[Gift] 2.1 Apple Pickin' - Alistair and Satin

The sound of leaves crunching beneath hooves and boots filled the air as the two men made their way through the orchard. Both of their horses held large saddle bags already partially full of apples but they were still looking to add a number more before they left.

“What about these? The sign says they’re one of the sweetest varieties and we don’t have a lot of those.” Alistair reached up and gently picked one of the bright apples from a low hanging branch. He bit into it, savoring the flavor as it broke into a burst of sweetness in his mouth. He handed the apple over to Harry to try as well as he finished chewing it. They had been told they could sample one of each tree type but if anyone found them eating more than that they’d be paying for every extra apple. Luckily Harry had some connections with the farm’s owner so they weren’t being hounded by a farm hand unlike most buyers.

Harry hummed and nodded before he swallowed his bite and used his strong hands to split the remainder in two to feed to Satin and Daemon. He handed Satin’s half over to Alistair to keep the bitey mare away from the stallion’s portion. Alistair kept her preoccupied with her piece as the two horses enjoyed their newest snack.

“Okay, so maybe half a bushel of these and we’ll call it done for tonight?” Alistair grabbed a spare bag from one of the horse’s backs and began to look for the best apples on the tree. They had gotten lucky with their timing, the orchard was just on the cusp of their busy season and had plentiful stock after a long growing season but the crowds hadn’t rushed in yet. Just one more thing Alistair had to admit was a wonderful boon from Harry’s network. He never imagined having such excellent benefits at his fingertips.

“Remember we have to bring these all the way back and use them all up though, you sure you want half?” Harry joined him, grabbing the ones that were just out of reach and giving Alistair a smile as the doctor blushed a bit at Harry reaching over him.

“Y-yeah, I really like these so maybe we can figure out how to make preserves with them if we don’t use em up.” Alistair went back to Satin’s side, carefully strapping on the bag he had filled and pushing her head away from them. “No girl, you can’t have these, not yet.” He pulled the last bag off, bringing it back over to Harry.

“You know you can’t give either of them too many of these, even if we have a bunch left over. It’ll spoil their meals and I don’t want them getting colic.” Harry raised a brow as he dropped a few more apples into the new bag.

“I swear I won’t, I’ll ask you before I give them any okay?” Harry nodded at that and smiled. “Besides, I want these ones for me.” Alistair smirked back as he grabbed a few more low hanging apples.

“You’re gonna leave some for our guests right?” Harry chuckled and snuck a quick kiss in on his partner’s check. “I know you’re excited to try out those new recipes I taught you but we can’t eat the entire batch before your friends even get a taste.”

Alistair laughed and shook his head. “Of course! That’s the whole reason we came out here, but I doubt they have as much interest in sweets as me. Last I remember, Cassandra loved the more tart ones, I think she’ll be excited for the Granny Smiths.”

“That’s good, did you still want to try making some horse treats for Satin, Daemon and their nightmares?” Harry placed the last apple in their bag and carried it over to Satin, helping secure it on her opposite side.

“I think so, if they don’t like it I know Satin will for sure eat them all. But Cass was interested in seeing if her mare Nyx would be up for them. I was thinking I’d do a small batch of normal ones and if their horses don’t like them, we could experiment.”

Harry hummed as he returned to Daemon and mounted up, Alistair doing the same with Satin. “Perhaps but I wouldn’t hold my breath. I’d rather we keep the batch small and just give the rest to our horses.”

“I know, I just feel bad if their nightmares don’t get something too out of all of this. But Cassandra said sometimes they eat anything so it might be fine anyhow.” He shrugged and urged Satin to follow Harry as they returned to the main path.

“I suppose we shall see. For now, let’s focus on the party and making it an enjoyable event for you and your friends, hm?” Harry smiled back at Alistair who blushed a bit and grinned in return. “Afterall it’s been a long time since you saw them. We should celebrate your reconnection with them and you branching back out beyond our home.”

“You don’t gotta say it like that!” Alistair’s blush grew even worse but laughter bubbled up regardless. “Satin, you're looking forward to all the yummy treats right?” Immediately the mare’s ears swiveled towards him and her head shifted so she could glance at him. “See? She’ll take ‘em all if the others don’t want them.”

“I know she will but you also know she can’t have too many in one night.” Harry chuckled. “And save some for Daemon, he deserves something doesn’t he?” He gave the black stallion a pat on his neck, earning a huff from him.

“He does, just you never let me feed him anymore.” Alistair rolled his eyes, following his partner towards the exit.

“Because you’re a little treat fiend my dear and you know better.”

“Don’t call me that!” Alistair burst out laughing, making both horses briefly look back at him and Harry couldn’t help but chuckle.