[Flashback] Just one more person (Lacai)

[Bolden Denusk]

Timestamp: 19th of Summer, 511 AV
Location: Amethyst Clan training fields

If only Pal wasn't so busy with two foals of her own, he'd have the extra body needed for the work. Bolden stood between the two horses, trying to think of the best way to desensitize them without the other taking off too far. If he had just one more person to help it would be so much easier. But then again, that was the problem every year about this time.

The bay colt on the right didn't like too much visual stimulus, but the grey filly on the left didn't like unfamiliar sounds. They were six moons old and both needed some close contact after all that time in the field. Although Bolden had a stack of items to work with, it was just a harder pairing than he'd anticipated. It was a precarious time for horses at this age. If they weren't desensitized right, they'd develop bad habits that were much harder to unlearn than if they'd never been started.

In true Drykas fashion, neither horse wore any kind of restraint and were as free to roam as any other creature. He decided to reaffirm their trust, hoping that maybe one would respond well to modelling behavior. The little bay seemed most likely and Bold counted on it.

He picked up half the assorted items from the large sack and carried them to about twenty paces off. Just far enough to let the foals make a response, but not so far as to make them feel insecure. The large man sat down quietly in the burgeoning new growth, with a full lap.

The wind was almost non existent today so at least that was in his favor. The sun had barely reached eight bells so it was still nice and cool for the season. Patiently he waited, not making direct eye contact with either foal, and hoping to the Gods he wouldn't be swearing and playing chase the foal for a solid bell.

The filly moved forward in a bouncing half trot, with her nose extended forward in typical curiosity. When she'd taken no more than a stride away from the colt, he followed her quickly.

'That's right!' He thought triumphantly.

Both horses took turns nosing and mouthing the items he held in his hands. They pranced, snorted and shied at all the imaginary things that only foals could think up. Slowly he put out a hand to the filly, showing her a soft body brush to let her get a sniff of it.

With no warning, she jerked her head up and whacked her little rump into the colt right next to her--and they ran for it! The grey and bay bolted in different directions at once, squealing and frightening themselves more with their own flight instinct.

Bolden scrambled to his feet, nearly tripping over himself in his haste to rise.

"Petch!" He cursed in irritation.

[Lacai]

