Red's Demise

Old Faces in Old Places

Red

The break of dawn seemed to come too fast. I found myself begrudgingly leaving the peaceful flat field, even when Fenris spent most of the time ranting about me losing my mind.

There was something so serene about laying in the grass and watching the stars slowly shift across the night sky. Ivar also seemed to enjoy the time, spending most of it grazing and the other half harassing my obsessing male companion. I nearly died of laughter when Ivar threatened to collapse on top of Fenris, who definitely had to use his shifter magic to avoid the oversized stallion.

It was a peaceful time.

Which wasn't something I got much of anymore.

Some part of me was slightly relieved when the sun rose on another fall day and all my companions stayed by my side. Including the new slithering snake that had declared my left arm his perch.

It was strange indeed, how he came to be, but there was a comfort that Syn brought to me. I couldn't deny that there was a definite connection to the shadowed man, but I didn't feel that Syncen was malicious. I couldn't help but think he was here to protect me. After all, I had started to feel the burning in my palm when my emotions were heightened, and he emerged from that burning. A silly, naive part of me was comforted by his protection. I mean, how much damage can a simple serpent truly do?

An hour after the sun had fully risen, we all reluctantly headed back to Dunkev. However, I had to redirect Ivar towards the castle before we trekked back to the Shadowed Manor.

After the run-in with the shadowed man, followed by a week of healing and training, I had started to neglect my responsibilities.

Ivar hadn't forgotten though. No, he had made sure to eat plenty and leave naught.

So, alas, I had to run a different type of errand today and restock my horse's necessities. However, a part of me was excited to visit the Royal Stable. Usually, I sent a tenderfoot to purchase and restock Ivar's feed. However, since my latest Errands have forced me back into the castle, I no longer held trepidation about the grounds.

Fenris had shifted back into MK but nonetheless voiced his disapproval of the redirection. The bastard feline continued to stalk beside Ivar, refusing to leave our side.

I wasn't surprised to see the life bustling around the grounds as we approached from the south. The castle rose high in the background and was buzzing with the same life. Out here though, by the gardens and the stables was more peaceful.

Those who worked on the grounds and livestock out here were more content with their lives, not as caught up in royal politics or holding on to the same stress of the noble maids.

Horses nickered as we passed by large paddocks, their attempts to communicate fell on deaf ears though as Ivar ignored them. He continued to strut down the gravel-coated road and kept his ears back, intently listening for my signals. I was even more surprised as yearlings stupidly rushed to the fancy high-posted fences and pinned their ears at Ivar, trying to intimidate and rile him.

It didn't work.

Ivar couldn't have cared less about the foolish young horses. He never did. It was as if all that mattered to him was me. It was a powerful feeling.

Thankfully, everybody had been so busy doing their morning chores that nobody made a fuss about our arrival. Instead, I directed Ivar with my heels to the front of the towering barn and was greeted with familiar sights, sounds, and smells.

Slowly, I slide off of Ivar's back and walked through the massive, open sliding doors. MK stood by my right hip, Ivar on my left, as I took in the familiar space.