Cass and Gwen Talk Horses

Gwen stood next to Rhiannon weaving pale green flowers through her mane and tail. Rhiannon seemed fascinated by the activity, occasionally eating one of the flowers or nipping at a chain of water. Every now and again she’d eye another horse around her. Spring was in the air, and she’d be running this year in the fae. Or perhaps in this realm if she found a stallion or two she wanted to chase her. That decision would be Rhiannon’s.   

She went to secure another flower in Rhiannon’s mane and suddenly the horse moved. Rhiannon pushed Gwen back and slipped between her and, from the sound of the snort, another horse.  

“Rhiannon, what on earth...” Gwen muttered in Sylvan, trying to move around the horse and see just which animal had caused that reaction. “Move, would you...” Gwen managed to get to the other side of Rhiannon, though Rhiannon’s still managed to stay in a defensive position.  

The horse standing in front of her was large and black, a stallion with a crimped mane and tail that were nearly as black as his coat and thick feathering around his hooves. She offered a low bow, recognizing the horse as Ms. Sinclair’s quickly. There weren’t many other fae bred horses around, and Lucifer was impossible to mistake anyway.  

Gwen offered a polite bow to Lucifer. Rhiannon, after studying Lucifer for a moment gave what passed for a polite nod of her head.  

“I see Lucifer found someone worth his attention.” Cassandra strolled up to them, resting her hand on Lucifer’s neck as she gave Rhiannon a polite bow.  

“Good morning, Ms. Sinclair. It’s a pleasure to see you again. And you as well, Lucifer.” Gwen smiled. “I take it you decided to compete?”  

“I did. As I’m living here for the moment it only seems appropriate I participate in aspects of life here.”  

Gwen managed not to laugh. “It does seem appropriate, yes. And I’m sure Lucifer will relish the chance to show the others just what he’s capable of.”  

Lucifer shot a contemptuous look at the rest of the field, stomping hard against the ground. Rhiannon snorted, though it was hard to say if it was in agreement or not.  

“Do you mean to run her in the Fae this Spring? There were quite a few individuals with their eyes on her, and her foal would fetch a good price. Particularly if a good stallion is the sire.”  

“I suppose. Though the choice on where she runs is ultimately up to her.”  

“You suppose.” Cass gave a bark of laughter. “You’re many things, Ms. Seren, but in this case, blind isn’t one of them. Rhiannon wouldn’t have chosen you for a rider if you couldn’t see her value. You’ve a horse now, so one way or the other you’re involved in that. Even if you run her in the mortal realm, you’re involved.”  

Gwen heard the notes of threat under the statement, or more the warning. She couldn’t deny it, but however short time was running, that didn’t mean she wanted to deal with it just yet. Not today, at least.  

“Is Lucifer running?”  

“He is.” Cassandra practically purred as Lucifer danced next to her. “He’s his eye on a few mares he’s hoping to catch, and he doesn’t tend to fail. More than likely he'll yield some excellent stud fees for me.”   

Gwen switched to Sylvan, nodding in acknowledgement of Cass’s statement but addressing Lucifer. “I wish you a successful Equinox.”  

Rhiannon gave another snort at that, this time clearly disagreeing. Lucifer responded by nipping at her. The resulting kick from Rhiannon nearly catching Gwen’s side.  

Both Cass and Gwen took a moment to calm their horses, talking quietly in Sylvan.  

As soon as both animals had calmed, Gwen and Cassandra turned back to each other. 

“You should run her in the fae.” Cassandra patted Lucifer’s neck, studying Gwen before the pair turned to walk away, though she glanced over her shoulder to offer one last parting shot, her voice low enough others were unlikely to hear. “And you know it, Lady Gwendolyn.”