As Haven walked towards the stables with his son by his side it was hard to believe how much the boy had grown in such a seemingly small amount of time. To the father the birth of his children was in clear in his mind as if it had happened yesterday. Yet here Linden was, six months old. He held much the same build as his father: an average height and muscles were beginning to show as the puppy fat melted away. The golden eyed boy had not gone through his first shift yet, but surely it would only be a matter of time before that happened. He had reached the right age now. The Aatte didn't know when Princess had first changed forms, but Haven himself had been right on time. All through his puphood he had been anxious to be able to stand on two legs and have hands. He sensed the same eagerness in his son. Will I be able to pick out a horse for myself? After I'm able to shift? The man smiled down at Linden. You sure will. Your uncle might even have some good ideas of which would suit you.

Alder had become the new Marshall of the Kingdom, filling the void that had been left with Heath had left. There were times where the Knight was still deeply grieved by the loss of his dear friend and his lovely mate who Haven had also been close to. If their former King ever showed his face here again and found that what had lead his friends away had been a pack of lies—for he suspected as much—he would meet the collie with the point of his sword. His thoughts were far from such dark places as they reached the large structure that smelled so pleasantly of horse and hay. Linden rushed ahead, calling for his uncle, while Haven brought up the rear, a smile on his face.

Linden loved the stables, it was his favorite place in all of the packlands. The boy probably would sleep there among the horses if his parents would allow it. The Aatte wagged his tail as his uncle greeted him with a pat on the head. Some boys his age might have been offended by such a gesture, but it didn't bother Linden in the slightest. Hi Uncle Alder! How are the horses today? Do you think there's any that would be good for me when I shift? Dad says that I'll be able to have one and I should change any time now, I'm old enough. Haven chuckled heartily as he heard his son barrage the Marshall with a tide of questions. Calm yourself Linden, you'll give your uncle a headache with all your chattering.

It was interesting that his son had taken such an interest in animals. When he had imagined his children in his head he had always pictured whatever boys he had wanting to follow in his footsteps as a Knight, however it was Robin who seemed most keen to live up to her father's image. That was not to say the Seneschal was disappointed, not at all, he loved all his children and would not change a thing about them.

Linden was eager to come to the stables again and I thought I'd come with him, though I suppose I should go see that old bag o' bones. The mustang clearly recognized his wolf's voice and whinnied in indignation, a hoof banged against his stable door. Haven sauntered over to Drogon's stall and placated the stallion by scratching underneath his forelock. I hope this one doesn't give you too much trouble; he can be a willful beast. He was never a hassle for the Knight, but that was due to their history and bond.

It had been interesting to see how Alder reacted as the children grew and changed. At times they were a little much for he and Princess to handle, much less his quiet brother. The masked man seemed to have eventually grown used to their little quirks though and Haven knew that he loved them. Linden's tail wagged excitedly behind him as the gentle giant relayed the information about the horses in the stables. When asked what kind of horse he would want, golden eyes looked up towards the ceiling in thought. I don't think I'd want a horse that was too mean, but not one that was too boring either. Are there any like that? Linden wanted to be good with animals, like his uncle, so he needed a horse with some spirit, but not so much he wouldn't be able to handle it at all. I hope it's soon though! I don't want to be late, I know Robin won't be late, the boy said with an indignant huff. Robin always seemed to win in everything, but he supposed as long as he wasn't last it would be okay.

What's it like, talking to them? I've always wondered. I haven't ever felt like it was hard to communicate with Drogon, but I know it's not the same as speaking his language. Is he as mouthy as he seems? the Knight asked with a half-cocked grin. The thought of low-speech intrigued him, perhaps someday he would ask his brother to teach him. He would defer those lessons to his son though, for he knew how badly Linden desired to learn that art. As Alder's large stallion nosed at his head Haven scratched the horse's chin with his free hand. That made Drogon's ears pin back and the Seneschal could see the jealousy in the mustang's dark eyes. Stop that, you jealous creature. I'm allowed to touch other horses even though I'm yours. Drogon snorted and flicked his ears as he turned his face away from the other horse.

At the question Linden gasped in excitement and his tail wagged so furiously it was like to come right off his rear. Oh yes! Yes, yes, please Uncle Alder! Haven looked over to his brother. Mind if we take Drogon out as well? He needs to learn to play better with others. He would leave that up to Alder though, he set the rules here in the stables and Haven would defer to his wishes and judgment.