#rivervale_lodge

Star is planted next to the railing, so that Dagmar could actually climb right on, if she wished. Though, her flank IS slippery.

"....Just a short one."

And she's on.

Stormwake nods approvingly as if to say you two look good

A toss of her mane, and she canters across the field - and... maybe is showboating a little bit for Stormwake's view. Her hooves picked up high and tail out like a flag.

Stormwake admires. Damn, good flanks on that one

"Good girl You wanna run?" A gentle touch of heel, encouraging.

It doesn't take more than that to encourage her, and she opens up into a gallop, hooves flashing over the packed soil.

Knees like she was taught, and hands holding fistfuls of mane. "Oh, man - next time, we'l; have to try that saddle and have you REALLY fly..."

She whinnies in response to the sound of Dagmar's voice, and takes her on another round around the grounds, before slowing down again to catch her wind.

Connor was watching them ride with wide eyes and an open mouth. "They're pretty." He remarks to Stormwind, leaning against the horse with a pat.

Stormwake nickers in the affirmative. This little two legger knosws quality

And, he sneaks a carrot up to StormWAKE, not that pretender.... apparently he came stocked with bribes for the Big Dogs.

Stormwake crunches .. GOOD twolegger

A good run is good for both of them! Dagmar is sensitive to Star's energy, letting her slow to a walk when she's ready to cool down.

A pause at the gate, slowing her pace, ears pricking questioningly. Though, at this point she does have a bit of a lather.

"More tomorrow." A promise.

She trots over the the mounting block, waiting for Dagmar to safely dismount.

Stormwake approaches the lathered Star but not too close.

She reaches out and gives him a little nibble along the neck. Just a bit. Perhaps, glad they didn't make off with this one.

Dag slides off, and checks Star over to be sure she's okay.

And then, she smells the carrot on him. Her ears go back, and she snorts, and stamps!

"Oh, Star - he's allowed! Hey, Connor, want to help brush down Star?"

Smug look. All gone.

Connor perks up, but then hangs back as she stamps. "I think she's too big for me." He comments, safely behind Stormwake's flank. Star herself gives Connor a wary glance. She seems to consider him somewhere in the same category as the Fae hounds - underfoot but relatively unthreatening.

"Well, I'm smaller than her, and you're smaller than me.. so you help me, and I help her?"

"She lets you ride and gets carrots... and I help grooming and we have carrot cake?" A hopeful tone to his voice as he brings the curry comb over.

"Sure!"

He beams and follows her lead in the grooming - which Star tolerates, if not revealing that she's relishing the attention, as long as Dagmar stays at hand.

Dag is actually fairly good at narrating what's going on to Connor.

And Connor is good at... carrying the conversation! He does a diligent job, though he misses spots, "I'm just grooming too fast for you to see!" as he goes back over the places.

And if horses could smirk, Star does, as BOTH the fae pay court to her.

Stormwake ...endures.

A low whisper to send Connor over to pat Stormwake.

He grins, winks hugely, and moves over to scratch the stallion. "Who's a good boy?! Me. But you're good too..."

Stormwake basks in a little attention. Little Scritcher is not a bad little changeling

Star is treated like a queen

and Stormwake gets a brief brush-up too!

It's a good time...

just horsing around

(End Scene on the winning pun)