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

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

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

(snip)

Mike followed the instructions after watching closely. It took the better part of an hour or two, but eventually Aotrom was ready to ride. Mike made his way into the saddle and swayed a bit as he found his balance, but then he grinned at Leiv. “Master Leiv, I cannot thank you enough. But I’ll try. I hope you and your family will sit with us at the wedding. It would be our honor.”

Mike

Revna tucked Crescent’s reigns behind a secured stirrup and with a nod to Leiv she disappeared while Mike worked. She returned, backwards pants gone and a full flowing riding skirt on. She unclipped Crescent from the cross ties and led her outside. She wasn’t too happy about being led away from Aotrom, who was calm about it, but she had far too much energy and Revna wanted to enjoy the ride not fight with her horse the whole way. She led her over to a block that looked like a stand alone set of stairs. She checked the girth, tightened it, placed a foot in the stirrup and in one swift smooth motion was seated, skirt flared and draped gracefully over Crescent. She nudged her gently walking her away and free of the stable and fences and then large massive hooves could be heard pounding the ground at an incredibly fast rhythm. Revna leaned forward, low over Crescent’s neck letting her have her head to run. After a few minute of that she pulled her in and urged her down into a smooth more controlled canter and then put her through her paces, making her focus on what she was supposed to be doing instead of running willy-nilly around the grounds.

Leiv bowed, out of thanks and respect than protocol. “We will be honored.”

By the time Mike was ready, Revna, still mounted, was waiting for him. Crescent gently bumped Aotrom’s nose and huffed. Revna looked over, “The wedding? Leiv are you coming to Scotland for it? It will be something to see Ragna in lace and satin. No one should miss that.” She laughed and then led the way to the southern path and then east. The land extended out to their left, with farm after farm. Some were managed more traditionally and some were models of modern agricultural technology. When Mike was comfortable they increased the pace, in an effort eat some of the distance. Revna pointing out different parts of the landscape. She pointed ahead where a large treeline could be made out in the distance. “The forest starts there, follows the eastern beach north and curves around and fills the north end of the island.” If there was time…Revna had an idea…

Revna

Mike followed, half concentrating on her words and half on riding. It was a beautiful area, and the blend of tradition and modern was a sight to behold. “You know… I never really understood Seamus and his wanting to live like a pioneer woman or something. But now? Here? I can see the appeal of this over a can of compressed and recycled air floating in the void.”

Mike

Revna looked around lost in memories. “There are such wonders out there to see but equally wonderful things where we come from.” She looked over at Mike and Aotrom. The big stallion was perfectly content and relaxed with Mike and his inexperience. The ride was peaceful and, Revna would admit to being biased, perfect. With just her and Mike. Everything else just dropping away. In a few hours their lives were going to become vastly different, well vastly complicated and heavy anyway. As they neared the main village there was more activity. They were respectful and friendly, eager to meet Mike, but it was obvious that they were more curious about the man he was that had swept Revna up for his own than concerned with the politics surrounding their return. Although that was part of it. She led them up to a small stable, dismounted and showed Mike how to remove the tack, store it, brush Aotrom down, again, gave them water and hay.

Then taking his hand she led him away towards a small rise where below them was a low stone house. It sat half in the ground, and the roof was the same moss covered color as the countryside around it. She led him down towards the house where she opened the door. A wooden door opened to reveal a single room cottage with a large fire place. Their chests were already sitting off to one side. She pressed a control on the wall and the lights came up. “It’s not much, but it’s ours.” She turned into his arms “Welcome home, Husband” and kissed him slowly. “The best part, running water, and the second room behind the fireplace. A full walk in shower and a large walk in sunken tub. And I don’t know about you but after all that work at the stable I want a bath.”
Revna