Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Earth - I’ll Make ‘Em An Offer They Can’t Refuse

(snip)

Revna tugged Mike along with her. “We have time to waste, Mike, so lets get you a drink because it’s going to be VERY late before we’re alone together again.” After a ways she stopped and looked up at him. “You were made for this, you know that right? You and your executive orders.” She kissed him gently, “Come on let me show you our clan. It’s a bit of walk back to the main village.”

Revna, Runa, Ragna

Mike took the drink Runa had brought and took a looooong pull from it. “If I don’t get stabbed by some douchebag cousin of mine in the next few days, my liver is gonna do me in.” and he chuckled softly and took her hand in his. “Let’s go. A hike will do us both good after that -” and he grinned from ear to ear, “- awkward positioned shuttle flight.”

Mike

“They might try Mike but I promise you they won’t get to within 10 feet of you. I won’t let them, and after I’ll have Kirsten make you something to clean the alcohol out of your liver. I’m not loosing you.” They walked along a deep fjord to their right and a few one or two person skiffs pulled up on shore. She took the bottle from him and took a long swallow from it and gave it back to him. She looked sad. Then they turned east following along a fence rail as they walked. “One of the smaller villages on this side, breeds our horses. Shires, magnificent giants.” There were several large draft horses in the field, Revna whistled, the descending notes and one broke off from the rest and came full gallop straight at them, kicking up clods of dirt with the massive hooves and then came to a sudden stop right in front of them. Head down, nose reaching over the fence for Revna’s hand the all black giant snorted at her pockets. “This is Ravan. He’s old, retired now. I think he misses my Aunt Trine. She and I were the only ones who could ride him. He mellowed out a lot after she left us.” Revna reached down and pulled a handful of grass up out of the ground and offered it to the horse, running a hand over his cheek and then his ears. He snuffled at Mike, looking for carrots or sugar cubes or something other than hay.

Revna

Mike smiled and put a hand slowly on the horse’s neck. He then dug around in a pocket and pulled out a small bag of vegetables he snaked on in the shuttle. He fished out a few carrots and held them out to the giant flat-handed to keep his fingers out of the way.

“He’s beautiful.” he said softly.

Mike

“He is that. He’s sired quite a few of the younger generation.” Ravan’s soft muzzle wiggled and lipped up the treats and a sharp crunch could be heard as he chomped on the treat. He tossed his head and snorted as if in agreement to Mike’s words. He pressed the full length of his head against Mike’s chest, which took up the entirety of Mike’s front. He side stepped up against the fence and looked at Revna. “You ever ride, Mike? As chief you get your pick of the herd.” She ran her hand along the neck, shoulder, and flank. The massive horse was content to stay by the fence and get attention. He nosed at Mike again looking for more carrots. Revna laughed softly, “You’ve turned in a lamb in your old age, Ravan.”

Revna

“No, never. McKenzies never had a lot of horses. Even in the ancient times, we were known for our ability to take people off horses. YOu should see the blade Seamus uses as Marshall. That’s the one we have always used. Damn near as long as I am tall. Designed just for that purpose… knocking the English off their horses and into the afterlife.” He gave the massive horse some more carrots and patted him. “But if I ever did ride, I’d want to ride someone like you, my friend.” he said to Ravan.

Mike

“Oh yes Seamus’ claymore…Ragna is a bit infatuated with it.” Revna chuckled. “This heard,” she nodded out at the field, “their great great great…well endlessly greats grandparents were pilfered from the English. I can only imagine what it was like having 3 or 4 of them on a long boat.” Revna glanced over at him, took his hand and pulled him over to her, “Then let me give you this.” She kissed him and then climbed the fence, “Trust me?”
Revna