[Gift] 1.9 Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite - Alistair and Satin

Harry was busy checking on Daemon in the stallion barn while Alistair finished up with Satin in her barn. He had picked up something from the festival market, a handcrafted “chew toy” of sorts to help entertain in the stall and hopefully distract from cribbing. While Satin had mostly stopped the worst of her behaviors, she still seemed to like something to chew on. The toy was different enough from their usual equipment that Alistair didn’t fear her mistaking it for something else.

Introducing it to her, the apple smell on it immediately made her start chewing at it. Soon she realized it wasn’t food but was fairly solid to handle her teeth and she continued to nibble it. Meanwhile Alistair sat with her where she lay in the center of the stall. She had learned where it was safe to get up and down within it and was resting for the time being. The two relaxed after a long day, he gave her pets and scratches and quietly talked to her as they each prepared for bed.

“You did so well today pretty girl, I’m proud of you. The judge thought you were stunning and had excellent show material just as I expected. Harry thinks you could go far but I don’t know if that will be with me. Maybe he’ll ride you in those higher classes for me.” Alistair chuckled and scratched behind her ear while she leaned into his touch.

“Even though I was so nervous you still cooperated with me and I’m so grateful for that. I know you can’t understand me but I hope you can hear it all in my tone and touch. I love you Satin, you made today something I can walk away from with a happy memory. And both of us will get a nice rest once we get home, some good food and you can keep your little toy.” He nudged it, watching as she threw her head slightly as though nodding. Alistair laughed softly, loving her little antics that made it feel as though she actually did understand him.

“If Harry decides to breed you, I think you’d make a great mother. I can’t wait to see your foals, they’d have to be at least half as pretty as you are and you know they’d end up being gorgeous anyways.” He let his fingers sink into her fur, gently brushing it down and feeling how soft and warm it was. “I wonder who Harry would pick to be the father? Probably a big gentle stallion like Daemon huh? But a loshenka like you.” He chuckled. “You think he’ll keep him? I don’t know what I’d do with more horses, we might have to hire constant help.”

He leaned back against the mare’s body, still petting her gently. “I guess I wouldn’t mind as long as they’re not against Harry and I…” He muttered softly. “I’m glad you and Daemon can’t judge us. Meeting Dr. Thompson earlier was a surprise I wasn’t ready for right before our show.” He sighed deeply and tried to let the stress of the day flow out of him. “Harry is so smooth though, he handled all the talking and somehow managed to keep me out of almost all of it. It was nice to see the doctor but I think I’d prefer to avoid most people from my past.” He smiled sadly. “I’m glad he and his daughter were alright though…”

Laying against Satin he felt like he could fall asleep, her soft chewing noises in the background as she played with her new toy. He had nearly dozed off against the soft mare when footsteps approached and Harry peeked in. “Sleeping already huh?” He called out, rousing the tired doctor.

“I was resting my eyes…” Alistair yawned and moved to kneel in the stall bedding.

“I’m gonna head to the exit, you good to button things up here?” Harry jabbed a thumb off to the side. Alistair nodded and moved to get to his feet. “Don’t take too long!” He called and his footsteps retreated in the opposite direction from where they came.

Satin looked up at him from where she lay, toy stilling between her lips. He couldn’t help but smile at her cute mischievous little face. He placed his hands on either side of her head and planted a gentle kiss to her soft nose. “Sweet dreams Satin, don’t let the bedbugs bite.”

With that he finally left her stall, turning out the last of the lights and joining Harry on the way back to the inn to get a good night’s sleep themselves.