#baronyofthesilverwolf

Colton says with a whisper back "they havee their own ways. But Dancia is beating herself up."

She nods at this. “Would you like to take riding lessons, Apprentice? There is a trod that opens once a week between our holds. If your master allows, I may offer our Hostler’s services. In busier times, we offer trail rides, but the pandemic shut that down. You could learn here, and lend a hand in exercising the mounts.”

A few hoofbeats later. "I'd be, uh, honored, Thane. I do have lessons at EarthRunes but... if my mentors and Sir Sergei don't have an objection, yes."

"Well...she made a good point about Adam volunteering information," she murmurs back to Colton, then listens as Adam gets an invite for lessons. "Huh."

Danica straightens a bit. This may be her penance, to be saddled with teaching the Fiona-blooded child instead of a proper stone-hearted fledge.

And looking back to the others. “Emissary, and Storm, you are also welcome. Please feel that our stables are open to you. You’ve demonstrated capable ridership, but if you have interest in jousting or advanced riding skills, it can also be arranged.”

Colton ponders "This is most generous. I might ask if I could send those better suited to jousting than I to get training, with your approval per individiul, of course"

“Does Dark Gate keep a stable?”

"Thank you, Thane Danica." Sylvi gives a respectful nod.

"It does not" He says "Not yet"

A small smile. “We have the space to house more mounts if we had the thanes and patrols to ride them. We share a border, after all, so we share an interest there.”

“Emissary, it is a farther travel for you, but you are also welcome. That horse has taken a liking to you.” Bandersnatch nibbles at whatever part of Sylvi he can reach.

Gwen says "Bandersnatch likes everyone mind you"

Sylvi grins, tugs the reins a little bit to get the horse's head straight again, and gives her a pat. "Well, she's a sweetheart."

They are coming back around the bend towards the stables again. Danica points down a side trail. “There is a view down that way that comes up on a small rise and overlooks the city. It’s no metropolis, but the lights are pretty enough at night.” Offering to Colton and Sylvi.

“If you wish to continue your ride.”

Colton says "Ah, you are kind. We might,for a bit?" A look to Sylvi

Sylvi looks to Colton. "Sounds good."

"Sounds great, Thank you, Thane" A smile

“Apprentice, your horse has lathered and will chill in this air. She must be taken back to the stables now and seen to. You are free to return to the party.” She says to Adam. Watching him for a moment, seeing if he has adjusted his seat at all in observance of Gwen riding.

He has tried, at least.

"Yes, Thane. If I can get the reins I'll walk her down, untack, and groom her if I can have access to the stuff."

A small nod, and an approving look. “I’ll show you.”

Sylvi rides with Colton to the suggested view.

If he can get the reins back, he'll guide his mare to the mounting block and dismount to start untacking.

It IS a pretty view.

Danica takes her horse and Gwen’s, and watches to ensure that Adam knows how to properly cool and groom a horse. Her instruction is strict. He may feel that if he accept the offer of training, if his NUMEROUS masters all agree, it will be more work than play.

To Gwen, she says, “I don’t know how much of the party is left, but you’re welcome to it.” Not a test as it was to Adam, a sincere offer for her to relax.

Colton watches the view and says to Sylvi "It is nice, isn't it? "

Gwen looks to the Thane "Thanks. I.. not sure. I think I just want to pet the dogs for a bit. Horses aren't my thing as much"

Actually, this part he -does- do better than others. He walks the horse cool, allowing water at intervals, and then (when given the gear), he cross-ties her and brushes her down, talking to her quietly as he does.

“Go, spoil them. Alexei and Nochka are heading north soon, and their training in earnest will begin.” She takes the horse and smiles, sending Gwen on her way.,

Gwen nods "Glad you're okay, Adam" And she heads off to do just that

"Thank you, Gwen." He responds.

"It is," Sylvi agrees. She glances back towards the hold where the others have returned. "Weird."

Adam works with his horse, and when finished he asks Danica to take a look and offers to help with any others that need it.

She accepts the help and works mostly in silence, other than pointing out where supplies are stored, or where the tack belongs.

"Weird" Colton nods then says 'Which part? Or all of it?"

"Weird that Adam has managed, apparently accidentally, to make connections in at least four holds and possibly more."

Finally when all is stowed away, and fresh stables set for the horses yet to return, she turns to Adam. “Your Master may not be returning to EarthRunes tonight. There are guest rooms I can show you to. I can also consult with Sir Sergei regarding the offer before you leave.”

"I don't see the appeal" Colton says "I don't dislike him as much as some.. but.. what does he do besides look pretty and slay one Linnorm?"

"I mean, a linnorm is no joke, but yeah...that's why it's weird."

He nods

"I should stay wherever he is." Adam says "Do you know where that is? I'll ask him."

A cough. “He seemed involved. I would not recommend that you interrupt.”

Adam looks puzzled.

"Where should I wait, then?"

“I’ll show you to a guest room. Our Steward will be sure that he knows where you are.”

Adam fidgets, restless, but says "Yes, Thane. Thank you."

He responds better to orders than to suggestion, Danica notes mentally. Leaving a light on to guide the others back to the stables once ready, tack and towels and oats all at the ready, she escorts Adam back to the hold.

The party seems to have wound down, with perhaps small conversation going on in the corners, and cleanup already well underway while no one was looking.

Adam follows.