Lacai was headed towards her working site, where she was busy building a pavilion for a couple who were determined to set off into the wilderness making a name for themselves. At eighteen, Lacai was past the "ripe" age for a Drykas female and had yet to be married. Truthfully, she wasn't looking to be, either! Mekune, her father, was pushing for marriage, hoping to extend his pavilion and, also, create a name for himself. He didn't care who married her, as long as Lacai became knocked up, ready to pass on children; extend the generation. Content with building pavilions, Lacai returned down whatever offers arose. Sunsilla, her mother, and Rahya, Mekune's second wife, often helped in this process, considering it was up to Mekune most of the way whether to accept the future or not. Not many had really been interested in the plain Lacai, who didn't have some exotic look to her, or flirty behavior. Her skills weren't impressive enough to attract male attention, although she did alright in adapting jobs here and there. Popping back to present from a pain in her bottom lip, Lacai realized she had been gnawing on it again in worry. Mentally sighing, Lacai twisted her lips into a secret smile. The habit had been formed from when Mekune started to favor her brother. While thinking and overthinking the situation more than any little girl should have, Lacai had begun to take out her energy on her bottom lip using her teeth. After that, the habit had been formed. Glancing down at her horse beneath her, Lacai smiled again. Her eyes twinkled with merriment. The horse had come in handy many a times during jobs when necessary to lug around heavy equipment such as hammers and other building utensils. There was still a good five to ten chimes left to go before the building site would come into view. With her saddlebags packed and sitting behind her, even though there was no actual saddle, Lacai glanced off into the distance. The sun was riding on the horizon. A chill to the morning air flooded Lacai's bones, making her shiver slightly. Fairly soon, it would be hot enough to roast a snake like an egg cracked into a pan. Green eyes roving over the landscape, they narrowed in on one- No, no, two, quickly moving shapes. Were they… Running away from one another? Narrowing her eyelids, Lacai quickly figured out what they were: Either ponies or young horses judging from the size. Apparently her horse had spotted them also, because his ears perked forwards, pointed like arrows. Head jerking upwards and held high, he watched them for a moment before moving beneath her thin frame. Body tense, shoulders quivering and nostrils flaring, he anxiously danced from hoof to hoof. Holding the Yvas handles tighter, Lacai leaned down to pat his neck, clapping against it slowly. "You wanna go get 'em, boy?" Even though Lacai was no herding expert and her horse surely wasn't made for it, perhaps there would be a chance of luring the two ponies/foals into coming with her. Get Mekune off her back for awhile, anyways. One ear twitched backwards, listening to her low voice. Jerking his head up and down, her horse snorted. A smile grew across Lacai's features as she shifted to a more comfortable position. Clucking her tongue, Lacai gently tapped against his sides with her heels, giving a warning tug to remind him she was still up here after he jerked forwards. Ears forwards, he skipped sideways before breaking into a long-legged trot, knees picked up high in his anxiety. Nodding to his well behavior, Lacai clucked again and held on as he lunged into a canter, before sliding into a run. Bumping over his back, she tightened her legs to hold on, leaning forwards to move with the strides. Fairly soon, the pair of bucking and jumping around foals came into closer view. Her stallion slowed back down to a trot, letting loose a searching whinny. Within fifty feet, both the colt and filly jerked to a stop, heads popping around to see where the nose had come from. If Lacai had to guess, they were sniffing the air; especially the small bay. Pulling back on the Yvas, Lacai's horse slowed to a complete halt, watching the foals just as curiously as they peered at him. Deciding to move cautiously, as she didn't want to startle them into running again, Lacai slid from the horse; making sure to tuck her right leg against her instead of swinging it over as a dismount. Softly thudding against the ground, Lacai watched as their attention swapped to her, before the pair seemed to actually notice the other. Patting his shoulder as an unconscious movement, she squatted down on the ground. "Well, hi, beauties," echoed in the distance between them as Lacai spoke. Snorting, the bay filly jerked her nose high in the air, taking a step backwards. The other foal, what seemed to be a colt if appearances were anything to go by, shied away from the movements, prancing around in a tight half moon closer to his sister. "I'm not gonna hurtcha." Another long whinny popped from her horse's maw, echoing in the air. Lacai watched as the filly froze, listening before letting out what seemed to barely be a whinny in itself. More like a "Squee" than anything else. It made Lacai smile and she struggled to keep the laugh inside. Breath catching as the filly trotted closer, no more than ten feet, Lacai was fascinated. They were so gorgeous.

[Bolden Denusk]

"The little brats are gonna make me chase 'em for miles, I swear the Gods--"

Bolden stopped muttering to himself as both of the foals halted at once, and he followed the direction of their gazes.

A tall woman stood near a fine horse, and the babies were just standing there! An extra body! Thank the Gods! He'd needed another person and here she was. He nodded to her, but said nothing yet. The timing would be bad to raise a voice and he needed those minxes a lot closer before he could dream of starting a conversation.

The tall drykas approached with sure strides, making soft clucking sounds to catch the foals' attention and make his presence known. The little grey filly waggled her ears back and forth--and pointedly ignored him, while her brother, the bay, turned and took a few steps toward Bold.

"There's a brave little boy. That's the way to do it, walk on little man." His pitch was low and gentle, very soothing to anything horse minded. He pulled a few oats from his pocket, coaxing the colt closer until he ate from the man's hand quietly.

The moment the colt touched his mouth to food, the filly snorted indignantly and cantered over to shove her brother out of the way. Bolden chuckled and could finally greet and thank the rider.

Amber eyes traveled the length and width of the horse before taking in the rider. It was just his way to always put horses first and he fully expected others to do the same. The woman looked to be long legged and lean--his type--the thought raced by swiftly and he finally spoke to her.

"Thanks for the help with the twins. It's that busy time of year so Flirty and ShyBoy need training. You stopped by in the nick of time or I'd probably still be chasing them."

Bolden grinned down at her and tried to shake the thick curls from his forehead. The small motion was uncannily like a horse. He moved a large and gentle hand over the grey filly's neck and back, more an unconscious gesture than any intended training. The colt squealed jealously at his sister and shoved his little nose under the hand, searching for more treats.

"I'm Bolden and you've met these two. What's you and your horse's names?"

Bold rubbed a handful of oats over the brush bristles and offered it to the foals again with easy patience. Flirty chewed at the soft bristles and ShyBoy nickered in surprise at the feel of the strange thing on his whiskers. When he watched his twin, he was soon chomping at the brush with her, both fighting to get a larger share.

