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Post by Midnitella on Feb 21, 2016 13:03:07 GMT -6
Sterling | Sirith | 1693
The first beams of sunlight pierced the almost solid darkness of the cave through a small skylight in the top of the cavern. The small mare gave a yawn and a huff as she looked up through the skylight as she awoke, the light causing her to squint slightly and blink the sleep from her eyes. She’d slept on the road last night, since she knew she wouldn’t find Sterling for a while, she had given up when her legs began to protest too much and slept along the cave wall. Amazed that no thieves or dark horses had found her, she climbed to her feet to stretch before shaking out her coat and looking around the road. The sounds of the city were a muffled echo in the distance, so she couldn’t be too far. The sounds of her worn shoes clacked against the stone floor as she began her journey again. The winding of the roads cavern guided the silvery mare around a few more bends, through darkness, crystal light and more sunlight, until she had stopped in her pace. The sunlight in the city filtered through the opening of the roads cavern in a brilliant white glow. The sounds of the running waterfalls filling the air under the sound of the early morning crowds as the horses of Sirith began to move about their days. It had been almost a decade since she had been to Sterling, and she couldn't remember much other than where the market was, so that's where she decided to head first. Shaking out her mane, she moved on into the city, smiling politely to a passing merchant as he made his way onto the road back to Nariah, looking over his cart curiously. He must be a farmer with all the food he was carrying and her stomach gave a loud rumble upon her notice. Sighing with annoyance, she quickened her pace slightly to get to the market quicker so she could buy something fresh with the few shards she had left to her name.
{Word Count}
343 |
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Post by hyuuka on Feb 21, 2016 13:07:20 GMT -6
- Gaius | The Driven | Briem
Morning light slowly crept it’s way into a rather dimly lit laboratory located in a smaller section of the homey cave; it’s floor scattered with various ores and solid rock accompanied by crumbled pieces of paper that were once informed notes scribbled and scratched out from frustration and self-doubt. On its far left sat a large, cluttered desk, almost identical to the floor below it, holding racked beakers and test tubes labeled with minor, significant intent. A few notebooks and tomes were dispersed about with loose pages sticking out in odd angles while others were tagged and marked for future reference. An ink pen lays abandoned. To say the least, this place was a mess. It’s respectful owner, having not slept the day before, was laid out on the makeshift bed made only a few days prior. Pale, yellow eyes were barely open, as it scanned over a recent document, struggling to gain information or better yet make out the etched notes. The dunalino was truly having a hard time keeping up in hopes of finishing off what he believes to be an important piece to unraveling the next clue to an outstanding medical breakthrough. Of course, that’s dreamers talk. He’s not that foolish... Taking a deep- or rather irritated- breath, the Hanoverian decided it was time to break- a short one for now. He knew for a fact that in his physical state, he couldn't continue any longer without having yet another headache on the go and blurred vision. A common thing he reminds himself. So he decided to adventure out, get fresh air- a rare occurrence but one he takes at his own free will. A stroll around the market wouldn't hurt and even picking up a few things wouldn't really be much of a hassle. Maybe they brought in new product that could help him in the field. maybe. But before passing through the threshold the stallion looked back for a second, scanning his lab, noting that he’d probably have to clean up the mess at some point this evening… maybe. Probably not. Knowing him. It didn't take long for Gaius to fully make his way down, passing an empty room on the main floor left abandoned and- well, useless in his opinion. Opening the front door, the cold air of the caverns greeted him. Welcoming him back into Briem’s society. This was surely going to be a quick run. He didn't like this already.
Word Count: 415
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Post by Midnitella on Feb 21, 2016 13:10:54 GMT -6
The mare couldn’t help but make herself look foolish as she looked up into the largest skylight in all of Sirith, seeing the wide open morning sky, in all of its colors. She was glad to see she wasn’t alone as a few other horses were stood staring into the heavens in the growing crowds. Some locals, some travelers, but all with the same happy looks on their faces, almost a beautiful contentedness that came with living under both the sky and the ground. Picking up her feet again, her ears flicked forward to the sounds of near-by vendors conversation. It was about food, and good lord did she want to know the things he made. The cold breeze from the plains above washed in and over the large cavern, carrying with it the smell of the local bakery.
