In which a moment is cut short

Daegal did not utter a word. Instead, he grabbed onto the reins of his horse and led it outside. A moment later, Naomi heard him galloping away.

She raised her head to meet the curious stare of a blonde-haired stable boy.

"What?" She snapped at him causing him to bow repeatedly before leaving the stables like his shoes were on fire.

Naomi huffed and slapped her forehead. 'Why did I have to open my big mouth? What's Daegal going to think now?'

When she half-turned to look for a mount amongst the many horses lounging in their stalls, her eyes caught those of another stable boy, this one dark-haired. He didn't run away though but instead nodded his head to a spotted grey mare two stalls to her right.

Naomi let out a small smile in appreciation which the stable boy did not return but went back to his work of cleaning out an empty stall.

She shrugged, dismissing his coldness, and approached the mare who eyed her suspiciously. After a few comforting pats on the nose and a helping