The Drykas gazed at the tall slim woman with keen eyes lingering over her long longs. No feathers or frills in her hair, no pretensions to cloud judgment, and she wore practical pants. He'd never seen a woman in pants before and he had to admit, he liked it. A lot. Her clothing looked like the Ruby clan perhaps, and her horse seemed well bred for hauling and riding. He nodded to himself as if in approval.

'She can sit a horse, is nice and tall for a girl and has legs for miles. I'd -definitely- like to get to know her better.'

[Lacai]

A smile was sent Bolden's way as she watched him interact with the foals. Obviously he had some type of skill or history with horses, because the foals reacted well to him. He seemed more at home with this pair of hooved little monsters, if she had to guess, than actual other Drykas. You didn't just treat horses like that, with such loving care and devotion. His, were they amber?, eyes shined with adoration for the pair. Green eyes ran over his frame just like he had done to her only chimes before. Idly, she noted he was only a couple of inches taller than herself, and had a thin, wiry, body to match it. Bolden's looks were passable, but didn't really make Lacai want to gasp at the beauty. Most likely too large for his face eyes set under low eyebrows, followed by what seemed to be too tense for the situation, lips. Brown, chestnut, hair pulled back and full of waves, lay over his head which was held proudly. Thin hips, wide shoulders, and muscles on the arms. If Lacai were to guess, she'd say he played with some type of weapon. A sword, perhaps. Or a bow and arrow. Maybe even hunted, if it was the latter weapon. Turning slightly to pat a hand against her horse's neck, Lacai nearly laughed out loud at the sour expression on Kako's features. His ears were pinned and the top lip on his maw was pulled backwards at Bolden… As if to scream out loudly, "Ewwwww". Head tilted high in the air, he seemed to have his dark eyes latched onto Bolden's figure. He pranced in place, shuffling his hooves beneath him like some foreign dancer. Chuckling, Lacai tapped Kako's lean neck with her hand, even tugged on his short mane once or twice, until his attention was successfully gained. Trying to train her face into a disapproving look, she knew she failed when Kako tilted his head to the side and reached out towards her, pushing his nose into her shoulder as if to apologize for his behavior. Lacai doubted he was truly sorry and was suspicious he instead wanted to be itched. Reaching up with long fingers to give into the urge and touch his fine hairs, Lacai scratched at his large cheek, nearly shaking her head in disbelief when Kako's eyes slid shut, head tilting even more to the side. Kako may not have liked Bolden, but he was practically eating out of Lacai's hands. His behavior resembled a puppy and a master. "Oh!" Popping back to the present, Lacai let her hand still against her stallion's face, idly tapping the tips of them. Letting loose a low nicker, Kako nudged her shoulder, nibbling on her braided hair. "Excuse my manners." Ducking away from Kako, Lacai cautiously walked towards Bolden. Her footfalls were soft against the grass, green eyes on the foals in case they decided to bolt. "My name is Lacai of the Ruby Clan." As if he couldn't tell from her red shirt! "The brat over there who, for some strange reason, doesn't like you, is Kako." Glancing backwards, Lacai was surprised to see Kako tiptoeing forwards, head down, nose and ears aimed towards her back, eyes wide and shining. His white tail swatted futilely at flies. Reaching Bolden's side, Lacai faced him, eyes on the foals. "How old are they?" They looked no more than five months from the size, but she really couldn't tell. "And did you raise them or..?" Eyes flickering to his amber ones, she silently implored the history of the pair.

[Bolden Denusk]

He avidly watched the charming interaction between Lacai and Kako, noting the horse's innate trust of the woman. Her posture spoke volumes in their shared body language and he was glad to see it. Too few women were encouraged to handle horses and it was a shame. His best friend Laria had golden hands when it came to horses, so it was gratifying to see another good horse relationship.

Both dark eyebrows shot up in amusement at Kako and he smiled hugely. Bolden laughed heartily at the horse's antics, his amber eyes lightened nearly to gold as the sun rose higher in the sky.

"I think he just got a whiff of my strider stallion, Nightwind! Hold on, I'll take care of some of that for him."

He grinned and wrapped his arms around the filly in a big hug. She nickered in surprise and her coat shivered for a moment as he let go. Bold rubbed his filly scented hands over his face and through is hair, and used the horse brush on his pants.

"Nice to meet you Lacai," he smiled at the woman and nodded his head toward the stallion, "and you Kako. I think we started off on the wrong hoof."

