Through the Eyes of a Fae
chapter 13

The Breeder’s name was Charles, and he was a big man, with a large belly. Though this did not stop him in any way, he could have been born on the back of a horse. He had a mop of straw-colored hair, and it stuck out in all directions, and his bushy mustache was much the same. Oh, his horses. Ludis had never seen so many beautiful horses before. She felt Adanedi nudge her, and she laughed, gently hugging his nose.

" Don’t you worry, Adanedi, you are the only one for me.” He gently nipped her sleeve and nudged her towards the barrel of apples close by. She chose one and handed it over as Ben, Kora and Royce walked to the middle of the corral.

" Now, these horses I’ve got are just in, but they’ve been broke and are quick as lightning.” Charles led two horses in, followed by a hostler with two more. Kora approached them, and began to run her hands over their sides, checking their hooves and mouths. She knew horses. Ben was impressed as he watched her go over each horse. She shook her head and turned to Charles.

" They are beautiful of course, but I am looking for … Unique. And much bigger. But still quick on the drop.” Charles chuckled and turned to Royce.

“Should’ve known you’d bring me a picky girl who knows her horseflesh. Steven, take these mares away, will you? I think I know what the lady is looking for.” Charles left for the stables, returning with a huge Andalusian dappled grey stallion. He was magnificent, 17 hands high. He snorted and stomped, clearly, he had a temper. Kora’s eyes lit up. She began to run her hands over his back and withers, checking his hooves. You could tell from the look on her face, that she was sold. Charles saw it too and grinned. The horse stilled under her hands, looking at her curiously.

“Oh, you beautiful creature.” She took the reins from Charles. The stallion was looking Kora in the eye, surprised by her existence. Stella had never seen anything like it. It was as if they had bonded right on the spot. Charles clapped Royce on the back and said,

" If the Lady is pleased, let’s wrap this up - you still owe me another round of cards my friend, I think this is the time I’ll get you.” Charles clapped Royce on the back, and Kora quickly shelled out the coin for her new horse and walked to Ben.

“You’ll need your own gear then, come on, I know a place. We can get you something for now, and when we get to the castle, you can look into something more custom suited to you.” Ben smiled and rubbed the horse’s back.

The shop was surprisingly large and smelled of leather. Kora picked a sturdy saddle, reins, and bit. A hostler outside shod her horse, and she was even able to replace a new pair of riding gloves. Looking down at herself, she sighed.

" Clothes of my own would be nice, do you know of anything, Ben?” He looked at her for a moment, thoughtfully. Women’s clothes? A girl from behind the counter stepped forward.

“Begging your pardon, but I do know a place if the lord does not. They won’t have dresses as fair as for the Court, but you will still replace decent wear.” She stepped over to the window and pointed down the street a bit.

“There, with the large brass sign above the door. Helen’s is a good lady and knows how to make clothes that’ll last a lady on the road.” They thanked her, and Ben flipped her a silver coin for her trouble. After Ben insisted on carrying her newly purchased gear, they stepped out.

“How about you go on and pick your clothes. I do not really know what I am doing in that department. I will look for an inn. I think a real bath and bed would be a good change of pace.” He smiled at Kora who nodded enthusiastically. It was clear she also thought it would be awkward to shop with him, as she needed all sorts of things a lady wore that he knew nothing about.

Kora could barely contain her excitement as she crossed the road, waving to Ben as he led the horses away. Stepping into the shop, she saw rows and rows of clothing and sighed. As much as she loved nature, she was still a girl at heart. Clothes! Lady Helen walked from a room towards the back, a pile of fabric in hand.

" Goodness, you gave me a fright! I did not even hear the bell. How can I help you today, missus?” Flopping the fabric on the counter, she dusted her hands on her apron and approached Kora, who smiled. Helen was a small, plump woman, with mousy brown hair streaked with gray and the kindest smile she thought she had ever seen. Kora liked her immediately. Explaining her lack of … well, everything, Helen swept her away - showing her drawers of undergarments, and pulling shirts and breeches from racks, and even a few dresses. She now carried quite a few bags, and trunks, that she needed help from Helen’s assistant to get delivered to the inn. Fortunately, Helen had thought of sending a runner, so out of the 2 major inns for Marr, Ben and the others were at the one towards the center of town, Called the Crescent Moon Inn. As Kora walked into the dining area, she noticed there were tons of tables, all full of travelers and regulars. Everyone was so loud and happy. There was singing and laughter. It was clear, the relief of the war being over was evident everywhere you looked. Ben signaled her over and offered her a cup. The fruit juice, cold and crisp, was heavenly. It had warmed up quite a bit the further south they traveled, and she was thankful for the cold beverage. A maidservant stood behind Ben, clearly impatient to get his attention again.

" She’s here to show you to your room, there should be a bath ready. I am going to order some food, are you hungry?” As Kora answered, Ben handed her the menu and leaned closer, to point out his favorites. The maidservant was clearly not pleased at being ignored. Ben turned to her and placed their order. She gave him a big smile, leaning over just a bit too far, offering him a pleasant view of what she had to offer.

“If you won’t be needing anything else, my lord, I’ll show the lady to her room.” She winked at Ben and stood up straight. Kora followed her, she and the maidservant were silent walking up the stairs. She opened a room, where the chests of clothes had been delivered. Not saying a word to the maidservant, she closed the door in her face. Why did it bother her so that another woman was looking at Ben in such a way? His business was his own, and after her last fiasco with love, she wanted nothing to do with it! She pulled off her dirty clothes, tossing them aside to be laundered, and touched the water. Of course, the maidservant had brought her tepid water. She fumed, and within seconds the water was steaming. She pulled out a bag from the first chest, containing different soaps, and drying clothes. Stepping in, she decided that she wanted to be a little spiteful this evening. Scrubbing herself down, making sure to rinse her hair twice to get all the dust and muck out, Kora stepped out to dry off. Pulling a soft dress from the last of the three chests, it was a cream color, with gold embroidered hem and sleeves. The lacing in the back and the low neckline were a nice touch, and her girls looked remarkable. The dress was slightly off each shoulder and the sleeves fitted her wrists. The fabric was light cotton and flowed around her feet. A sheer lace over robe completed the look in a dazzling deep maroon, also embroidered with gold. She placed simple brown leather slippers on and quickly arranged her hair. It fell in waves down her back, with only a simple braid on one side of her head, running behind her ear and down. She stepped out of the room and headed down the stairs.