another week, another chilibrew-bribe for the stablehand to let her in to visit her horse (not her horse anymore, technically, since she’d given her to the Knights). she’s distracted, singing softly, so barbara jumps when jean finds her. thankfully lotti is well trained enough not to spook. “sorry, i’m aware i’m not supposed to be in Knight-only areas like this.” she hasn’t stopped brushing the mare, however, who seems intent on snuffling at her pockets rather than eating the feed in front of her, desperate for the sugarcubes hidden in them. “i’ll be out of your hair shortly. i just …” missed a horse doesn’t seem like a good enough explanation, so barbara doesn’t provide one. / from @fluminas ♥️ pov horse
THE STABLEHAND HAD seemed quite interested in conversation that morning, thoroughly confusing jean who had typically found them quiet & reserved. it hadn’t stopped her from entering the stables, an apple in hand & ready to conduct her daily visit ( or, at least, as daily as she could manage with her busy schedule ). she preferred this time of day to others, finding that it was a bit too early for those due for an afternoon patrol, & that the knights on shift for the morning wouldn’t manage a visit to their favorite horses until later.
THAT WAS WHY she froze when she heard another voice, moving forward, though much slower than before, when she heard the voice singing— in a voice she recognized, no less. it ruined any surprise she may have felt as she rounded the corner to see barbara there with lotti. her footsteps must have been loud because she watched barbara jump at her approach, but luckily jean knew lotti would hardly find concern in the action.
❝ it’s–––– it’s alright. ❞
SHE COULD TELL from the grooming supplies & the treats ( tucked into barbara’s pockets if the way that lotti was behaving was any indication ) that she had come well prepared, & that this more than likely wasn’t barbara’s first visit. most of her surprise came from the realization that this had happened all under her nose & she had been none the wiser.
BUT, IF IT made barbara smile, she would try not to worry too much about it.
JEAN FOUND HERSELF moving around to the other side of lotti, greeting her pleasantly when she nosed into her hand. she offered her the apple quickly, brushing her fingers through her mane.
❝ i had to sign the documents to allow lotti into our care, & when i saw where she had come from, well… ❞
LOTTI’S CARE HAD fallen to jean several times at her own request. being near lotti made her feel closer to her own sister, though she could never say as such. it would appear, however, that her care wasn’t needed that morning.
❝ i’ve taken care of her many times since then. ❞
SHE HAD TAKEN her out to ride herself only once, & it was only to ensure that her temperament was okay for young knights in training ( not that jean had doubted for a moment that she was, but a part of her had wanted to perform the test anyways ). the ache in her chest had grown so strong during the ride that she had cut it short & returned her to the stables to give her perfect marks. the acting grand master had yet to have the strength to try again.
❝ you’re welcome here whenever you wish. i’ll alert the stablehands. ❞
PERHAPS IT WAS a bit unfair of her, but she couldn’t find it within herself to take the words back.
❝ it’s true, there are some places i cannot allow those outside of the knights to venture, & normally the stables are one of those places. but, lotti very clearly trusts you. ❞
NOT TO MENTION jean trusted her. she knew the only reason she would travel here would be to see a lost friend. it was something that jean could not forbid her from doing. she just didn’t have the heart.
❝ come whenever you’d like. & if you have the time, perhaps you could let me know so that i could come with you? i’m sure lottie wouldn’t mind the extra treats. ❞