Trying not to jump up immediately and charge through the crowd, the mare’s dainty legs carried her quickly through the crowd to the smell of sugary delights. Though she worried she may not have enough to pay for much more than a crescent or even a small warm anything, she still had to try.
The door to the bakery stood open, propped with a cute carved statue of a small fawn lying as if asleep. Nefertiti couldn’t help but smile as she saw it before seeing the quaint inside of the bakery. A warm draft pushed into her as she pierced its atmosphere, the heat of the ovens keeping the patrons nice and toasty. There was a single mare in front of her in line, and she had just gotten her cream filled delights and stepped out of line to enjoy them. Walking up to the counter, the mare looked to the scrawled writing on all the labeled back goods that found her fancy, but all were more than the less than a hoofful she had.
“What would you like, madam?” The baker behind the counter gave a sweet smile that came with serving others on a daily basis. Nef looked back to him and opened her mouth but a dry stutter came out. Clearing her throat, she began again.
“Do you have anything less than 5 shards?” Her voice was a low whisper, as she was embarrassed with her new-found poverty. The stallion’s smile faded slightly into a look of concern, since that was quite less than most usually carried on them, almost pocket change. His head lowered to join her in her whisperings.
“Just tell me what you want love, just pay me back when you get more shards, okay?” His warm smile returned as she looked to him in amazement and gratitude. The members of Breim were always kind to their fellow herd members, and it was quite a wonderful thing with all the news that passed through the caverns of turmoil elsewhere.
“Just give me your cheapest, jelliest thing,” The mare's voice picked up again as a smile crossed her lips, watching as the baker grabbed her a strawberry jelly filled pastry that looked enough for two and wrapped it carefully in paper before handing her it in a bag. “Thank you so much, sir.” She nearly choked, nodding her head in gratitude before taking up the bag in her mouth.
“You’re very welcome, Miss?” He rose an eyebrow inquisitively, a warm smile still on his lips.
“Nefertiti, My father was a Priest in Nariah, and gave me the name since I was such a blessing to him.” She explained, giggling softly at the thought.
“Well, it is a beautiful name, and I hope to see you again soon.” He smiled to her as she smiled back and nodded, bidding him good day and leaving the bakery behind her. Moving into the deeper part of the market, she watched as some of the later vendors set up their tents and stalls. Sitting down in a quiet place near the fountain that stood in the center of the market, she shoved her muzzle into the bag and quickly devoured the pastry without remorse.
{word count}
675 |
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Post by hyuuka on Feb 21, 2016 15:17:17 GMT -6
- Gaius | The Driven | Briem
Soft chatter of the bustling streets and side corners filled the Dunalino's ears as he lazily trudged his way through the ever-growing crowds of Sterling, trying his hardest not to make any physical contact. His posture had long since gone stiff the moment he stepped into the market as he glanced around Briem's fellow members; there were the staggering few that would stop and look at the stallion, almost as if they could sense his unease and dare they- had smiled towards him! Of course, their small act of kindness did nothing- quite the opposite actually. It had only made Gaius want to retreat back into his lab and possibly tinker with some of his earliest experiments that had unfortunately not progressed since the apparent "development". But he had a plan. A plan that involved a certain little shop off to the right of the fountain centered in this seemingly hot spot for shoppers. One that contained a kind seller who knew him personally and had exactly what he was looking for. The Hanoverian had hopes to find some newer products- least he find something that he had already purchased days? No. Weeks before. It was only late in the morning- he had time. Sighing quietly to himself, he reluctantly picked up his pace despite his legs' protests. Passing by a few stalls; some selling fine jewelry, others selling clothes, some even offer sample pieces to home decor or fresh herbs imported into Briem- all that were meaningless to the rather stoic male. He did'nt bat an eye towards the crowded stalls even as one of the vendors beckoned him over to look at their 'impressive stock'. The ridiculousness of it all made him snort comically.
Slowly coming into view, the fountain stood tall, gushing gallons upon gallons of water out from it's peak to only gracefully fall back into it's base as if it were in a dance of sorts. Surrounding the structure were small shops, stock wagons, tiny bakeries and, of course, the one thing he was looking for. Glancing at the vacant appearance, he knew all too well that he'd be the first to come in- which also means he got the first pick at what he prized most. First come, First served. Today seemed to be a good day.
Humming in content while still withholding his child-like excitement, Gaius all but trotted over quickly in it's direction. Well... More of a fast walk, but still. It was faster than his norm.
Crossing through the tight knit crowd, the driven passed by a few wandering members with product afloat. One in particular, however, near the fountain had caught his eye for a second- a glimmer of silver and white. One that he had- unfortunately- almost ran into in his 'rush'. Luckily the dunalino was quick to doge and avoid the disaster. Thank the gods, it could have been awkward. Though in a hurry he did'nt think twice to shout back an apology as he kept going. In all honestly it was an accident and he had something more important to attend to. At least he told himself that while trying to weight down the guilt. Opening the shop's wooden door he was welcomed warmly with a familiar yet gravely voice. "Welcome back, Gaius! It's good to see you again. A bit too long though, has it not?"He chuckled halfheartedly, feeling like he had somehow got caught. "Yeah I'm sorry 'bout that... I was a bit caught up with something." He answered quietly, not really wanting to explain how he was cooped up in his house for the past 3? 4 weeks? Yeah it'd make him seem like he doesn't have a life beyond his front doors. 'Exactly I don't...huh.' He thought to himself dryly. Not really surprised. Turning his head to gaze about the stocked shelves and display tables he begged the question: "Anything new come up yet?"A laugh.
"I'm glad you asked."
Word Count: 661
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Post by Midnitella on Feb 21, 2016 15:50:08 GMT -6
Nefertiti | Echo | Breim
Pulling her face out of the bag she was met with a golden stallion nearly barreling into her, causing her to yelp in surprise. Her head turn to see him go, ears flattening against her neck in annoyance as his apology seemed to disappear into the air behind him as he left the fountain behind. Watching him enter a small shop, she looked over it curiously. What could be so important in a gem shop? The mare thought to herself as she pushes herself to stand. Grabbing her empty bag to throw it away, she decided to investigate this strangers interests. Tossing the bag in one of the bins that lined the streets outside the shops, she slowly approached the windows of the shop to see what the keeper had.
The silvery mare's eyes widened as she saw the dazzling stones that lay on the main windows display. Sure she couldn't afford them, but goodness did she love them. She was like a magpie, drawn in by shiny and beautiful treasures. Hell, if she had the skill for it, she may even consider herself a thief just so she could have more. Her interest for the stallions business fell to the side as she pushed open the door to the shop, looking around it curiously for maybe a pile of scraps. She was always interested in making things herself, since more often than not the styles of most horses taste seemed to be below hers.
Listening only ever so slightly as they spoke, Nef rose her head to see what may lie just out of her sight on the higher shelves. Giving a small huff in annoyance and disappointment in her own short stature, she decided it was best to stick to what she could see. Her gaze rested on each of the ores and gems she could find, making small winces at the prices. Not out of her own frugal tendencies, but out of a lack of funds.
Over the course of the last two years since her parent's deaths, she had tried her best to stretch the last of their money as much as she could. She used some of it for food and needs and the like, but ended up blowing a lot on fabrics, metals, and gems in hopes that she could start her work towards being a clothing designer. It didn't end very well, needless to say, as she now carried what was left in her small pouch.
As she was lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice herself at first, but now she knew she was doing it. Between her observances in the stones, she would take a prying glance to the two stallions, her olive eyes resting particularly on the golden coated.
Gold was her weakness.
{word count}
463 |
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Post by hyuuka on Feb 21, 2016 17:34:05 GMT -6
- Gaius | The Driven | Briem
The Golden horse smiled ever so slightly. Knowing that he had come at a good time- though during such an unholy hour- and his dear old friend had indeed confirmed that the store has new stock to provide out to him. It was very- relieving. Of course by no special circumstance will he just walk away with a ton of rock but at least he'd walk away with what he can manage. 'pocket-wise'.
