The Stables: Friday night

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

After leaving his room, Karal had brought Florian down to the stables. While they were nice, they were hardly up to Companion standards. "I'm sorry they're not better," he said as he prepared the stall next to Trenor.

Florian shook his head. :I don't mind. This will be an adventure, of sorts. Rolan on the other hand...:

Karal burst out laughing, and Florian whickered with amusement, the sound filling the stables and ringing out through the open doors.

[ooc: it's equineapalooza! And it's totally open!]

Comments

[blueeyeswhite.livejournal.com]

He bent his neck to peer at her. :You're from this world's future? How does that work? Do you know everything that will happen? How did you get back here from there?:

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"I'm not quite sure," she admitted, "and no, I don't. Many records were lost--it has been quite a while, after all, and the ones that remain are carefully protected and not for the likes of me."

"I haven't gone back and forth, except for when I arrived--a shuttle dropped me off, but left shortly thereafter."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Having finally finished setting up the stalls, Karal came and sat next to Inara, offering her and Florian a smile, but not wanting to interrupt their conversation.

[blueeyeswhite.livejournal.com]

:I thought just being in another world was strange, I can't imagine what it would be like to be from it's future,: he said, touching Karal briefly with his nose in thanks.

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"The cabins were very odd," she confided, looking around for a currycomb. "Would you like to be brushed, or is that too personal an activity?"

[blueeyeswhite.livejournal.com]

:Not at all! Unpartnered Companions don't get as much grooming as we need,: he replied, looking expectantly at Karal.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"As you'd like, you mean," Karal said with a laugh, hopping up to fetch a brush, which he presented to Inara.

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"Thank you," she laughed, bobbing a curtsey, then running the brush gently down Florian's neck. "Unpartnered? What does that mean?"

[blueeyeswhite.livejournal.com]

:Companions Choose a person to be their Herald,: he explained, leaning into the brush. :It is the only way someone can become a Herald, to be Chosen by a Companion. As part of the Choosing, they bond, joined until death. I have never Chosen, so I'm Unpartnered.:

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"What does it mean, to Choose someone?" She asked, still brushing, then smoothing his coat with her hand after the brush stroke. "Do you regret not having done so?"

[blueeyeswhite.livejournal.com]

Companions rarely spoke of such things, so he chose his words with care. :It is a measuring, a balancing, to find if the person has that in them which would make a Herald. As for regret...: He turned to look at Karal. :No, I don't regret it.:

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"Do you only get one chance to Choose?" Inara wasn't sure whether she was prying into a private area or not. "Will you be alone forever?"

[blueeyeswhite.livejournal.com]

Florian whickered with laughter. :I am not alone. There is an entire herd of Companions, and I have friends. Some Companions never Choose, and I suspect I will be one of them. I guess you could say a different life chose me.:

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"Which life is that?" She was strangely relieved to know the beautiful creature wouldn't be alone for his entire life.

[blueeyeswhite.livejournal.com]

:Valdemaran advisor - and friend - to a Karsite Sun-Priest,: he chuckled. :And that is a first for any Companion, in any time, but it was needed.:

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"How do you decide what life you want?" She asked.

[blueeyeswhite.livejournal.com]

:In this case, the Companions decided and Rolan asked for volunteers. I was chosen from among them. You have to understand that Companions have fared rather badly at the hands of the Karsites in the past.: He turned his head to glance at Rolan, almost as if seeking permission, before continuing. :Which is why he asked us to volunteer, rather than simply picking one of us.:

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"You must be very brave," she said quietly.

[blueeyeswhite.livejournal.com]

He shook his head, making his ears flap. :Not really,: he said, mindvoice teasing. :It turns out Karal doesn't eat babies or Companions!:

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

Inara blushed, then remembered the alternate meaning. This was a difficult adjustment. "No, he's a good man."

[blueeyeswhite.livejournal.com]

:And a true priest.: Florian nudged her gently. :You could work on my mane, if you wouldn't mind.:

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"Of course," she laughed, then started brushing his mane.

[blueeyeswhite.livejournal.com]

:My thanks. Hwin and I are going for a run on the beach tomorrow.: He arched his neck and pranced in place. :A Companion should look his best.: