A start to a new season

[Alder]

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for Pearl, by the stables

Changes had made him grow up. Changes in the small world he thought untouchable had taught the male that even the most constant of things were susceptible to the power of change. The boy was no longer, in the times of war Alder had become the grown wolf he never thought he would become.

He was still timid, shy and cautious but those power did not hold him from living. The tall male stood beside his faithful friend, and one of the few, think stiff brush lifting away the dust of the morning's ride. Despite the war and the fighting Alder never felt so concrete in place in the Court, more solidified in his position then ever before.

The Marshall gave the black and white shire horse a hearty pat on his flank and smiled. Though there had been loss, and holes in his life they did not rule every moment. Anann was gone, so was Rem and Alder missed them. But the feeling did not weigh on him so much that he felt it hard to stand. As he had felt when his mother had been taken from Crimson Dreams.

Instead of being defeated he decided to keep to his routine. Moving to pet the long nose of the horse Alder took a small moment in the calming presence of Hawthorn.

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[Pearl]

Horses had always fascinated Pearl. She had ridden them when she was young but had never owned her own. They were such magnificent creatures, powerful yet graceful, beasts yet intelligent. So many contrary characteristics. Then again, so were many wolves. She herself was complicated. Shy but free-spirited, passionate yet quiet.

Pearl headed to the stable to see what kinds of horses there were. She had never been to the Cour des Miracles’s stables so she approached them with uncertainty. Were wolves without horses allowed in here? She hoped so and assumed so but one never knew. She gently and slowly opened the door, peering inside as she did so.

All she saw was a slightly younger male petting a horse. A large black horse. He seemed a bit scary but seemed gentle, at least with the man. She figured it was OK to come in and opened the door the rest of the way and then closed it as soon as she entered it. Pearl stood in the doorway, looking around. She wasn’t sure what to do now that she was here. Should she approach a random horse? That seemed dangerous. So she stayed where she was, unsure of how to proceed.

[Alder]

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Wolves of the Court came and went from the stables often, as often as they wished. Alder only cared for and trained horses, most of them without owners. They were for those that wished to learn to ride, or they were for riders that simply needed a stead to rent for the day. Alder was glad to help where he could, his passion for the creatures running so deeply that he had even learned their language. It had taken a lot of time and practice but the blank and tan wolf had done it, at least enough to understand the common dialects of the region. Though... he had no authority over those that wished to come through the stable doors, so when he heard them open he took little mind to it, and continued to groom the shire horse. It was only when the paw steps did not travel forward that made him turn to look at the female that stood just beyond the doors.

Hello He spoke, a large smile gracing his face. She seemed uneasy and a bit confused. He wondered if she was lost. Can I help you with something? Deep voice asked. Alder was an imposing creature as was his horse, but his personality was not. Blue eyes watched the female. Hawthorn moved his large head up and down, shaking his mane and making quite the scene. But Alder ignored him, for the horse was only seeking attention.

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[Pearl]

Pearl jumped slightly at the sound of the male’s voice. She should have realized that he would notice that she was there. But she still was surprised that he had noticed her. She took a moment to study him. He was a larger male that was tans and browns. He had a darker strip of fur over his eyes, which were a light blue. He was in general rather handsome looking, if a little younger than her.

She realized that she should respond and shyly said ”Hello. I’m Pearl and I just to look at all the horses. I can leave if you’re busy.” She looked at the ground but soon turned her shy eyes to study him and his reactions. She was a bit surprised that he had such a deep voice but then again he was large enough to have it.

Pearl turned her purple eyes to the horse. He apparently wanted attention and she had to give a slight giggle as his owner ignored him. It was rather funny but she gave the male her attention. She didn’t really know his name. ”What is your name, sir?” She was polite and shy but tried to be friendly.

[Alder]

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Blue eyes watched her as she took a moment to reply. Here the male was at ease, just as comfortable as he was laying in bed or having a conversation with his brother or mother. It was his home, even if it was also a home to a dozen horses.

The fey however spoke in a shy and unsure way. She gave her name and Alder took another step closer. No, not at all. He replied quickly. She laughed, at the antics of Hawthorn no doubt. Alder shot him a small passing look but then he couldn't help but smile too. Alder. He replied. Giving the horse a pat he added, And this is Hawthorn, he's dying to meet you. The horse certainly was, long face reaching out for her hand.

He watched the red toned fey, studying her body language while trying not to stare. 'Thorns dark eyes watched her as well. Have you ever ridden? He asked.

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