47 Ashan 716
Elyna had almost forgotten about her arranged meeting with Malcolm that evening, so she was surprised by the knock on her door during a break for mid day meal. The young messenger presented her with a note and she gave him a copper nel for his trouble, sending him on his way after she’d messed with an unruly shock of dark hair. Embarrassment that she had almost missed appointment quickly gave way to excitement. The captain explained in his missive that he could no longer attend their training, as he was patrolling. Her heart skipped with excitement as she read his invitation to join. She didn’t pause to second guess the meaning behind, or if it was a genuine or merely polite gesture. She intended to cease the opportunity with both hands. The note was left in the dust on the floor as she sprinted back to her bedroom, changed into longer boots, collected her jerkin, a pair of leather clothes, a small purse of coin and sprinted out of her home to the stables. The mistress, Ruth almost laughed at her breathless request to rent a horse. But Elyna took her time once the rental fee was paid to acquaint herself with the animal. Brushing the tall bay she moved her fingers over the fur, inhaling the scent of horse and hay. She loved it. The Bay, Ember was quiet enough but kept a watchful eye on her as she prepared and saddled up. She led the horse to the school before mounting, checking her seat and riding for a few moments. Satisfied that she and Ember would get along Elyna dismounted once more and led the horse through the busy streets, her sword strapped to her side. She was still fizzing with excitement and struggled to tamp it down so she didn’t spoke her new companion.
But the smile as she approached the Eastern gate to the city was hard to contain. She mounted up again, swinging her leg over with an ‘omph’ Ember was a bit taller than she was used to, and it had been a long way up and effort too. Settled she straightened, pulled on her gloves and took a firm grip of the reins as the rest of the patrol arrived. She twisted as she sat, waiting. Birds were singing, the day was cooling. She could smell trees and grass and felt the wind pulling playfully at her hair