[o] whispered arrival

Colt

A heart on the run keeps a hand on the gun
Can't trust anyone

Biscuit grabbed at a weed growing into the path as they walked by. So long as she didn’t slow her pace to do so, Colt didn’t mind her horses dining on fast food. It’s the ones who diverted their full focus to snacking that earned some correction, but she and Biscuit had long ago found an understanding with one another. ”Oh, loads more,” Colt laughs at the understatement. ”I breed and train horses and unicorns at my ranch. Sell ‘em to people for all sorts of reasons, and keep some of my own to work the cattle we ranch for meat.”

Hearing some of the interest in Jesse, Colt extends an invitation. ”You should come by sometime, once you’re settled. It’s Deadiron Ranch, in Meadowreach, near House of Midnight. We always got work we could use help with, and in turn I could show you how to ride, if you like. Or just come to say hi.”

Nodding in confirmation that she does indeed mean Frey, Colt shrugs a bit at the questions. ”Never really sure what a god’s getting up to. Could be Frey has a plan, could be the kiss was all Frey needed from the pup.” Colt’s not positive what the realms of the gods look like, and grand as Smooches is, he’s still a mortal being, bound to this realm while he lives.

Around a bend, the more bustling part of New Haven comes into view, and with it place for Breakers to get the resources they need.

I was so sure what I needed was more
Tried to shoot out the sun

Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father

Wren leaned forward slightly as the town opened up ahead of them, her eyes widening as more of New Haven came into view. “Deadiron Ranch.” She repeated, committing the name to memory like it was something important. And it was. The excitement that sparked in her expression was impossible to hide. “I’d really like that. The riding, I mean. And seeing the ranch. Thank you.”

As Biscuit slowed near the area where Breakers were gathering, Wren carefully slid down when Colt gave her the chance. Her feet hit the ground a little less steadily than she expected after the ride, but she caught herself with a small laugh. She could still feel the motion in her thighs as she smoothed her clothes down. Before she could say anything else, Smooches bounded up beside her again.

“Oh—hi again,” she greeted warmly, crouching immediately to bury both hands into his fur. She gave the dog an enthusiastic series of goodbye pets, scratching behind his ears and along his neck while he wiggled happily under the attention. “Thanks for letting me borrow him!” she added with a grin toward Colt as she stood. Then she said, “I’ll come find you once I’m settled.”

Fin

Wren

Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers