#rivervale_lodge

A happy whinny and Spark breaks into a shameless cavort.

Stormwake sighs. His son has no shame

Siv giggles "Oh goodness sakes, Stormwake, take the stick out"

Connor checks over Stormwake dubiously, then reports back, "He doesn't have any sticks. Or leafs, or burrs. I checked his tail already and he hasn't been out since."

"You have been grooming all of them?"

She sounds slightly surprised.

And then she catches what Siv said and belatedly makes the connection. "Ah."

Siv says "Understood, Squire. Thank you. I was worried."

He hesitates, unsure if she's sounding approval, or dismay. "Only a little?"

"Dagmar has Knight things to do. I have to help her out during the Day."

Stormwake shoots the Chieftain a look regarding Siv as if to say 'I see you have your own problems with Colts with attitude'

A brow back at Stormwake, then to Connor she says, "Then you have been doing very well. Dagmar has given you good guidance, and you have followed it. Thank you."

Stormwake makes a pawing... and a look at his own saddle, and the Chieftain

"Mom, I think Stormwake wants to go for a ride. He doesn't get out as much as Star" Siv says "Why don't you take him for a spin?"

Star also looks at the saddles, and nickers. Eager for the trail... but then she turns, and starts grooming her foal. Mayhaps motherhood has installed a bit of responsibility.

Connor ducked his head at the chieftain's praise, and doubled down to tidy away the cleaning supplies.

"Hmph. He is not exactly subtle. But yes...perhaps Star will be glad to have him out of the paddock for a bit, as well." A brow at the new mother as she gets Stormwake's tack and begins to saddle him.

a whish of her tail. (Hmmmph. Take that braggart away, you'd think HE did the work here.)

Stormwake is pleased and raring to go.

And soon he and the Chieftain are away.

Siv watches her mother and Stormwake go off, she looks at Star and Connor "mom acts like she's riding because it's good for Stormwake and to stay in practice, but you just know when she's in the clear she's going to enjoy the wind in her hair as much as anyone"

"I thought so. I'm leaning to speak Troll." He nods solemnly.

Spark bounces who wouldn't want the wind in their mane?

"You'll probably speak it better than I do" Siv sighs and pats the squire on the shoulder "now, Clearly I'm not spending enough time with you so let me help you with a few things to make it up to you"

"You do plenty, I'm fine..." He scuffs a foot. "S'long as you're here to do it. You belong with us." A shy smile.

"Awww" That gets a hug

"Do you think she thought I did good? A good job?" Hugging her back, though he looks out after the way the chieftain left. Worry in his tone.

"Maybe I'll brush him again." Spark gives a little snort and runs in a circle - it's time to PLAY now, not more grooming!

"I know she did. " A nod then a laugh "I think maybe Spark has other ideas. Come on, play is healthy for horses..." A pause "And squires. TAG!" And she touches him and runs

"No fair NO FAIR!" He yelps as she gets a head start, and races after her!

(And fun is had - End scene)