Red

Twenty-Two.

Court had come back by morning. When I woke up, he had breakfast all cooked. Well, it turns out he bought something from the village and brought it back.

"Smells delicious in here." I commented as Court looked up and smiled.

"One of the main cow providers made a bunch of buttermilk so I purchased some buttermilk pancakes, they have blueberries in them as well. I also got some fresh maple syrup." Court stood up and came over holding a basket.

I smiled at him. Court opened the basket up and started removing the food. He put two pancakes on a plate for me with a slice of butter and poured some syrup before handing it to me.

"Thank you, Court." I told him and Court smiled.

"Of course, I love when the buttermilk pancakes start getting made, they're one of my favorites to eat." Court told me with a smile on his face. I nodded as I began cutting up the pancakes to eat. Court got himself a serving of the pancakes as he sat on the bed next to me. "Did you get a good sleep?" Court asked and I nodded.

"I slept good." I told him and he nodded. "How was your dinner with your mom?" I asked.

Court smiled. "It was good, I actually brought something back for you. My mom made some chocolate tart, so I brought some back for you to try." Court told me opening the basket and showing me the tart.

I smiled. "Thanks." I murmured and Court smiled.

"Of course, I thought you would appreciate some dessert that wasn't based in wild berries. My mom makes some good tart as well." Court told me and I gave him a smile.

I continued eating my pancakes. Once I was done, I gave the plate over to Court before standing up to get dressed. I picked out a white and red dress that laced up at the front and went into the bathroom to put it on.

Once I was dressed, I came back out where Court had put away all the food and now sat on the bed. Court looked up and smiled at me.

"Ruby, how would you like to go riding today?" Court asked.

"Riding on Celeste?" I asked and he nodded.

"Yes, we can ride around the forest for a bit. I'm sure you would appreciate getting out of the cabin." Court noted and I nodded. "Well, all you have to do is get ready and we can go." Court told me and I got my boots and cloak on before following him outside.

Court got Celeste and brushed him off before tacking him up. He came over to me and placed me on Celeste before getting up. Court steered Celeste towards a trail before pushing him into a trot as we started our journey.

☾

Court trotted Celeste around the forest while I remained behind him with my arms wrapped around his waist. I had my head rested on his back as he sped Celeste up to a canter.

Court kept Celeste at that pace as we rode around. Court stayed on a paved trail to make sure Celeste would be comfortable. I kept my arms around him as Court steered Celeste to the right as the trail bent.

"Are you having fun?" Court asked and I nodded.

"It's nice out here." I noted and Court smiled at that. He looked around the forest and nodded.

"It's beautiful out here. I'm sure one day I can take you out for we can explore a bit more." Court told me and I smiled at the thought. There wasn't a lot to do at the cabin so I would appreciate coming out here and exploring a little.

Court urged Celeste on as I settled into him keeping my hands on his jacket. He continued through the woods. I looked at the trees with a smile on my face as Court slowed Celeste down. Celeste stomped at the ground.