#rivervale_lodge

And so it was that yet again, the little colt got absolutely filthy with mud

But that's okay. It gives Connor something to do to keep busy - cleaning off the colt!

And Connor finds Spark affectionate. The litte horse doesn't like making friendwith 'just warriors' or even act as haught as mom. He's happy to have a bud!

Siv sighs "That little Colt has no shame" Observing from a rail

"Hm. Must check his hooves." Brekke approaches the paddock. "If he gets a stone in there, caught in the mud as it dries, they could malform."

"I'm told his hooves were all creepy and weird when he was born" Siv says

A brief, amused sound. "Much like short tentacles, yes. Protects the mother."

"Ah, makes sense. Can't have him tap dancing somewhere delicate"

She glances at Siv, and more quietly while Connor is working with cleaning the colt. "You do not wish to escort Adam to EarthRunes?"

Connor ducks his head, chastened. "I'm gonna clean the mud off, he was just having fun. Sorry. Dagmar taught me good about how to clean the horses."

"I am sure she has," Brekke says to Connor. "Hooves are sensitive. Let me know if you need help."

And he does clean, giving them time to talk uninterrupted.

Siv lowers her voice, "Apologies mother. Adam has done a lot for the lodge. But I'm afraid some aspects of this new plan have not brought out the best in me"

Furrowed brow. "Tell me?"

"A touch of juveinlile resentment" Siv admits "i'm not proud of it, and I won't let it affect my duty, but me first thoughts were that Adam has put into his hands with a wish what I fought so hard for. That he gets for free what I had to ask for.. Fiona mentors and the like. " A sigh "That even my own moment is overshadowed or will be by Adam Thomas's latest 'gimmie'" A shake of her head "Such thoughts are not worthy ... positively childlish. But they linger."

"Mm." Brekke considers this. "I can understand this. I do not know if what I will say will help, but I want you to consider two things. First, nothing is promised him yet as far as training. He must be trained, but if we cannot find a mentor who will take him, this becomes increasingly difficult. Neither Sir Bachdion nor Sir Magnus seem very enthusiastic, whereas I believe Baroness Coradel took you on rather eagerly? So there is that."

"Well, eagerly isn't quite the word I would use" Siv says

"Second," she pauses before continuing, "even if it has benefited him, very little that Adam has achieved has been a matter of his choice. He has had decisions made for him. He seems to be Da'an's pawn in a very strange story which I do not yet understand. You, however...you have chosen the path you are on, and you have made your achievements happen. You have a great deal to be proud of in this regard. Whatever Adam becomes, the truth will always be that you did the harder work to achieve it. I see this. I see you."

A blush light then "Aye, I suppose that's a two pronged thing. I take pride in your pride, mother . And.. I do feel sorry for Adam if I think on how he is often buffeted by da'an" A tilt of her head "You're right though. Whatever trophies I do or do not recieve, whatever celebrations center on me or no- None but me can take away my deeds.. what I have ACTUALLY done. " a slight smile "How'd you get to be so wise?"

"Simple...you took all my foolishness with you when you were born." Deadpan delivery...then a hint of a grin.

A shocked look, then a laugh

"Hm." A nod. "Now, you must find Adam and ready him to go. Sir Bachdion will be waiting."

"Go?" Connor's head jerks up, and the colt gives a squeaky whinny as the washing stops.

"Siv is going?"

His eyes are soooo big.

"Aye" A nod "I..." she looks over at Connor "i'm escorting someone"

"And then I'm back. So Mackerel won't be pissy at folks so much"

His tail starts up, and splatters himself and the coat with more muddy water. "Oh, snacks!" He fusses, but he seems much relieved. "You got us all messy again, Sparky."

"She will return, Connor."

"I knew she would." He fibs expertly.

A sigh and a slight eyeroll.

"Turn off the water, Connor. Let me look at his hooves." Brekke enters the paddock. "Siv, let me know if there are any difficulties, yes?"

"I will, mother" Siv says with a nod

He does, and steps back, hands links behind his back, and watches as she inspects his work. A glance after Siv and his tail wags again, this time thankfully out of the splash zone.

"You will need to hold him still, Connor. Reassure him." She makes quick work of fashioning a simple rope halter and slipping it over the colt's head almost before he knows what's happening. "Hold him there," she guides the pooka's hand to the halter.

Siv grins "Work's not over yet, squire"

Connor reaches over and holds the bridle, unsure how the foal will react to his first taste of order and restraint.

A soft stroking on his neck, and the Shh -shh-shhh sound he's seen Dagmar use on Star.

Spark looks confused. What's.. hu the thing? But.. shh shh.. well that's nice but still

Tiny wings flare

Stormwake watches. He trusts his rider. But he is still a dad.

"All is well," Brekke says in a low, rumbly tone, and she also makes some calming noises as she reaches down to inspect a hoof, tapping at the leg lightly to get him to shift his weight off of it and catch the hoof in her hand.

Star watches alongside Stormwake. The Headmare isn't doing anything that she doesn't also do to HER, but she still is nervous.

Stormwake makes a noise, and then lifts his hoof, the same one Brekke is taking on Spark

An example

"I used a little brush to get the mud out. I seen Dagmar use a pick for rocks, but I didn't touch that because his feet have the squishy bits inside and no shoes on. And no rocks."

And Spark... follows.. and stops fussing.. wings don't flutter as much

Star reaches over and lightly grooms at Stormwake's shoulder. Clever stallion. Sometimes.

"Yes, the pick can be dangerous, I would wish you to have some more experience and guidance before you use the pick." She checks all the colt's hooves and then nods. "Good job, Connor." She shows him how to remove the halter.

His ears flick down, then back up, and he removes the rope, giving the colt a little pat on the rump. "Go play."