Now that the scent of strider stallion was masked with innocent filly, he stood sideways and adjusted the foals rumps to move over a bit so he could fit between them. Bolden didn't make any direct eye contact with Kako, but continued to talk to Lacai.

"They're almost six months. I was there at the birthing, and I'm lucky enough to train horses for the Sunstorm pavilion of the Amethyst Clan." He smiled proudly, living his dream of horses, morning noon and night, every day. His hands moved rhythmically over each of the foals with a soft brush. Their little tails flapped up and down like pumps and their ears kept moving whenever Bold spoke. He was actively training the pair to accept the casual grooming, a stranger, conversation and a new horse in the area, all at once. Now that he had the one extra person, the training was easy peasy.

The twin foals stood head to tail opposites of each other and one would occasionally sniff at Lacai's hands or mouth at her pants idly. Bold left the brushes on each of their backs and slowly worked his hands along their necks and ears as he kept on talking in that quiet, soothing voice.

"So how old is Kako? Did you breed and train him yourself? He's got excellent conformation. Normally the pulling types can get a little too heavy on the fore, but he's nice and square."

The young Drykas, casually leaned just his elbows over the foals' backs as they crab stepped at first, and he held the position until they stood still to accept it.

"He's got great coloring too. I really appreciate you being here Lacai, it helps out immensely. Horses are such social creatures that standing around other living things just calms them like nothing else."

Bold removed the brushes from their backs and gently tossed them a few paces away. Shyboy sprinted up and broke into a disjointed half trot, half canter, circling the small group and then returned in a couple chimes. Flirty decided she liked the attention and stood stubbornly refusing to move even a dainty hoof. She nipped her brother on his return as if to scold him and Bold chuckled at them. It was turning out to be a good day.

[Lacai]

Lacai nodded. The pair of foals, long legged and lean, didn't look old enough to truly be over six months. Every now and then, when one of them would smell her hands, Lacai would reach out and run her fingertips along their smooth necks. She had never truly been this close to any young horse, not to mention there were two of them! Awkward beyond belief, amusement sprinkled through her and tainted her randomly freckled face, pink. "I'm sorry, I don't really know how to handle young creatures." Embarrassment colored her words. "Who is their sire?" Eyes greedily lapping up the sight of the pair, Lacai wouldn't have even noticed Bolden there, if not for his touch on them and his lulling voice. She had yet to build a pavilion for anyone in the Amethyst Clan, but made a mental note to head over there soon. Their houses would have to be made with more than one foldable flap on the side for the horses' shelter during winter months and harsh storms. Perhaps, seeing as they did breed horses, they could even have their own pen with a building which could be torn down and rebuilt. Mentally calculating a square pen with at least three wings per side, two posts per wing, and at least two bars, also, Lacai came up with the conclusion of needing thirty six logs. Unless you wanted to slide a building in there, on one side. Which would take up at least one wing, could space out in the back. Anywhere from thirty four to thirty six logs, unless you wanted a gate. That could be another three. If the building was added on, however, an entrance could be made through there. Adding up the costs, Lacai figured it would be anywhere from sixty four sm to seventy eight sm. Lacai plotted the area out, promising herself she would build it sometime in the near future. Even if it was simply with hand sized twigs. Yes, she definitely had to get over to the Amethyst Clan. "Kako is… Oh, gosh. Um. I know he's at least fifteen." A reminiscent smile twisted Lacai's light lips upwards, made her eyes soft and gain a faraway look. At the mention of his name, Kako nudged Lacai's back with his maw, snorting heavily against her dirt hair. Glancing at him, Lacai wrapped one arm around his neck, under and over, fingers curling in what little mane he had. The other hand rested above his nose, keeping him from smacking her in the face if he moved too suddenly. If Kako had been a cat, he would have been purring. A long winded sigh slid from his nostrils as his large head dipped lower, eyes sliding shut. Continuing with the story, Lacai murmured softly, "Rumor has it my father's pavilion had a guest stay with them when I was about three. This big baby here was used as a ride and, without warning, on a ride one morning, Kako had thrown a fit. The man was bucked off; landing on a jagged rock near his kneecap. During this time I had taken a liking to the gigantic horse. After a healer had been fetched and herbs delivered, the man had slowly gotten better. However, he lost the feeling in his left leg. The man was no longer able to ride. After I had been found several times sleeping curled up next to the enormous horse, the old man had, before he left, called me to the side and told me in a very adult like tone; 'You're in charge of that monster back there.' In my young age, only twelve seasons in, I was ecstatic. Mekune, my father, wanted to get rid of him. Claimed he was a beast. Kako wouldn't let anyone else near him but me, for some strange reason. My parents had to send me with a bucket of water and food. When I was old enough, I saved up my mizas and bought a Yvas." Looking up at Kako with green adoration, who still had his eyes shut and was leaning against her shoulder, Lacai rolled her own before glancing at Bolden. "To tell the truth, I don't even know his breed, much less his age." Surprise rocketed through her at the quick change in subject. Nodding, Lacai scratched at Kako's nose. "Just in the right place at the right time. Ain't nothing to it." The light breeze picked up, teasing Lacai's skin, making it stand on end in the morning chill. Around them, grass whispered. "How long have you been handling horses?"

