#earthrunes

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August makes a point of being near when Coradel returns.

And return she does, a backpack slung on one shoulder and the other arm holding a number of books. She looks...not dimmed, exactly...but ready to be done with the outside world for the day.

He's there, ready to take the bag and books if she'll let him. And, a kiss.

She gratefully lets him relieve her of at least some of the burden, and happily gives him that kiss as well. "You are a very pleasant person to come home to," she observes, smiling.

"And you are a very pleasant person to make a home with."

"Mm." He gets another kiss for that. "That works out nicely, then."

"I have someone to introduce you too, when you're ready."

"Should I change first?" It may have been a long day, but she's ready to hold court if needed.

"Not to just to meet them."

"Well...let's put these things down, and then you can introduce me." She finds a handy side table and decides that's as good a place as any to set down her burden.

August leaves the rest of her things with them, and leads her out towards the stables.

"The someone is here?" She's surprised, but not astounded.

There at the stables, she sees Samson, a few other horses, and.. a new comer

"Yes." and into the stables to the newcomer; blue and silver, a mare.

Samson gets a fond pet on the nose as they pass, and then.... "Oh! Oh, my...who is this?"

"Her name is Wish. Tylar and Velvet have returned, and brought her with them."

"Well, aren't you splendid," she says as she offers her hand to the horse.

"They, ah, gave her to me."

Splendid, and friendly, the blue and silver mare snniffs and nuzzzlee

"Oh, August!" She smiles at him. "What wonderful squires! What do you think of her?" At the nuzzle, she gives Wish's nose a stroke. "Lovely."

Wish seems not just gentle tempered, but intelliget, her eyes shifting to August as if awaitinngg his appraisal

"She reads." he tells Coradel "I think she's lovely, and smart, and probably too good for me."

"She reads?" A light laugh. "August, who better to be her rider, then? I think it's a fine match."

At August's comment about being too good for him the horse stretches forward and nuzzles his spitcurl as if to say 'silly rider'

"Well, if you ladies are in agreement....."

"It's a consensus, clearly." Coradel strokes Wish's neck. "I hope you and Samson get along, as well. That would make for some fine riding for all of us."

Samson is looking almost bashful

Coradel notes this, but doesn't laugh (to spare his feelings). "August, have you an Wish gone out for a ride, yet?"

"I'm sure Samson will be a gentleman.... and no, we haven't."

Wish prances just a bit in place at the word 'ride'

"....but apparently she's done settling in and is ready to explore a bit with me?"

A head nod

"I think you'll be pleased." Whether she's speaking to August or Wish is unclear.

"I'll get the tack, then."

"Shall we ride with you?'

"Will you join ...." August laughs softly "Yes, please. If that's alright with Wish?"

The groom de jour comes out with saddle, bridle for one horse, then the other

Samson looks hopeful, and Wish seems fine with it

Her eyes twinkle at August's laugh, and then she goes to ready Samson for the ride, as well.

August takes the gear and tacks Wish up himself.

As she puts on his bridle, she quietly says into Samson's ear, "I know you'll show her all courtesy."

A dignified nicker from Samson. he's a gentle fellow by nature, andn will war only whenn he must

A confident pet on his shoulder, and then she gets him saddled up. Soon enough, she's leading him out of the stall and mounting up.

Wish seems quite well trained, and tries not to be impatient

And August follows.

And then they are out into the courtyard near the stables, and then walking out along the meadow beyond.

The path is wide enough for the two of them.

August is not the rider Coradel is, but he learned how to ride at Alabaster Hollow and being married to Coradel has required keeping his skills honed.