The Quiet of the Morning (Prompt Party)

Uiscefhuaraithe stood at the fence just waiting for Gwen to arrive to do the morning check and feeding. It was beautiful out, the recent storms having left the fields once again a brilliant shade of green and the lingering fog gave the landscape a feeling of peace rather than the dread that fog could sometimes bring. 

Gwen had been late their feedings the last few days, which was unusual for the fae, and Uiscefhuaraithe wanted to try and guild Gwen into riding this morning. It was far too pretty not to and the changing leaves were a favorite of the mare’s to play in. 

She also wanted to swim, or at least play in Gwen’s favorite spring before the mist burned off. They hadn’t gotten to do that in awhile. 

Finally Gwen arrived, the water fae still looking tired. 

Uiscefhuaraithe raced along the fence to greet them, the fog swirling around their white front legs in pretty patterns. The blueberry mare stopped before running into Gwen and nuzzled at them. 

“Good morning, Uiscefhuaraithe.” Gwen chuckled, stroking the jagged sabino marking on the mare’s nose. “I’m excited to see you too.” 

Uiscefhuaraithe nickered followed Gwen as the fae took care of the feed and checked on the other horses, not letting them get far from her sight. 

Gwen kept glancing back, a bit confused. “Do you want something? I do have treats for you, if that’s what you’re wondering.” 

Uiscefhuaraithe accepted the offered carrot, crunching on it happily before gently pushing Gwen towards the fence. The fae clearly needed a break and a good ride was a good break, or at least Uiscefhuaraithe thought it was. Particularly when the weather was this nice and the day was just starting. She could probably convince her to let them stay out most of the day and enjoy the weather. 

“What? I have things to do. I can’t go for a ride…” Gwen picked up on Uiscefhuaraithe’s signals immediately. 

Uiscefhuaraithe snorted and stamped the rear leg, not letting Gwen go anywhere. This was happening. 

“Uiscefhuaraithe, come on. I need to work in the garden and I’ve got to finish setting up the last of the new garden. Not to mention the guests I have over.” Gwen pleaded. 

Uiscefhuaraithe turned pleading blue eyes on Gwen, nickering softly. 

“Fine. Fine… we can go for a ride. But not a long one.” 

Uiscefhuaraithe danced happily, ready to take full advantage of Gwen’s easy compliance. 

As soon as Gwen was mounted, Uiscefhuaraithe took off towards the spring. It wasn’t that she ignored the fae’s directions, but rather that she interpreted them creatively. 

Gwen objected for a little bit, but soon the fae fell quiet and let Uiscefhuaraithe pick the path. It seemed the quiet of the early morning had worked its magic on Gwen as well. 

The fog had lingered on the trail, the early morning sun having not made its way through the foliage of the woods just yet. The delicate white mist swirled around them, driven by the mare’s hooves and the light breeze that was beginning to blow. 

As soon as they arrived at the springs, Uiscefhuaraithe stopped so quickly she almost threw Gwen. The blueberry sabino mare was ready to play in the water before it started getting too cold too. And she wanted Gwen to play too. 

“We’re not leaving until you get to swim, are we?” Gwen asked as she dismounted. 

Uiscefhuaraithe butted Gwen towards the spring. 

“Oh, we’re not leaving until we both swim. I see.” Gwen laughed, heading for the water. They’d ridden out bareback, so there was no tack to worry about. 

Uiscefhuaraithe danced happily and raced towards the water, wading in before the fae and using her long curly tale to flick water at the water fae. 

Gwen dove in and splashed back, laughing happily. 

Uiscefhuaraithe rolled in the shallower water and then settled in to watch Gwen swim. It was hard to think of a more beautiful day, or a better way to spend it. Even better, it was still only just morning and they had the entire day ahead of them.