[Bolden Denusk]

Bolden watched her face and saw her timidity with the foals. Her statement and mild blush confirmed what he'd thought.

"These two are by Hammer out of GreyVeil, and tied to WindChaser. We didn't expect twins, and they're among the top foals this season." He answered proudly and gestured with his left hand. "Flirty is more like Grey and ShyBoy looks more like Ham."

Bold grabbed a couple cloths and wadded them up so they wouldn't flap, all the while his glance kept flicking to Lacai. With a large, gentle hand, he rubbed the soft cloth over the filly's back and rump, and made similar motions with the colt. She looked faraway and dreaming and he didn't want to disturb that--she looked so happy. When she came out of her daze, he nodded at he comment. It seemed a fair estimate of Kako's age.

The young man swiftly tied the cloth around the grey foal's front leg and stepped back, motioning Lacia to do the same. At first Flirty stood very still and only angled her head to the side to see the flapping thing better. Her long gangly legs sprang into an instant gallop, trying to run away from the cloth.

"It's typical, don't worry. When you start using unfamiliar touch, they always flee as a first reaction. How she deals with it after that will decide how I train her later on. It's a test of character tha-"

ShyBoy assumed that if there was something frightening his sister, then he should most definitely be frightened too. He reared up on his spindly legs and sprinted after his twin with blinding speed.

Bolden's eyes locked on ShyBoy and his breath-taking speed from a stand still. His gaze followed the colt's smooth, even gait, admiring the spring of it. This foal was one to watch for sure! Even at this tender age, he was much faster than his sister. When he'd reached her side, he had such a hard time stopping that he overshot her by several paces. The colt swerved and dashed around his sister with incredible agility.

Lacai's voice called him back to attention and he listened to her tale. He watched the foals for half a chime longer, assuring himself they were nearby and safe.

"I'd say he's probably a Leopardbred directly out of Ekytol from the looks of him. They have a lot of other options than a horse to ride there, so this breed is getting a lot more recognition in Endrykas and other places now. That's probably why he reacted so strongly to my strider's scent. They have the best sense of smell of any other breed of horse."

Bolden's watchful eyes returned to the foals like a doting parent. The filly stood still while her brother worked the cloth off her leg with his teeth. Still carrying his prize he brought it over to Bold, as proud as could be. The man chuckled and snatched away the cloth only to tie it onto the little bay's leg.

'The filly is definitely going to be a lead mare if I ever saw one.' he evaluated silently. 'The colt has a stunning set of legs and would make a fantastic sprinter, fine enough for the races.'

The Drykas shrugged at Lacai's question. He'd lost all memory of his life before thirteen years old so exact time was a mystery to him. Bold replied almost dismissively, not really giving the matter much thought. Everyone in the Sunstorm Pavilion lived the same way.

"All my life I guess. I don't ever remember -not- handling horses."

[Lacai]

