No Time For Horsing Around

[iustise]

Who: Lord John & Gale
When: July
Where: Thorne — Western Grasslands
What: Quest!
Warnings: none atm!


There are a number of reasons that John had volunteered for this particular task, when the Royal Stablemaster had called for volunteers. First and foremost is his fondness for horses, and general knowledge of their handling, which he assumes will be useful for such a task. Then his survivor’s guilt, he supposes. He had been on duty that night as well, and survived the attack when the cavalry had not. Had there been more he could have done? Unlikely, but he can at least do this now. He tries not to think what might become of these horses in their place. One foot in front of the other.

It also gets him away from the city for a while. John could use some time away, just now. Away from his post, out of his head. Just given a simple task to fulfill and complete. A mission, if you will. Horses are far less complicated than politics any day.

He glances at his companion, offering a smile as they set off in the direction indicated by the expedition guide.

"We had best enjoy our journey out while we can," he says. "I fear our trek back to camp will likely be far more of an adventure." Assuming that they do manage to capture a wild horse, that is.

Comments

[karsiteweave]

Ah, a clearing! Gale follows at a light jog, trying to keep alert to their surroundings just in case there are... other things out in the wilds with them. What else might be here beyond horses? Hopefully no new attackers, given the recent events in Thorne. He makes his way through the trees beside John, slowing down warily as they start to get closer to the clearing.

"Just to clarify," he murmurs, "do we have a plan? Should there be more than one horse, I imagine the friends of whichever we try to capture might be a touch upset by the proceedings."

[iustise]

"I doubt that they will be happy about it," John concedes. "But horses are herd animals, interested in protecting their own interests. When they see that one of their own has been captured, they will be far more likely to flee than retaliate against us."

Reaching the edge of the clearing, John stops suddenly, holding out a hand to stop Gale behind him, pressing his other hand to his lips to indicate they should be quiet before motioning across the way toward where there stands a small group of sturdy chestnut steeds.

"Eureka."

[karsiteweave]

"The desire to live is a powerful motivator."

He frowns in thought, watching the horses.

"Beautiful creatures, really. It seems a shame to deprive them of their freedom, but needs must. We lure one away from the group, I presume?"

Try to split them up before securing it? How friendly is the average wild horse, he wonders?

[iustise]

John doesn’t disagree. It does seem a shame to have to capture one and remove it from all it has ever known and loved. But he also understands the necessity of the task at hand, being a cavalry man himself.

As far as how they approach this… He considers the question for a moment.

"I cannot say these horses have ever seen a man in their life," John posits. "If they are to notice us too soon, we may risk this whole venture. But to lure them while we remain out of sight…"

He glances at the other man, raising an eyebrow. "You would not have happened to have brought any food with you?"

[karsiteweave]

Any food? Ah! Gale digs in his pack, and his hands re-emerge with a flourish holding two apples.

"Always best to be prepared for any scenario. Will this do?"

He thinks horses do like apples. Presumably they'd have to... cut them up? To act as a lure? He suspects a horse could just consume an apple whole, given their enormous teeth. But would the scent of them be more obvious if they were sliced into...?