Labyrinth: A Darker Season

Chapter 7

—------------Day 20

Sarah woke up in the morning to two cuddle bugs all knotted up under her chin. She was surprised that they weren't waking her up this morning. 'Poor babies. All that growing must tucker them out,' she thought.

Sarah scratched behind their little flat ears, and they yawned, so cute. She got up and went to the bathroom, fed and tended to them. She got dressed in her dark blue blouse and the same black skirt and corset. Sarah brushed her teeth and brushed out her braided hair.

When she went downstairs, everyone was staring at her again. Sarah spun around and said, “Oh my, I haven't grown another tail again, have I?” People chuckled.

Devon smiled at her and said, “Good morning, Ash.”

Sarah said, “Well, good morning, Devon. How has your morning been so far?” She sat at the counter.

He smiled big at her friendly manners and said, “Better now that you are here to brighten it up. Breakfast and tea?”

Sarah smiled greatly and said, “Yes, please. Do you have any honey?” He nodded at her and went to the kitchen. Devon came back with tea and honey with a spoon. He went back and got her a plate of eggs, steak, hot cakes and toast with butter and jam. Sarah was in heaven.

She remembered that she hadn't had a good pancake in so long. The last time was at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) in Stamford, Connecticut. Sarah missed her life before, but life moves on and things change. She misses toilet paper too, but for other reasons. Tree moss just isn't the same, it scratches your butt.

Sarah enjoyed her breakfast with all the amenities. She got another tea and relaxed after eating, enjoying talking to the people around her. They were all very friendly fae people. Sarah was surprised there weren't any humans here, but good thing with that butthead following her up here.

Sarah wanted to go visit for a while with Shadow and give him a good brushing out today. After breakfast, Sarah went up and got her cloak and curry brush. She took two bottles of milk for the kittens in a small drawstring bag on her belt, just in case.

Sarah went into the barn and up to Shadow. She said softly, “Hey there, my handsome stallion. How have you been? I came to give you a comb out.” He nickered and snorted.

She took out the brush and started brushing him, softly singing an old Jim Croce song “Time In A Bottle”. Shadow would nicker softly. The fae blacksmith watched her as she walked behind the horse with no fear of being kicked and started brushing out his tail. The fae man thought such a high spirited horse would be skittish and hurt the girl, but he didn't even flinch.

Sarah said, standing behind him, working her way around him quietly, “I 'wish' I had three apples.” She was holding three apples in her hand and put two in her inside pocket. She took out her knife and started cutting it up into quarters.

Sarah said, “I have a treat for you, sweet Shadow. I have apples for you.” Shadow nickered and looked over at her. She held out an apple piece in her hand and ate one for herself.

Sarah said chewing, “Good stuff, huh?” She gave him another piece and her piece of core.

Sarah said, “You know I can't forget you out here by yourself. You're my brilliant friend and the best horse ever.” She gave him another piece of apple. There was a barrel by his stall and Sarah sat on it and cut up another apple, feeding it to him until she ate a half and the rest to Shadow. She stood up and kissed his nose. Shadow hugged her, resting his head on her shoulder and groaned.

She reached up and scratched his ear and said, “I love you too.”

Sarah said, “I'll come visit you every day, Shadow. I'll bring something special each time, so you're not too bored.” She waved at him as she left. The horse watched her go back to the inn. The blacksmith smiled at the pretty dark haired fae girl. He thought it was peculiar that she talked to her horse like he was a person who understands her completely. He could tell the horse loved her in return, though.