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“… I’m not trying to be delinquent about this! All I’m saying is, I don’t see the point!”
“Ma’am, if you would just calm down for a moment …”
“It’s got four legs, a head, a tail, and a back for me to sit on. What more do you expect from a horse??”
“With all due respect, ma’am—” The statement was marred only slightly by the noticeably annoyed furrow in the quartermaster’s forehead. “—there are customs to be observed here.”
She facepalmed with supremely fabricated amazement. “Oh, right. I forgot. Can’t have a simple beast of burden looking like it just got dragged through the Fargodeep prancing around in front of our new best friends. Right. It’s all about appearances, isn’t it.”
He glared back at her, his patience evaporating. “While I certainly would expect that particular attitude from your ilk—”
“Please, if I may interject.”
Both combatants turned their heads at the deep, melodious baritone. Theluin was stood nearby, bedecked in his diplomatic robes, a calm, gentle smile on his face. He reached out a hand lightly, and the agitated she-rogue immediately broke away from the imminent confrontation and stomped over to him.
“I’m telling you, Thel, this is ridiculous,” she growled. “They’re being ridiculous.”
“How long have you had your little mare by now, my friend?”
She shot him a look. “A year and a half.”
“And how far have you travelled in that time?”
Her eyes took on a distinctly resigned expression. “Back and forth across both continents, at least three times each.”
He smiled reassuringly. “About time for the steadfast girl to have a vacation, wouldn’t you think?”
She groaned and rolled her eyes heavenward.
He put a light but firm hand on her shoulder. “You know this is the best solution for her. Our destination is an open war zone, and it is only prudent that our steeds are accustomed to such. She is a travelling mount, not a warhorse.”
She facepalmed in defeat. “Fine. Fine! Light.” She looked back up at him, her previous anger completely dispelled. “You know, this is why I hate arguing with you. Three lines in and I can’t even remember what I was being so worked up about in the first place.” She turned on her heel and addressed the quartermaster again, who was staring in profound perplexity at the tremendously mismatched pair. “Can I at least choose?”
Theluin leaned in minutely. “I am sure the provisioners will know what they are doing.”
She threw her hands in the air. “Argh!! You win! But if I have to spend more than an hour breaking it in, I’m holding you exclusively responsible.” She rounded on the quartermaster one last time. “Make sure she always gets a red apple with her morning oats.” Then she stomped off, muttering under her breath about saddles and bridles.
Theluin turned to the baffled man with an apologetic smile. “She did not mean anything personally, Quartermaster.”
He composed himself. “She … has a temperament, Elder.”
The ancient Kaldorei chuckled softly. “But her heart is in the right place. Now, about the translator we will be bringing along …”
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Originally written by Tuan Taureo
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