"Hm. So what'cha got then, Pops?" He questioned playfully, a single pale eyebrow quirking up- intrigued. The graying seal bay gave a throaty laugh before proceeding in his explanations. A tired old grin spreading across his aging features, knowing that this would surely get the younger, passive male going in excitement. "We had some miners recently bring in some different Clays- mostly for poetry though.. Of course they also brought Aluminum, Feldspar and Gallium- but knowing you, You'd probably have already got your hooves on some." The elder shop keeper teased. A knowing look shining in his dulled, grey eyes. In response Gaius' face flamed in embarrassment and gave a sheepish laugh, not sure on how to respond. "But of course," The bay continued, "I save the best for last," Gaius chuckled once again, "If you don't mind coming with me to the back for a bit, I can show you on what I'd think you'd be interested in." Gesturing vaguely with his muzzle, he pointed to the few rows of shelves and tables located at the very back of the small store before turning towards him in question. Looking back as well, Gaius scanned the area noting it wouldn't be much of a hassle to inspect. After all- it was still morning!
Not making any verbal agreement, Gaius simply nodded his head to the elder before turning his body to begin walking towards the end, Keeper in tow. Most of the gems and rocks that he passed by were those he already had back at home stored somewhere in his bedroom or laboratory. That's not to say he still admired them as the pale stallion past. Raising his drooped head he made the effort of peering at the taller shelves, slowing his step a bit when he noticed a few sapphires and granite. The sight of them never got old and somewhere inside his head begged for him to purchase a few more- but he'd rather not leave this place poor. A low, gruff call from behind snapped Gaius out of his daze, reminding him that he had suddenly stopped in the middle of the shop leaving the Seal Bay standing there patiently at the back. Murmuring to himself at how ridiculous he was, he turned to continue on when he made eye contact with another customer from across the aisle. When had they come in? He did'nt remember the bell on top of the door ringing and- wait.. Raising an eyebrow he quickly looked over the figure- noting it was a mare. Great. One that resembled a similar horse he had almost ran int- 'Oh Gods..' He thought dreadfully, face aflame for a second time. How embarrassing. Looking away quickly he all but dashed off hoping to the gods that the female did'nt realize or even recognize him. He just wants to get some things and be on his way and never see the lights of day for another 4 weeks. "See something you like?" The shop keeper asked which was more of a statement then a question. "You know, These are pretty hard to find here in Sirith but I have no doubt that these can have so sentimental value- at least to you." The bay continued, letting the dunalino finally catch up and stand beside him. Using telekinesis, the shop owner raised a few different rocks, each unique in colour and texture. "Of course you got the Phosphate and Potash," Gesturing once again to the rock mixed with sandy browns and black lining "Farmers would love these things... Ah! Here we are." Picking up a rather Crystal-like rock the Seal bay grinned over at Gaius, "This here is sodium rock, good for the body from what I know." Gazing at the mineral, the Hanoverian asked politely to take a closer look at it, with the keeper's consent and of course it was granted.
Having telekinesis was such a benefit on his part. He was thankful for it. Slowly bringing the solid material closer; he carefully inspected it. Turning it as certain angles noting it's texture and natural structure. Thinking back to his vast collecting it dawned on him that he did'nt have sodium rock yet- of all things! This was quite the find in his opinion. Again, he was thankful. Gaius couldn't help but let a smile slip by. A rare smile that very few ever see, one that makes his eyes twinkle and alive. One that- makes him feel whole. "I'll take it." He said bluntly, not even bating an eye towards the seller. "I thought You'd make say that," The bay cackled, "But.. I still have a few more to show you."He couldn't wait.
Word Count: 855
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Post by Midnitella on Feb 21, 2016 18:55:09 GMT -6
Nefertiti | Echo | Briem
The mare couldn't help herself but to eavesdrop, turning to watch the shopkeeper and the stallion walk to the back. A slight smirk crossed her lips as she glanced him getting flustered as he recognized her. It was cute in its own way, and it fed the beast that was vanity in her. Turning to look back over the varying quarts that lined a shelf. Quartz was a common crystal, and usually quite cheap, so to keep herself from being accused of loitering, Nef began inspecting a section of blue quartz with actual intent.
