#rivervale_lodge

*************************

And at the Stables, Clem demonstrates, "now, get a feel, be gentle Kourtney, she is rightly touchy, though the improved feed seems to have helped her pain"

Kourtney DeBuke nods, and strokes the mare as she learns 'on the job'

HOVER.

"That is odd.. I can see why they thought it was twins maybe" Kourtney says "Maybe it's an eight legged horse like the stories??"

Clem fights a smile "Let's not go assuming," She says "What do youknow"

Star is getting fidgety with the folk crowding into her space, even well meaning. It is good that Dagmar is there and knows the mare - stroking her chin at the right time when Star gets that obstinate look that says she might be considering mischief in the form of an accidental step on someone's foot, or the like.

Kourntey says "Easy girl, I'm a friend"

"She's not same dumb animal. She's smart."

Clem says "No one saying she is, Dagmar, in truth. I'm just trying to educate Kourtney here so she will be able to help other horses. " A trip of a straw hat "Apologiees to you, Miss Star if insult given"

Kourtney nods "No insult meant, Star. You're beautiful. I Just want ot make sure I learn and we help your foal right"

Dagmar's brow furrows, and she calms herself by patting the horse's neck. "There.."

A breathy sigh and Star leans against Dagmar heavily. She's annoyed with this, and ready to be done with it all.

The tip of a hat from the Chieftain - headmare of another herd, placates her a bit.

"There's more than what I'd expect from a foal.. he's big, but maybe... I don't know, the extra legs idea don't seem impossible. Lot of bulk at odd angles. " A worried look "We will have to help this one"

"Yes, yes we will" Clem says "But she'll be fine. Pain's down" A look to Dagmar

Connor fidgets with concern. "She's not... wrong, is she? Or He?" He gives one of his ears a fretful tug.

He has drifted in and out, staying nearby his Knight when not off running errands to help make up for her being otherwise occupied.

"Maybe. It's different."

"Too many legs would be a colt-a-pillar." He tries a joke.

Kourtney smiles

"Maybe! Maybe Symon'd like a horse, he's a bit like Loki..."

"As it stands," Clem says "She's fine... but.." A pause "You haven't been giving her too many apples?"

Connor fidgets, a guilty look. "Less than Snow got?"

"We've cut back."

"One apple a day" Clem says

"Tops" Kourtney says

Scowl.

"I take GOOD CARE of her!"

Connor tugs at Dagmar's arm and whispers, "I'm sorry, she just looked HUNGRY."

"And there's so much more of her to feed right now!" He gives Clementine a bow. "Please don't scold my Knight. It was probably someone else what done it, though I can't imagine who."

Clem nods "Dagmar, no one is saying you don't. We're saying right now, Star should get..." And she pulls Kourtney out of stepping on range from the horse "Just one Apple a day for a few days. I know you love this horse. And you treat her right. But too many apples will undo some of the good the change in feed has done"

Then Clem nods to the squire "Weren't scolding. Just telling as a horse doctor how it needs to be for a bit"

"I've been doing everything you said!"

CLem moves to Dagmar, and leans softly to speak quietly "I know you're worried for her, and that makes you angry, but you do know Kourtney and I are here to help yes? We are trying to help you help Star? NO one has said don't take good care of her. No one is accusing you of anything. We're just talking about her diet. We're not the enemy." Her voice is a gentle whisper, but she has the look of a nurse or doctor who will not take abuse nor risk upsetting the patient

A stubborn jaw jut.

Another whisper "If you get angry, Star, though she is smart, is liiable to get upset as well, in her condition, because she loves you. You don't want her upset right now. So please?"

"I wouldn't ever want her hurt!"

Star nickers, leaning over to nuzzle at Dagmar. Now, she tries to sooth her human who is upset. Another glance side-eyed at Clem, the mare that upset her.

"Sorry..." She croons at Star and pets her nose.

Clem says "I understand completely" Then at Star's fussing "And apologies to you again, Miss Star. I know good riders are hard to come by"

"Soon I think" Clem says "Need to check on some last minute things with the Chief." Then to Dagmar "I take it you insist on being there when we do this?"

"Yes."

Dagmar is not always the most talkative at the best of times. But no, she's not leaving her horse.

Clem nods "When we help foal her, you'll be there."

"Well, of COURSE she'll be there. " Kourtney says "Star wouldn't have it any other way"

Clem looks at Star "That about right?"

A whinny. She had expected no less.

Clem nods "Fair enough. But I reserve the right to order any crowd what forms to make space" She says turning to Dagmar again "You get to be close, maybe the Chief.. but I don't want ten or more people packing tight around us while we work. Just make everyone tense, including that big fellow there giving me the 'you be careful ' looks" a smirk at Stormwake

Stormwake snorts . Glad he got his message through. He does not like Hayheart upset