Twenty-Third of Summer, 516 AV
The air was damp and the sky was gray. As Theo looked out from the awning of the stable he could see only clouds for miles. ”Stay home today, human, the sky will pour on you,” but Theo knew better in his own head. He knew that if rain was coming you could smell it, and his nostrils said either it had already past or was a ways out. Either way, Theo would be back before the doubters had finished their guessing and betting. He already pictured himself trotting in with a smile to the stables, the stablemen silent as he parked his pony.
It would be Theo’s first time exploring the Cyphrus wildlands, at least in his memories. ”The land is tame for miles.” One akalak told him. ”Any beasts within our range are kept docile, anything dangerous has been expelled to the fringes. Once you get past the grassland, however, the forests will not be so kind. And keep one eye in the sky always, there is more than just animals to worry of.”
The Antiquities Society had made true on their promise to loan Theo a mount. It was a tremendous insurance risk, but one they could afford no doubt. It only advanced Theo’s thoughts that their society was a solid avenue to influence in Riverfall. Friends in high places afforded much for a human among the blue men.
The stableboy, a thirty year old human, identified the horse as a Cyphrus strider and a trusty mount. ”If you need to get going, this is your horse. She’s broken in. A lot of horse for a novice rider, but you seem to have got your salt. Just don’t drive this one near any snakes. Old las is scared to death of them.”
Theo mounted and headed out. He could feel the horse’s strength underneath him as she pounded the earth beneath. It had been a while since he had ridden, but it didn’t take him long to get the horse under his control. Theo gave a little tug with the reins and they were trotting along towards the gate.
The rancher who held the gate open was an akalak, an old one, wrinkled yet grizzled. He was shirtless and had a broad abdomen riddled with scars. Shock was followed by contempt as he looked at Theo, There was some red to be seen underneath the blue man’s skin. He looks so familiar. Their eyes locked, and Theo lost focus as he led the mare right into the gate, almost losing his seat as the horse self guided through the fence. He felt anger in his heart and his muscles tensed. It’s best to get away before this becomes more. Theo yelled ”Yah!” And got off to a pacey gallop. But he could still feel the eyes on him, and when Theo looked back the akalak was still there, staring as Theo rode off.
I do parties and firestorms.