Rhiannon's Spring Run

Gwen stood at the edge of the field with more other fae than she could count. Some were dressed up as she was, others had been celebrating Spring Equinox but clearly hadn’t been attending the formal dance. She knew some of those around her looked down on the “poor fae” who didn’t have enough power to merit an invitation. She’d never say it, but part of her envied them instead.  

Representatives from all the Courts were there watching as it wasn’t just Spring’s horses running, but all of them. Stud fees were important and there were politics in play, so this would be monitored closely, though not interfered with.   

She’d watched the running last year but hadn’t had a horse yet. This year she found herself scanning the vast field for Rhiannon. She didn’t really care who her horse mated with, or if she did at all, but she was proud of Rhiannon and wanted to see her wild with the rest of the herds.  

“I see you chose.”  

Gwen turned to find Cassandra standing just a few feet from her, a glass of wine in her hand and a casual air that suggested this was hardly a new experience for her.  

“I did. You came to watch Lucifer run; I take it?”  

“I did. It’s a spectacular sight.” Cassandra pointed out Lucifer, finding him in the mass of horses as if it was nothing. “And your Rhiannon already has quite a few sniffing at her, it seems.”  

Gwen followed where Cassandra was pointing, spotting Rhiannon immediately. Almost as if drawn to her now that she knew where to look.  

“Track her well, Lady Gwendolyn, and mark the stallion that catches her well. I can assure you, others will too.” Cassandra sipped at her wine and strolled off to meet with a contingent of fae clearly from Winter.  

This time the statement had been more akin to a threat than a warning. Gwen knew horses were valuable in the fae and that Rhiannon running in the fae realm had significance, but it had been what Rhiannon wanted. She looked towards Ms. Sinclair and wondered what Cassandra knew that she didn’t. 

There were several horses that seemed to have closed ranks on Rhiannon, shunting other horses away from her fiercely. All of them were stallions and while Gwen wasn’t an expert, each looked to have a good chance at catching her.  

Three were Andalusians, two white and one stunning chestnut. They were the most aggressive of the set as far as biting or kicking at competitors. It took her a moment to realize they were running interference for two Arabians who were circling Rhiannon with a look that suggested it was going to be one hell of a chase. One was golden, his coat practically shining in the spring sun. The other was champaign, his step high and proud as he watched Rhiannon.  

For Rhiannon’s part, she seemed unimpressed with either, though Gwen could tell she favored the golden one standing just a bit off to the side. How she knew that she wasn’t completely certain, but something in her horse's body language tipped her off. Unfortunately, she didn’t know who any of the other horses belonged to. If she did, she might have a preference between the two herself.  

She could feel the rising swell of Spring, and so could the other fae around her. It was a tension just seeking relief as suddenly the field of horses surged into motion.  

Gwen could feel the pulsing of the horses’ hooves through the ground, hear it in the air. It was a thunderous sound that filled the air of Spring.  

The mass of color and life as the herds moved was indescribable. Grass and dirt were kicked into the air as hooves bit into the land and flowers were tossed under the force. Butterflies and other insects took to the sky to get out of the way of the mad dash of the fae horses. In all it was a breathtaking display of color, power, and life.  

Gwen found she had no trouble keeping track of Rhiannon in the press of horses, her eyes naturally being drawn to her horse. It shouldn’t have been possible, and yet it came so easily.  

The Andalusians had chased off after others, leaving the two Arabians to press their luck against her. There were three others to have joined the chase, but they were far enough back Gwen was certain they had no chance.  

The champaign colored horse got a little too close to Rhiannon, and Gwen almost let out a proud cheer when she nailed him in the ribs. Though from the sound of things, it wouldn’t have stood out if she did. There were cheers and sounds of excitement all through the crowd.  

Some horses partnered quickly, or the chase was over easily. Either the mares tiring, the stallions being too quick, or both parties being interested enough not to delay. She spared enough of a glance around to see fae documenting which horses partnered off, though how they kept all the horses straight was beyond her. Particularly as she’s already seen one stallion take several mares. Lucifer among them, if she didn’t miss her guess.  

Rhiannon came back into view just in time for Gwen to watch her bite the golden Arabian and kick at him, though she missed as he dodged away. The champaign stallion wasn’t far behind, but he had fallen off the pace more since he’d been kicked. Her money was on the golden stallion this year, not that she was betting.  

More horses were falling out of the run, partnering off as they caught each other. Some stallions joined back in the run; others broke off with their partners. There didn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason to it beyond increasing the size of the herd. Not all pairings would be fruitful, but a good number would be.  

Rhiannon again clipped the champaign colored Arabian as he got too close, but the slowdown in movement gave the golden one just enough time to catch her. There was a brief scuffle as Rhiannon tried to get away, but then she yielded, nuzzling against him and allowing him to do as nature dictated.  

Gwen smiled, turning away. While she’d no intention of attending the wilder parties going on around Spring this year, she could still feel the excitement from everyone else, and part of her wanted to join the revelry. Instead, she started making her way back to the Way point she knew would take her home.  

It’d be later afternoon, she wagered, which meant there’d be time to get some work done once she changed out of her dress and let down her hair. The iron would be a pain in the ass as usual, but she’d been slowing growing used to it.  

“Back to Evermire so soon?” Cassandra sauntered up next to her. “Not going to seek out who owed the stallion who caught your Rhiannon? Or at least the representative for them?”  

“I hadn’t planned to.”  

“You should. That was quite the catch. While not their favorite mount, Whittaker is still one of their preferred rides. Particularly for hunting.” She smirked. “Perhaps there’s some significance there after all.”  

Gwen regarded Cassandra for a long moment before smiling. “I’m glad to hear Rhiannon made such a good pairing. She’s a deserving mare. Afterall, I’m not blind to her value. Should a foal be gotten from the pairing, I know the stallion's owner will find me. They’ll want their stud fee I’d imagine.”  

“Oh, they’ll seek you out before.” Cassandra’s fangs flashed. “I’m certain. And they’ll be a foal almost without doubt. Whitacker hasn’t failed yet, and he’s taken off with Rhiannon this year. He’s not sought another mate as he usually does.” She gestured to the Winter contingent. “You’re welcome to join us for drinks and celebration if you’d like. Such a partnering won’t go unnoticed.”  

“I appreciate the offer, but I’ve work to see to back home.” Gwen inclined her head in a gesture of polite thanks. “Particularly as it’s Spring and it’s a good day to garden even in the mortal realms.”  

“Still holding to that neutrality, Lady Gwendolyn?” The amusement in Cassandra’s voice was impossible to miss.  

“I’m still neutral, Ms. Sinclair.”  

“It's true you are still unsworn, Lady.” Cassandra bowed, a faint mocking edge to her tone as she headed back to her group. “Enjoy your Equinox.”