55
They returned home without fanfare, the children pouring from the house to engulf Jack as they pulled at him. He was scolded for being gone so long, begged for treats and more than one child asked him if he had seen Others.
Jack was not sure how to respond to the last one, Ianto taking the lead by saying loudly that he saw none on the journey. They seemed to accept that, soon pouring though the saddlebags with glee as they found little pretty buttons and such Jack had found at the market where he had sold the two horses they did not need. The money from the stock he had sold was still in his pocket, ensuring their winter grains.
"Midnight is in foal again" Owen said as they settled to watch the children find the sweets and race about like mad things.
"A winter foal" Jack grunted, the soft hand sliding around the back of his neck as Ianto wraithed through the room a sweet comfort to him.
"Dadda?"
"Yes Joshua?"
"Was it cold?"
Jack felt a little gooey inside as he saw that the little boy had been worried about him. Was it cold. Awwww. "Well, winter is creeping in love but it was OK. The barn was really arm and they did invite me into their farmhouse but I wanted to stay near Janet. I like that one, she is a good horse and I didn't want her scared to sleep in a strange place."
"Oh" The child nodded as he understood that.
"You know… I was surprised to see you and Winkle on the hover. But it was nice, that you came to get me and brought Tadda long for the ride" Jack pulled the boy close, "Brave to come beyond the fences like that. Especially Winkle who is so afraid of the Others."
"It was daytime" he shrugged "And I was one for a bit… I know they were not about. I could not feel them scrabbling about in my brain box like bees buzzing on a flower."
Jack had suspected this, knowing Ianto had a way of telling when they were close. He kissed the boy's forehead and whispered that he was the prettiest flower in the garden as the boy giggled and pretended to struggle.
"Hungry?" Rhys bellowed as he and Andy set the table. Yeah, he was. Tired and hungry. Loading Janet had been a mission, then saying goodbye to those good folk. Jack knew they had friends that could be counted on and next time he went to the stock markets he was assured a safe place to sleep that night. They had all agreed it had been foolish to push so. One day to go to market, and then return to the Caldwell homestead overnight before the travel back home triumphant. Ianto had made as much impression as Jack.
Of course… Winkle had been the thing that poor woman had loved the most. Melanie was now in her right mind one ore and had made them promise to visit with more children. Of course, the best idea was to come this way instead, get the full 'mad' experience. Jack had a feeling it would not be hard to part with a child or two to that family.
"So… he did a good job on that hoof" Mace said as he entered the house, still wiping his hands on a rag. "Getting to it early while it was still a fresh crack and applying the glues… I think it will hold. We have to keep her stabled and quiet for a few weeks… see how it heals. If she does not go off on one… I think it likely that the patch will solidify as it should and she will regain full use of it."
"But can she be ridden again then… once the patch is fully hardened and the hoof complete?" Owen asked.
"Hard to say. She will never be a distance runner… she has lost that but for rides around the homestead to check the electric connectors on the fences and such… a half hour of soft exercise will be OK. Just… no more hardship on that hoof." Mace shrugged, Owen nodding as this is what he had suspected as well.
"Damn. She's a good horse" Jack sighed as he learned he had lost this mode of transport for distance or stamina. He loved all the horses but when he had first met her he had found her to be almost cheeky. Damn.
"Well… best breed her then, she is still of a good age for that" Ianto said as he reached for a grape for the bowl, then settled back "In a couple of years one of her foals might take over the role she now has to bow away from."
"I love the way you say that" Owen grinned.
"He's right" Mace nodded as he addressed Jack "You can breed her. She is fond of that brute you rode in on … a mix of them might produce a strong willed sod but you seem to like a bit of pep to your ride."
Jack laughed as he glanced at Ianto and agreed "Definitely like a wild one!"
"OI!" Ianto said with fake annoyance "I resemble that remark!"
Everyone laughed as Ianto shone at Jack. Jack relaxed. They were right. IT was not a death sentence for his horse, just the start of a new part of her life. After all… he got one right? She deserves her pasture too.
'Pasture? You mean she can get shagged as well' came a soft voice in the back of his mind and Jack grinned at his lover.
Yeah… that part is fun too.
