Jewel and the Mares of Fantasy [A Fantasy Novel]

C H A P T E R |3|

| The A U T H O R Thinks an Oblivious Girl is Perfect Medicine for a Depressed Boy |

Whis stared at the field. At the two dozen or so moving horses on it. At the beauty of the sun dancing across the green grass, across the twinkling brook, across the swishing tails and dark coats. It was so... peaceful. The hearts and minds all beating together, not in unison, but so beautiful the music made her want to lay down and sleep. There was no shouting, or whips cracking, no smell of animals kept in cages. Just the tranquility of a forest life.

A familiar head rose and Calium nickered a greeting. Other heads rose, each one so unique from the next that they created a mirage of deep, rich colors. Blood red, brandy gold, thick brown, speckled grey, and harsh black.

Calium trotted up, tossing her head like an excited foal wanting attention. Whis smiled slightly at her, running fingers over the soft brown of her coat and into the coarse black of her mane. Calium made a sound of contentment, relaxing to three hooves and closing her big, brown eyes.

Other mares began to make an appearance, wanting to investigate what the newest member or their herd was so excited about. They chorused a hello of snorts, nickers, and pawing, all trying to get Whis' attention.

Whis smiled a little more, giving each horse a scratch on the forehead or between the ears. They didn't stand around for long though, even Calium took off when Ani exited the house and made for the barn. The air filled with the sound of pounding hooves, thundering into the ground and whipping through the air.

Whis followed a little slower as the mares disappeared into the barn way before Ani was anywhere close to being inside. He stopped short of following the mares in and glanced back at her. He didn't move, waiting until she was within a few steps of him.

"I'll teach you how to care for them, if you'd like." He said, his tone quiet, seeming slightly pained.

Whis tried to smile, but with something bugging him she felt a little unsteady around the man. "I'd like that."

Ani gave a short nod. "Good." He moved to enter the barn, calling over his shoulder, "It'll give you something to entertain yourself with."

|/A\|

Anakin had been lying. It was more entertaining for him, but he didn't say anything about it, deciding to be kind just this once as she looked flustered trying to move hay around to the bins while naughty mares came to snatch it away and ended up covering her in hay-sprinkles. Amusement rolled through him, making him smirk. Whis pouted as another horse nudged forward and stole a mouthful from her bundle.

Anakin sighed. He'd have to show her how to deal with the horses first it seemed, before allowing her to feed them.

He moved forward steadily, whispering words of correction and sending each horse to their appointed spots for their meal. He stopped beside Whis who was watching with wide-eyes. She looked fearful again, like she had earlier in the house whenever she did something that could have been considered wrong, or something of her own thought. Anakin smiled encouragingly down at her.

"May I give you a hint?" He asked, carefully reaching out and pulling hay from her hair.

Whis seemed startled, the look replacing one of fear. Was it so strange to be asked a question? Or to be taken care of? She nodded slowly, hesitantly. "Yes."

"I am not a Whisper, but I can control them with soothing words and reproaching commands. You are a Whisper and it calls to them. You must learn to push them back. To be the captain of your crew."