As her gaze scanned over a large cluster, her ears stayed perked to the conversation, not helping herself to turn and look at the pair in confusion. Sodium? Was he an alchemist of some kind? Or a spiritualist? Or a doctor? No one else she ever knew went for hulking amounts of pure sodium unless there was a good reason. This intrigued the silvery mare, but she couldn't just walk over and barge into their conversation. Turning back to the shelf of quartz, she took up a small piece of indigo aura quartz with her muzzle, walking it over to the mane counter to set it in it's place before turning and looking expectantly at them. Her hopes were that in one of the glances over to the stallion he would notice her standing there. Though she doubted it and grew impatient quickly as they talked.
Short mares came with short tempers after all.
Leaving her quartz on the counter, she began to walk over to the pair, swishing her tail slightly.
The mare didn't reach them flawlessly though, a loud amount of shouting outside caused her to startle and yelp. Turning her head to see, a large draft had a large bag in his mouth and he was in full sprint out of the market with a crowd of Breimians on his tail. Furrowing her brow she gave a short snort of annoyance. Both for the thief, and for losing a perfect sneak.
{word count}
348 |
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Post by hyuuka on Feb 21, 2016 20:42:32 GMT -6
- Gaius | The Driven | Briem
The driven member watched as the shop keeper carefully plucked different rocks and the like from it's assorted pile, explaining what they were and briefly suggesting if it were of use. It wasn't long before Gaius soon came to a conclusion of what to purchase. It was a fair amount, some more expensive than others but none the less worthy of such a price. A little less in pocket won't effect him too much. He barely eats anyway and shopping- hah. Like he'd make the effort of actually going outside to do something besides, this. So, of course, it won't be much. At all. "I think a couple Sodium rocks, a Phosphorite and possibly a Dolomite will be enough for now." He told the elderly seller smoothly. Voice flat despite his excitement inside. He's coming home with another load to add to the ever-growing pile. Once hobby turned into a Passion. No one can really blame him. "Hope that's not too disappointing for ya, Pops." The seal bay laughed, shaking his head lightly saying that it was to be expected anyway. "I'm glad that you have found something your looking for and not to be going home empty handed.. Just bring them up to the main counter and I'll run you through. I'll be up there in a bit." Turning back towards the display cases, the elder went to organizing the rocks and gems back into their rightful places while Gaius carefully lifted the clutter of what he would soon buy. However both of them jolted in surprise as they had heard shouting from outside the shop. Curious- and even a little concerned, Gaius looked over and watched a rather bulky horse dash off in a hurry with a small, angry crowd in tow. There was a sigh beside him. "You'd think they have known better to steal. It's such a shame those kind go so low. Life would be so much better if they just cooperated." Humming in agreement, the dunalino was about to offer to wait for his dear old friend until he was done rearranging the hard produce when he noticed a distinct silver glint once again. Glancing to his right, Gaius confirmed it was a mare from before. Seeing as she looked like she was about to approach the two made a red flag start waving violently in warning for a second before he sighed, 'I need to stop being so damn paranoid..' Taking his 'precious cargo', He muttered to the bay that'd he'd be up front and started to make his way over. Glancing at the mare for a second before brushing past like he would any other stranger. He just wanted to get back home as soon as possible...
Word Count: 458
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Post by Midnitella on Feb 21, 2016 21:13:11 GMT -6
Nefertiti | Echo | Breim
Nefertiti shared the glance with the golden stallion as he went to move past her, her eyes sparkling like proud and annoyed peridots. Blinking her long lashes at him and raising an eyebrow as he walked past her, she mumbled coolly, just loud enough for him to hear.
"Wow, you do have manners." A smirk crossed the mares lips as her false amazement practically forced the sarcasm to drip off her lips. Taking a few steps over to the shop keeper, she smiled politely before using her sweetest tone. "I'm ready to pay when you get the chance, good sir." She informed him before hearing some acknowledgement from him and turning to head back to the front of the store.
As she came back to the counter her piercing eyes fell on the golden stallion once more, her curiosity finally starting to leak through as to why he would be in such need of minerals. The temptation to ask him was becoming unbearable, so she debated with herself internally as she kept looking him over until finally she gave into her desires.
