#elsewhere

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Gwen stares at the horses, the big ones, the troll hefters.

she loves her dogs, but ... it would seem she could be on a horse and NOT hurt it. And maybe not totally look a fool

She walks to one of them, one that's not 'claimed' by either of the thanes as a favorite. And strokes the nose of one "The baron let me off the hook with you guys. I wonder nnow if I let him down?"

A large and sturdy grey horse watches her and leans out to sniff. The beast has an almost starry looking coat pattern- rather similar to the look of Dame Dagmar’s steed in fact.

"I wonder if you have a cousin at Rivervale"

"Which one are you?" She ponnders "Oh shit. I should know this. I really have been neglecting some duties" A frownn "I Love the dogs but that's NO reason for... oh my"

Apparently a newish addition, within the past few months. There’s some paper work pinned to the stall, a name from its original stable.

She reads it

“Gil-Mithrin” is sketched in, though the original name appears to have been “Grey Thunder” of some stable out in the Western half of the states.

The Mare is bigger than some of the other stallions and geldings, in fact.

"Gil-mithrin.. pretty, but then Grey Thunder is boss. Grey Thunder, I'm gonna try riding on you... I need to stop letting my fear of embarrassment or letting my lord down stop me. "

She snorts at Gwen, and paws at the ground with a BIG hoof.

Then again, Gwen is not petite either…

"Yeah, we'll see if it works," A nod "you and I." She gets the saddle and Briddle

Linnea has made sure that Gwen knows the proper way around a saddle and tack. It feels like the Grey is also judging her, twisting her long neck to watch the troll as she gathers and outfits the horse.

She knows what she's doing, she's helped guests get on horses, and is a decentt groomswoman, so ..why is she feeling judged?

"Gilmihrin, Grey Thunder... mmm " And once the horse is ready, she mounts

She dances a few steps, then gives her head a SHAKE. Eager to stretch her legs

"Huh, you're feeling couped up..." And a gentle motiton to move on

Despite fears, the horse easily seems to manage her weight. Now one of those spindly Arabians or race horses , those look like they would snap. But Grey Thunder is sturdy, and strong. Though still moves well, not a plodder or bored draft nag here.

"Okay, you're being good to me, so I feel it's only fair I give you a bit what you want... so.. let's pick up the speed a touch" Not a full gallop, but giving the horse a bit more speed

Part of her keeps imaging her legs clapping too close too fast and hurting the horse, or snapping a spine, but that's feeling more and more foolish as Grey Thunder seems to be as tough as she is, "Damn, you're muscle under there"

At the first squeeze, Grey Thunder doesn’t respond. It actually takes more of a solid thump to get her attention! eager enough though, the mare snaps around a corner. There is a trail path Gwen can take, or remain on the more beaten road.

"Mmm oh hell with it, the road not taken" And down trail path

It’s a riding trail, not a hiking or deer path, though a little washed out from recent storms. Small branches and brush pose no problem for the tall legged mare.

"How it's going, Grey Thunder? Having fun?"

She's actually kind of enjoying this a bit herself

Suddenly without warning, the mare skids to a halt! She bucks into the air a bit, front hooves up! A high pitched whinny!

And Gwen is glad for the fact Stormwake dropped her because it was good practice for holding on "Easy girl"

And she looks for the snake, or whatever

Clever Gwen… there, somewhat obscured under a fallen branch, what looks like a coil of thick rope. In the quiet after her whinny, a rattle is heard.

Grey Thunder prances back a few steps, and seems emboldened by the rider who remains steady on her back.

"We got it girl, we got it. Rattler's a fair snake if there is such a thing. Always warns... strong medicine, fair medicine. But you're got good medicine too don't you? Yes, horse named for Thunder... "

"Horse sense, we'll turn arounnd okay?"

A snort, and she digs at the ground. Gwen can feel the way her skin twitches with excitement, and the prick of the horses ears Forward. She’s not frightened, but challenging! Give her the word and the threatening serpent would be cloven under the slash and crash of hooves!

"Whoa.. you're serious?" Startled. Sometimes she forgets that some of these horses are ..fighters. They keep telling her but.. she says "I trust you, Grey Thunder but I don't trust my skill as a rider for your placement. " She watches is the snake looking like itt's going to strike?

The snake has Wise Medicine today and in the moment of deliberation, it smartly slithered away, off thethe trail and in search of prey it can actually handle.

Grey Thunder tosses her head. Vanquished? VANQUISHED!

"You were merciful Thunder. If it comes near foal, pup, or childling, we'll crush it," A pat "But... thank you. It's an honor to ride one so brave"

There’s a bit of a cocky lift to her gait as they continue!

A smirk "I .. I don' think I'm worried about hurting you"

They pass on by some areas that Gwen is only passingly familiar with. The trails she takes with the dogs are not always the same… she had missed out on this bubbling creek that looks like it might be good for fishing or just to listen to the play of the water, and… around the next bend, they come upon a small herd of deer.

It takes a few moments only before they bound off in flight, but with the baying dogs? She’d never get close enough to catch even a glimpse!

"Ha!" then a look for a wider clearer level area, "Okay... let's cut loose. You know you want to!"

And she moves the horse into a gallop

Her massive head gives a shake, and the troll and steed thunder down through the clearing! They are not fleet and bounding like the fallow deer, but possessing of stamina and might. Were there an enemy before them, Grey Thunder would crash down on them like smiting from the very heavens.

"Go Gil-mithrin!" She says acttually enjoyinn this, there's beauty in power, beauty in the strength ... she had thought it was in daintiness, in grace... but that's not all there is to beauty, is it? She had not thought of it that way before.

Also fun!