Drawloween - Candy Lane

Of all the horses in KH’s number that Brynn felt comfortable putting her younger sister on, Reva was at the top of the list. The merle mare was perhaps a bit too soft when it came to real work, but being part of a Halloween costume? Sign her up. After excelling during the fall fun show’s costume contest, there was no better babysitter for trick or treating. Lexi wasn’t going to complain— what’s a princess without her fair steed? The child had been around horses for as long as her elder sister, but didn’t hold quite the same drive or interest. “There’s no shame in liking something casually, you know.” Brynn’s reminder hung in the air as the child got into her Halloween costume.

 

Reva, to her credit, took to her costume without flinching. A gawdy unicorn horn attached to her bridle elicited no reaction. Just happy to hang out with her people and enjoy the cool autumn breeze. Pink and white coat brushed to the point of shining in the fading sunlight, long tail dramatically plaited-- she looked good. Damn good, and Brynn was taking all the credit. Every bit of her the picture of health, right down to the shiny oiled hooves. It's a good night, and going to be even better for collecting candy. 

 

The best kind of neighborhood? The one that wouldn't think twice about a small girl riding her horse to the porch, ground tying, and coming to knock on the door. Even better? The houses with folding tables in the yard, laden with treats and candy. Brynn trailed at a distance, waiting in the golf cart. Watching carefully as Reva took the child from house to house, a steady step down each and every long driveway.  The mare's sweet demeanor and unflappable nature was admirable.  Through elaborate displays of decor and animatronics, Reva doesn't flinch.  When the skirt on Lexi's princess costume ruffled in the breeze, it was met with little more than the flicker of an elegant ear.  

 

As for the candy? The pillowcase wrapped around the horn of Reva's saddle was heavy, stuffed to the brim with sugary treats. By the time the sun slipped from view and streetlights flickered to life, it was clear they had come through the evening victorious. More than that, the conquering of Candy Lane had well and truly been a success. For a moment, the delusion of grandeur flickers through both horse and rider. Shared, pure, and fueled by sugar. Lexi reached down, slipped Reva a root beer flavored hard candy. What kind of boomer handed those out, anyway? At least the mare seemed to appreciate it, crunching happily as they turned home. 

 

Brynn following at her safe distance, the headlights on the golf cart casting long shadows of a little girl and a horse who loves her more than anything. Maybe this was Reva's calling, short of anything else. Only time would tell. For now, they both crush jolly ranchers between their teeth and let the little remaining light catch on their princess and unicorn attire. Truly, a successful sacking of candy lane.