"I bet the parents are gorgeous." Judging just from the filly and colt, Lacai would have to guess they were absolutely beautiful. With the right markings to draw attention and temperaments to have people stay around them. To want their genes in other horses; in future generations. Like some type of puzzle, to mix and match the animals in a hope of creating a perfect blend. Much like construction workers who would draw and redraw their pavilion, or otherwise, designs in hopes of perfecting it before actually putting the plans to physical use. Perhaps the father was over sixteen hands high, or the mother was a powerful leader. Maybe the filly had gotten her personality from her father; bold and unique, with a hint of rashness. Perhaps Shyboy was more like his dam, curious and a follower. Then again, the pair could have an equal mixture of both; great examples of soon to be wonderful horses if raised right. Lacai didn't doubt, as she watched Bolden interact, they wouldn't be raised wrong. Maybe a little on the spoiled side, but working like a driving horse who pulled pavilions; happily and obediently. Maybe even eagerly if he invested fun into the work. Lacai watched curiously as Bolden tied a cloth to the filly's leg. Stepping backwards, away from Bolden and the filly, Lacai had Kako do the same with a simple tug against his face, since her hand was still wrapped around it. Snorting unhappily, his eyes slid open before he conceded to her wish and stepped backwards slowly, with Lacai's pace. Head jerking upwards, practically flinging Lacai up also, when the filly took off bucking and kicking, Kako's eyes watched the movements. Underneath her palm, Lacai felt him tense. A 'shhh' slid from her lips. She was as entranced as he was by the movements. Barely hearing Bolden explaining the actions and how he cut off, Lacai watched with fascination. How could one small creature, who looked so ungainly with too long of legs, be so graceful? To be able to tuck their hooves under them like a flier and soar over the grasses like some type of hawk? Could the foals feel the air whispering through their whipping manes? Taste the freshness and wild coursing around them, beating like a heart? Feel the life throbbing through each handful of dirt where ancestors and history lay? Or were they simply running, one destination in mind, one goal? Glancing up at Kako during Bolden's explanation of his breed, Lacai's eyes twinkled with merriment when her horse simply leveled a straight edged look at Bolden. "How do you know so much about his breed?"One ear swiveled towards Lacai whenever she moved or talked, but the other stayed focused directly on the man in front of them. Obviously it wasn't just because of the strider scent. Kako just didn't trust Bolden as far as he could kick him. Whenever the Drykas moved, Kako would tense and breathe deeply through his nostrils, skin quivering at the lightest touch. His maw would move as his bottom lip jutted out, as if to catch a better whiff. Even though he was standing square, one front hoof would be lifted off the ground to settle on its tip. Giggling lowly, a sound like a thousand horse hooves echoing in a cavern, Lacai's green eyes lit up and her shoulders shook with the laughs. Unlike most would have, she didn't restrain herself from the humor and embraced it instead of holding her lip in shyness and shuffling in spot like most girls would have. No blush stained her cheeks at it and her face almost seemed to glow. Laughter creases formed around the area which had the noise coming from it. Oh, yes. Lacai was definitely a person who liked to laugh. And right now she was laughing at her stallion's territorial behavior. Knowing she would have to reprimand him, as this was not an action which she would want to continue and maybe even get worse in the future, Lacai moved the hand resting on his face down to nose. The arm wrapped under his throat latch and up around his neck, tightened to keep him in place. Though her nails were dull from work, they were also just long enough to cause pain if scratched. The laughter left as Lacai shoved two fingernails together on the soft skin of his nose, pinching him. Kako jerked his upwards, practically uprooting Lacai, who just tightened her hold. Squealing and nodding his head at the pain as if to dislodge her, Lacai waited until he had quieted down before releasing his nose. "Now knock it off, you oaf!" using her business-like, disapproving, tone, Lacai raised one eyebrow when Kako snorted, ears pinned. Obviously they had gone through his before because Kako didn't dare try and bite Lacai, like most horses would have done. Instead, seeming incredibly peeved off, he sulked, ears pinned and head low. Mouth set, Lacai let go of his neck, using her arms to shoo him off; to discipline him by not letting him near her, as he so liked to be. Flicking his tail and backing away, as if to check with her, Kako swirled around, bucked once, farted, and cantered a small distance away before stopping again. His head stayed craned towards Lacai, lest she move and he didn't know it. Even when they were fighting, Kako still acted like a lost puppy for Lacai. "Excuse him. He doesn't seem to like you very much. He acts like an overprotective strider." A pause. "Why isn't your strider with you?" Tilting her head to one side, Lacai regarded him with mossy green eyes, curious and inquisitive. Most of the bonded horses liked to stay right on their master's heels.

[Bolden Denusk]

The bay colt tilted his little head to the side to look better at the flapping thing on his leg and hopped like a rabbit, springing all four feet off the ground. ShyBoy waved around his front leg, shaking it vigorously which made the cloth flap unexpectedly. The foal leaped into the air with his small hooves barely touching the ground beneath him. He zipped and sped across the grass, starting and stopping like a champion barrel racer. After ten solid minutes of these antics, he trotted up to Bolden and held out his tied foreleg in a blatant askance of assistance.

