Gilt Sparrows - a Fifty Foal Challenge
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Forum Discussion
Since Hope had come to them as a foal, she still needed to be trained to saddle. Katie had arranged for Kevin and Jocelyn to take the young mare, calling her a Fjord cross. That she was crossed with another Fjord remained a secret, as agreed. Hope was gentle enough that Katie decided to start training her bareback, just hopping up on the deep-pile winter coat. After a few circuits of the paddock, Katie took her out on the road, still bareback and with only a halter. (Folks, don't try this at home!)
Later, properly tacked up, Katie rode the bay Fjord to the consignment shop to check on her items left for sale. Unfortunately, the shop had closed early due to the snow. Still, it was a long enough trip to complete Hope's training.
The mares and foals got along well, to the point that sometimes the foals just slept in whichever stall was handy, regardless of whether the occupant was actually mother.
Outside, the snow had melted and the gnomes had a new arrival.
Elation asking Easter whether Pastelle can come play. The fillies did have a grand time together.
Everett got an invitation to the grand opening of a new nectar terrace at Moonrise Ripples. Curious about this 'nectar', he got dressed up and went to lend his name to the opening and buy a drink. Unfortunately, the electrician hadn't gotten the wiring right, and only the full moon illuminated the exterior area. However, as the server was a vampire, she had no problems seeing in the dim light beneath the pavilion.
Although most guests drifted on inside to the lit lounge after picking up a glass of nectar, Everett stayed outside. He was recognized and served to attract several passersby to sample a glass. He realized he'd hit maximum fame, at least locally, when the grandest of the local celebrities paused to greet him and ask his advice. And at the end of the evening, the owner of Moonrise Ripples asked his assistance. She needed a particular bottle of aged nectar, which could only be found in France. Would he be willing to retrieve it for her? Everett agreed, on the condition that his wife didn't mind. Katie was certain that she and Wren could manage the herd for a few days, so Everett set out for France.
Exploring the palatial museum, he admired artifacts from Egypt, from China, and from local digs. He explored further and found a room with three gnomes - and was certain one of them moved!
He was well aware of magical gnomes - he had a huge flock of the things on the farm, although none like these. But he was a bit surprised that, if they moved like the ones he was familiar with, they were posed so staidly on the pedestals. Then he looked back as he left the room . . .
Returning to his task, he found out that the nectar he was after was actually down in a tomb. Strange place to leave it, he thought, but that was what he'd come for. At least the tomb was in a lovely area.
Down the steps he went, and sure enough the door was behind a pile of rocks. With a grin, Everett flexed his muscles and got to work. One thing he truly enjoyed about living free of the lamp was the chance to do physical labor from time to time. Once he'd cleared several rooms, he paused to summon a plate of pork risotto. He'd been given some samples of dried food, but why suffer when you didn't have to?
A bit further on, he found another set of stairs and a remarkably green and thriving hedge maze at the bottom. Working his way through that, he arrived at the room with the desired nectar.
Mission completed.
Later, properly tacked up, Katie rode the bay Fjord to the consignment shop to check on her items left for sale. Unfortunately, the shop had closed early due to the snow. Still, it was a long enough trip to complete Hope's training.
The mares and foals got along well, to the point that sometimes the foals just slept in whichever stall was handy, regardless of whether the occupant was actually mother.
Outside, the snow had melted and the gnomes had a new arrival.
Elation asking Easter whether Pastelle can come play. The fillies did have a grand time together.
Everett got an invitation to the grand opening of a new nectar terrace at Moonrise Ripples. Curious about this 'nectar', he got dressed up and went to lend his name to the opening and buy a drink. Unfortunately, the electrician hadn't gotten the wiring right, and only the full moon illuminated the exterior area. However, as the server was a vampire, she had no problems seeing in the dim light beneath the pavilion.
Although most guests drifted on inside to the lit lounge after picking up a glass of nectar, Everett stayed outside. He was recognized and served to attract several passersby to sample a glass. He realized he'd hit maximum fame, at least locally, when the grandest of the local celebrities paused to greet him and ask his advice. And at the end of the evening, the owner of Moonrise Ripples asked his assistance. She needed a particular bottle of aged nectar, which could only be found in France. Would he be willing to retrieve it for her? Everett agreed, on the condition that his wife didn't mind. Katie was certain that she and Wren could manage the herd for a few days, so Everett set out for France.
Exploring the palatial museum, he admired artifacts from Egypt, from China, and from local digs. He explored further and found a room with three gnomes - and was certain one of them moved!
He was well aware of magical gnomes - he had a huge flock of the things on the farm, although none like these. But he was a bit surprised that, if they moved like the ones he was familiar with, they were posed so staidly on the pedestals. Then he looked back as he left the room . . .
Returning to his task, he found out that the nectar he was after was actually down in a tomb. Strange place to leave it, he thought, but that was what he'd come for. At least the tomb was in a lovely area.
Down the steps he went, and sure enough the door was behind a pile of rocks. With a grin, Everett flexed his muscles and got to work. One thing he truly enjoyed about living free of the lamp was the chance to do physical labor from time to time. Once he'd cleared several rooms, he paused to summon a plate of pork risotto. He'd been given some samples of dried food, but why suffer when you didn't have to?
A bit further on, he found another set of stairs and a remarkably green and thriving hedge maze at the bottom. Working his way through that, he arrived at the room with the desired nectar.
Mission completed.