"What are the minerals for?" Using her head to gesture to the bag he held, the mares gaze on him softened slightly. Awaiting an answer she stepped in front of him to the counter to mover her small cluster of quartz out of his way. It was obviously cheap looking, it couldn't be more than a shard or two, which would be two more shards she couldn't use to buy herself food. "Are you an Alchemist or a Doctor?" She pried at him as she looked down at her crystals, since he seemed to be the jumpy kind, she thought it better to not give him her usual intimidating stare if she wanted information from him.
{word count}
298 |
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Post by hyuuka on Mar 21, 2016 9:40:06 GMT -6
- Gaius | The Driven | Briem
"Wow, you do have manners."
Gaius inwardly sighed to himself as the words were ushered his way. The hints of snark ever present. But, he knew better, he could just ignore this bothersome mare. So he did. At least- to an extent. He prays to the Gods that she would just leave him be. Before one of them hits a nerve...
Upon waiting for the graying seal bay at the counter, he noticed the silver coat had once left at some point and just now came back. He watched with wary as she moved over what seems to have been an indigo aura quartz- ah yes. Of course. Had to always be that choice for the common ones, huh? He didn't care much about the tasteless choice but what the fellow member said next irritated him a bit more than necessary. More than he should have allowed. "No." The dunalino said flatly, voice drained from emotion with a bit of bite. "Do I look like one to you..?" Shaking out a loose strand of his slicked back forelock he began to gently place each mineral carefully onto the hard surface, making sure no harmful particle would brush onto it during the delicate process. Gathering the required amount of shards, he impatiently shifted from one leg to the other, glancing towards the back of the shop from time to time again all the while making no eye contact with the mare beside. 'Gods, the day I'm having...' The Hanoverian huffed dryly to himself. Without knowing it, Gaius' gaze soon shifted to that of the member ignoring any noise or word thrown his way. Having caught himself at the last moment while giving the mare a look over- judging in a way before he noticed something off. She looks as if- "you've been travelling for a while...? I mean-!" 'fuck...' "You look- er- Well, um... You look worst for ware is all- Not like it's a bad thing! It's just- you know? it's odd-uh- UGH, never mind forget it!" Gaius exclaimed, Frustrated with both himself and the situtation. Can't he talk properly for once in his life and not mess up?!
Word Count: 360
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Post by Midnitella on Mar 21, 2016 10:55:21 GMT -6
Nefertiti | Echo | Breim
"It was just a question." The mare rolled her eyes to the stallions reply to her question. He was less sociable than she thought, apparently, as she watched him place his rocks onto the counter she flipped her forelock with the sass of a thousand suns. Whatever he was doing was no long er her concern at the moment. If he wanted to be cold to her, then she wouldn't let it bother her. And then she turned to look at him again when she heard his voice pick back up again.
It was true, she did look quite ragged. She was covered in patches of dirt from sleeping on the road the last night or so, and her coat seemed out of place. Not to mention her muscles were strained and her ribs had begun to show from her careful eating habits. As she looked to herself it was almost as if her vanity and pride left her all at once as her posture shrunk in defeat. Her voice came out a little quieter and flat sounding as she spoke to answer him, her eyes falling to the floor, glancing over her worn hooves.
"No no, its alright. I've just a little... Lost for a while is all." The mare looked away from the him to look at her quartz again, resting her head on the counter. "This is just a rough year, is all." A small smirk crossed her lips as she glanced back at him. "Maybe I should just go to Eithne and work in The Pearl. I could get a pretty amount of shards working at a brothel."
A small laugh stayed in her throat as she looked back to her quartz, the light from the other crystals giving it a nice sparkle. She couldn't believe the words that had just flowed from her lips, but as she slowly came around to realizing how horribly off she was indeed, a sigh escaped her nostrils. Picking her head up off the counter she turned and left the small quartz cluster behind as she turned to head to the door, deciding it would be better to save her shards for food at this rate, and go look for easy labor while the day was young.
"It was nice meeting you, sir. Unless you have some house work or something I could help you with, I'll be on my way." Nefertiti glanced back at the stallion, maybe longer than she should as her eyes admired him for one last moment before pulling the door open to leave.
{Word Count}
428 |
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