It was harsh and unforgiving out in the stark sunshine. Rory once again forsook his shirt, sweat slicking his skin and shimmering in the light. He drank plentifully, and made sure to keep the ponies well hydrated too. They rested in the shade whenever they weren't pulling, and during a short break he had braided up their bountiful manes to keep their necks cool on both sides.
And occasionally, after particularly strenuous intervals, he dumped precious water on them.
But finally the heavy lifting (or pulling, on their part) was over. Rory unhitched the pair and tethered them at the post again, loosening girths and providing them with some much-deserved hay before retreating inside to the Atheneum to receive his next set of instructions.
Once they were delivered he looked to Melita, who offered her infectious grin. Rory fought the urge to chuckle at her, instead replying dryly, "I think this hulking behemoth can do all the work herself, I doubt my help is needed." But still he followed to his appointed position, straining as he braced to keep the wooden arches stable. And he was slightly surprised by his own strength—historically, Rory had never been buff, or that strong. Perhaps he was eating better, or something...
And occasionally, after particularly strenuous intervals, he dumped precious water on them.
But finally the heavy lifting (or pulling, on their part) was over. Rory unhitched the pair and tethered them at the post again, loosening girths and providing them with some much-deserved hay before retreating inside to the Atheneum to receive his next set of instructions.
Once they were delivered he looked to Melita, who offered her infectious grin. Rory fought the urge to chuckle at her, instead replying dryly, "I think this hulking behemoth can do all the work herself, I doubt my help is needed." But still he followed to his appointed position, straining as he braced to keep the wooden arches stable. And he was slightly surprised by his own strength—historically, Rory had never been buff, or that strong. Perhaps he was eating better, or something...
