Chapter 78: Stablehand’s Dream

Chapter 78: Stablehand’s Dream

Gwen grunted as she heaved the last of the bales of hay into the corner.

You okay? One of the other stablehands asked.

Yeah, just a little tired, Gwen wiped the sweat from her brow.

Well, good job. That was the last of the weekly shipment.

Perfect, she smiled in relief.

Being a stablehand was far more strenuous than Gwen had ever imagined. Still, she wouldnt have it any other way. She wasnt an aristocrat, but she wasnt a commoner either. Her family belonged to the middle-class and lived in the Bourge District.

Her father was a merchant who sold spices for a living. Despite being humans her family had done very well for themselves, they even had contracts with a trade caravan. Still, the family wasnt very wealthy. Well, not wealthy enough to buy Gwen her own centaur that is.

She was the 5th child and a woman at that. Her father saw no need to spend money on buying her a steed, even if it was her dream. Nonetheless, Gwen wouldnt give up, she wanted to have her own centaur since she was a little girl, and nothing was going to stop her.

As soon as she was old enough she went out looking for a job. As a woman there werent many jobs available, but thanks to her fathers connections she managed to land the perfect job in the Scholar District. Being a stablehand gave her the chance to work with centaurs up close. It may not have been as glamorous as she was led to imagine, but she was at least able to interact with centaurs on a daily basis.

The stables she worked at belonged to a lavish apartment building. The stables were new and the pay was good. Gwen had nothing to complain about. One day she would save up enough money to buy her very own centaur. It wouldnt be a purebred or a pedigreed centaur, but it would be hers, and that would be enough.

She could already imagine what it would be like riding through the streets, the wind splashing by in a blast of speed. Just the thought was exhilarating. Maybe she would prove to be a very capable rider and get endorsed to ride in the Crimson Tracks of Murkton. They would give Gwen her very own racing centaur or maybe even a showhorse.

Gwen sighed, as if shed ever get a chance to get that close to such expensive centaurs. The best she could hope for was to buy a spot in the stands and watch a race or a show from afar.

Why so bummed out, Gwen? An orc stable hand asked. Were done with the heavy lifting and most of the apartments tenants are gone for the summer. Even the ones who stayed are out in the city right now, as are their centaurs. The orc did a little jig, Which means we have the rest of the afternoon off.

Another human stablehand shook her head, Idiot. Gwen works here because she likes centaurs. If it was up to her shed spend all day with them.

The orc laughed, Ah, I forgot. Well, anyway, were going on a break to get some lunch. Theres a nice tavern right outside the Scholar District. Wanna join us?

Nah, go on without me. I brought my own lunch, Gwen shook her head.

Suit yourself, the orc shrugged.

The other stablehands left, leaving Gwen by herself in the large stables. She went to her nearby satchel and pulled out a loaf of bread and some cheese. She found a comfy bale of hay to sit on and began to eat her simple lunch. It was nice having a bit of solitude and quiet once in a while.

The sounds of hooves clattering on stone echoed nearby. Gwen looked up in time to see a gorgeous centaur trot down the sidewalk. The centaur gained speed as she drew close. Right as she was about to smash into the stables gate, with one swift burst of energy she leaped over and landed with the most graceful of steps.

Gwens bread slipped out of her hand as she stared slack-jawed.

And this is just a taste of what I can do, the centaur said proudly.

Which part of almost falling off do you not understand? A goblin complained from the saddle.

But, I went slow this entire trip. I only accelerated at the very last moment to jump over the gate. Do you have any idea how difficult that is? The centaur turned her head to talk to her rider.

Does it matter? You were supposed to go slow, the goblin shook his head and hopped off.

Uh, h-hello, Gwen couldnt keep her eyes off the magnificent centaur. She had never seen the rider or steed before.

Hello, I am Stryg of Ebon Hollow. I live in room 305, he showed her his room key. Are you one of the stable workers?

Ah, yes, I am Gwen, a stablehand here, she nodded repeatedly.

Well, I just bought Rhian today. Im told this is where Im supposed to bring her?

Thats correct, sir. My co-workers went out for lunch, but theyll be back shortly. Do not worry, Ill personally take care of all your steeds needs. I wont rest until she is comfortable, Gwen said eagerly.

Rhian looked around, This place isnt bad. Not amazing, either. But, I like her enthusiasm.

Gwen cleared her throat, If I may be so bold as to ask, what sort of centaur are you?

The annoying kind, Stryg tried taking off the saddle.

Stryyyyg, did you buy a centaur?

He still kept eating.

Oh gods, you did, didnt you? Feli squeaked, This is great! Whats his name? What is he like? Where is he? The suns still out, the three of us should go out for a ride.

Her name is Rhiannon, or Rhian for short. Shes in the stables out back. And shes annoying.

...You bought a female centaur?

Yes.

Any particular reason?

Yes.

Which is?

Stryg stood up, Im finished, thanks for the food. Im going to head to bed.

Wait, you never go to sleep this early, Feli narrowed her eyes.

I have to get up early tomorrow. Im heading on a trip with Master Loh.

For how long?

A few weeks, months maybe, Im not quite sure.

Feli rubbed her temple, Stryg never failed to surprise her with the most abrupt news.

I see, well, I suppose Miss Loh has your best interests at heart, she sighed.

...Yes, I think she does. Its weird to believe it, Stryg chuckled.

Feli smiled sadly, he still struggled believing others cared for him. She had told him she loved him, but he had not said a word about it.

Feli got up from her chair and kissed him, Im going to miss you, a lot.

Stryg blinked. He picked her up by the legs and threw her over his shoulder.

Help, a fiend is kidnapping me! Feli cried out playfully.

Damn right, Stryg spanked her butt.

Feli giggled as they went to the bedroom.

~~~

After several rounds in bed, Feli admitted defeat, and after several more rounds, Stryg accepted her surrender. They lay in bed exhausted, Feli far more so.

She found herself playing with Strygs grey hair. His hair practically glowed silver in the moonlight. She loved running her fingers through his hair. An hour later, Feli threw on a bathrobe and headed towards the door.

Where are you going? Stryg yawned.

Im going to have a quick chat with Rhian before you both leave tomorrow. You can head back to sleep, Ill be back in bed before you know it.

If anything happens just scream, Ill hear you, Stryg mumbled.

Feli jumped back on the bed and kissed him on the cheek, My hero.

A tribe protects their own, he grumbled and closed his eyes.

Exactly, she whispered.

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