stated.
    I nodded and glanced back behind me. The dark haired fomorian wasn’t staring at me now, he was chatting with the young boy in his supply cart. With a playful arrogance to him, he lifted the child onto his shoulders to see better. I could hear the giggles from where I rode. I smiled fondly and then once more made eye contact with the handsome stranger. This time I chose to wave instead of turn away, flashing a small smile. He smiled and gave a small wave back.
    “You best pick your stable hand now, Elise.” Meera hinted.
    “O-oh yeah.” I faltered. Reining in Brienne I turned her to face the crowd of new fomorians. I knew everyone from the village had a job and were far too busy to add stable hand to their duties, well except maybe Ralph but having a stable hand the horses hated was not a good idea..
    “H-hello!” I became suddenly aware of dozens of eyes on me. I shrank in my saddle. Reaching down I clutched onto a chunk of Brienne’s black mane for strength. I never appreciated attention. “I….I’m in need of a stable hand. The work will be hard, and admittedly dirty, but also rewarding. I’ll teach you to ride as well.” I paused. “Would anyone be interested?” I willed my voice to grow stronger. The children all raised their hands and I smiled appreciatively.
    “Thank you little ones but we’ll be needing an adult.” Meera interjected.
    The small hands went down with a resounding ‘awwww.’ There weren’t many adults though, I hadn’t noticed before but the children far outnumbered everyone. They all looked amongst themselves uneasily, no doubt unable to help me based on prior responsibilities. I imagined each adult had at least 3-4 children to care for. I was beginning to think I’d have to pick someone when a hand rose. The handsome stranger was volunteering.
    “I’d like to volunteer m’lady.” His voice was deep and husky. “I have Evan to look after though, would he be permitted to accompany me?”
    “Of course.” I smiled kindly at the child still on his shoulders. The young boy beamed back his eyes alight with excitement.
    “Walk with us..I’m sorry we haven’t gotten your name?” Meera stated.
    With a graceful flap of his black wings he leapt to our side. Brienne snorted and eyed him fearfully.
    “Oh sorry.” He blushed and held out his hand for her to smell.”Sorry girl.” He cooed gently stroking her neck. “My name’s Owyn.”
    I liked how he handled Brienne’s fear, he seemed to know his way at least a little around the animals. “Have you been around horses Owyn?” I asked.
    “Just Shala over there, it took her some time for her to get use to my wings but once she did she proved to be quite the companion.” He spoke fondly of the mare.
    “She seems very comfortable with you.” I complimented. I felt my insides shine. I could tell he loved the mare.
    “When we get back, we’ll be unloading the carts and then it’ll be our job to get all 12 of these horses-”
    “14 counting my 2 drafts who worked all day.” I added.
    “Right, 14 horses untacked, rubbed down, fed and bedded for the night. They’ll be sleeping in stalls tonight as it’ll be too dark to turn them loose and I don’t want any of my horses running through the fencing.” Meera continued. She was very demanding and strict. Something I needed to learn if I was to be a good horsemaster.
    “It’ll take a bit but the horses definitely deserve it.” I added patting Brienne fondly. I could tell she was tired. Her hooves seemed to drag, she hadn’t had a day off in a bit and today was supposed to be an easy day for her. I’d definitely be giving her a long holiday after this.
    “Is that the castle!” Evan pointed ahead. The McCallen castle towers could just be seen over the trees.
    “Yes.” I looked at the blonde boy. “That’s your home.”
    “Owyn it's so big! Can you see? Did you see?” He shrieked in excitement.
    “Yess! Calm down Evan or you’ll spook the horses! Again!” Owyn laughed pulling the child down from his shoulders and letting him run and frolic with the rest of the excited children.
    “He’s an excitable one isn’t he?” I laughed watching him whoop and holler with 2 other boys.
    “Yup just like his dad.” Owyn’s smile held a tinge of sadness.
    “You’re not the father?” I asked. “Oh I’m sorry, that was rude. You don’t have to answer me.”
    He shook his head. “No I am not the father.” He answered.
    “OWYN IT'S EVEN BIGGER UP CLOSE!” Evan’s shout could be heard clearly.
    “I better go collect him before he hurts himself.” Owyn chuckled before taking off, his wings flapping to give his strides extra length.
    I glanced at Meera. “He seems like a good fit.”
    “He does indeed.” She appeared thoughtful. “I will ride ahead and speak with Elphame. Can you lead them the rest of the way?”
    “Yeah of course.” I nodded. She spurred her stallion on and took off in the direction of the castle.

Elise and Owyn (c)