Bolden stroked the colt's ears and neck and carefully untied the cloth, making mental notes on twins' behavior.

'The filly will need firm handling or she'll boss around her rider and the colt will be needy so he'll need to learn some independence.'

"Gorgeous? Fantastic more like! Ham is our top winner at the races as the best sprinter in the clan. Grey is terrific for keeping even the wildest horse in line when it's near her. These foals are so well bred, it's rare to find the characteristics so strongly stamped into them. Not every horse breeds true to their traits, physically or mentally."

Realizing he was lecturing on his favorite topic, Bold stopped talking and turned his attention back to Kako.

The sturdy old stallion had a fine build that spoke of good breeding. When a horse aged, you'd find swaybacks and badly sloped pasterns, but careful breeding eliminated these common aging problems when done correctly. Kako was a fine example of the principle and the young Drykas admired the horse's fine lines and conformation.

The broke any direct eye contact so as not to make the horse uncomfortable. He smiled at her question and answered,

"Knowing and identifying horse breeds is a hobby of mine. I saw one a while back and she was one of the prettiest mares I've ever seen. She was incredibly loyal to her rider, territorial, strong, great hauler, high strung and very reactive--like your Kako. He's behaving true to his breed, so I can't possibly fault his hostility of me."

Although he said nothing, he highly approved Lacai's dealings with Kako's attitude. Denying the horse social contact was the the most effective 'punishment' you could deal them without resorting to harming them.

"There's nothing to excuse, he's a good Leopardbred stallion. He's well muscled-how much hauling do you do with him? He's got well defined muscle considering his age. What do you work him with?" Bolden asked Lacai, and smiled easily. When the woman mentioned his strider, the Drykas beamed and his whole face lit up, proud as could be.

"NightWnd? I lended him to Pal because she's dealing with an alpha yearling and he's got a bad attitude. My strider can cow any mere horse with just his presence. I miss him though. But once she's done training with him, he'll find me--he always does."

[Bolden Denusk]

The bay colt tilted his little head to the side to look better at the flapping thing on his leg and hopped like a rabbit, springing all four feet off the ground. ShyBoy waved around his front leg, shaking it vigorously which made the cloth flap unexpectedly. The foal leaped into the air with his small hooves barely touching the ground beneath him. He zipped and sped across the grass, starting and stopping like a champion barrel racer. After ten solid minutes of these antics, he trotted up to Bolden and held out his tied foreleg in a blatant askance of assistance.

Bolden stroked the colt's ears and neck and carefully untied the cloth, making mental notes on twins' behavior.

'The filly will need firm handling or she'll boss around her rider and the colt will be needy so he'll need to learn some independence.'

"Gorgeous? Fantastic more like! Ham is our top winner at the races as the best sprinter in the clan. Grey is terrific for keeping even the wildest horse in line when it's near her. These foals are so well bred, it's rare to find the characteristics so strongly stamped into them. Not every horse breeds true to their traits, physically or mentally."

Realizing he was lecturing on his favorite topic, Bold stopped talking and turned his attention back to Kako.

The sturdy old stallion had a fine build that spoke of good breeding. When a horse aged, you'd find swaybacks and badly sloped pasterns, but careful breeding eliminated these common aging problems when done correctly. Kako was a fine example of the principle and the young Drykas admired the horse's fine lines and conformation.

He broke all direct eye contact so as not to make the horse uncomfortable. He smiled at her question and answered,

"Knowing and identifying horse breeds is a hobby of mine. I saw one a while back and she was one of the prettiest mares I've ever seen. She was incredibly loyal to her rider, territorial, strong, great hauler, high strung and very reactive--like your Kako. He's behaving true to his breed, so I can't possibly fault his hostility of me."

Although he said nothing, he highly approved Lacai's dealings with Kako's attitude. Denying the horse social contact was the the most effective 'punishment' you could deal them without resorting to harming them.

"There's nothing to excuse, he's a good Leopardbred stallion. He's well muscled-how much hauling do you do with him? He's got well defined muscle considering his age. What do you work him with?" Bolden asked Lacai, and smiled easily. When the woman mentioned his strider, the Drykas beamed and his whole face lit up, proud as could be.

"NightWnd? I lended him to Pal because she's dealing with an alpha yearling and he's got a bad attitude. My strider can cow any mere horse with just his presence. I miss him though. But once she's done training with him, he'll find me--he always does."