under your spell [aidyn/diru]

[Cian Luke Boyd]

Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now,
But I really need you near me to

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The ground trembled and shook under the thundering of heavy hooves. They were a study in contest, horse and rider, the man dark haired while the mare he rode was nearly white as snow with a splash of golden color here and there under the black leather that caressed her features and rested against her back. She was a tall leggy thing with an even trot and a heart that seemed to burn as fiercely as her owner’s as the two moved closer and closer to the jump at that quick beated trot. A small smile graced the man’s lips and with a que that was almost hidden from the eyes of any watching, the mare rocketed forward at a canter and then leap, legs curling under her chest as she flew over the jump seemingly by invisible angel wings. Her hind end followed close behind and they were level above the jump for only a moment before those long, sturdy front legs came forward to catch her with easy grace and once more, the magic of flight was gone and they were just horse and riding cantering around the ring as though they didn’t have a care in the world.

You couldn’t see it, but a smile graced my lips as I queued my mare to run and bend and flex with the ease of a long partnership. Witch may have been wild and crazy when we first arrived here and I’d been getting her ready for this workout, but now that we had the dirt floor beneath us and the multi-leveled jumps to fly over, she’d settled, realizing that I wasn’t doing anything crazy with her right now. I leaned forward ever so slightly and ran my gloved fingers along her slightly sweat dampened neck, giving her a small bit of praise for that wonderful leap. Her only response was to snort and pull at the bit, wishing to either go from this collected canter to something wilder or take another leap over the set of jumps that I had set up when I’d arrived. It wasn’t a cross country field, that was for sure, but it was still something for us to do and a way to stay out of the heat that seemed more than happy to beat down on us mercilessly. I flexed my heels and urged her up until she was galloping around the arena, avoiding the jumps and just racing about.

I let out a bark of laughter as I moved with her, shifting to ask her to turn and zig-zag through the jumps, avoiding them, but still following the pattern with which I had jumped them, still keeping up that gallop. This was what we did best, running and racing with the wind, two Irish natives, bred and raised on the moors and crumbling cliffs, meant to be free and to kiss the sky with that natural power and speed that was granted to us by the horse gods of old. I shook my head and reined her in, asking her to canter so that we could go through the jumps a few more times, just for the hell of it. Witch was all too happy to oblige me and once more, we were flying skimming over the tops of the jumps like it was nothing, like they couldn’t hurt us if we went at them wrong. There was a certain freedom to the things that I did with this mare who had claimed a place in my heart and that freedom was bred of nothing more than trust and love, two things I wasn’t sure I really understood.

My golden and white mare pranced about, acting like she was skittish of the upcoming jump, but with a firm press of my heels, she went up and over it, even if the leap was sloppy and shameful for a mare of her years and experience with these sorts of things and with a scowl on my face I turned her around and had her come at it again. This time, she went over it without fail. Feeling pleased as punch, I asked her down to a walk, allowing her the moment to take a break and just wonder around the arena while I went into my own little world. As we walked around I began to sing to myself, a song I loved and amused me greatly, Fairytale of New York, trying to not laugh as I belted it out in this empty space, than whatever divine being was out there that I was alone right now and there was no one around to hear me singing such an inappropriate song, but I couldn’t help it, I had a very deep love for this song, made me think of my horse and other people who shall not be named.

Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now

• complete: yes • muse: good • comments: none • word count: 807

Cian Luke Boyd[/center][/color]

[Aidyn Dante Faywinter]

Today had been an early day for some reason. Woken up at what felt like the crack of dawn. Well, truth be told it really wasn't that early by most standards but it was for me. I had laid awake in my bed for a good half hour, trying my hardest to fall back asleep but I was too restless. I needed to get up and do something! What that something was I had no clue though. The one thought that was coming to me was that I needed to work one of my horses.

It took me a few minutes but I eventually got out of my bed and dressed before heading down to the barn where my two brats were housed. I yawned widely, shaking my head when I heard a particularly loud neigh upon my arrival to the barn. I could see the culprit too. It was my handsome stallion who seemed to be expecting something, at least judging by the way he was pawing at the door and all but squealing at me. Across the way though my lovely little mare poked out her head, nickering softly before returning to what was likely the remains of her breakfast.

I stopped, leaning against the door of an empty stall and debating. It looked like my stallion, River, needed to be worked, but I had had him out yesterday and the day before where Moon, the mare, hadn't been worked in a few days. I sighed, turning around and gathering my grooming supplies before leading the almost pure white mare from her stall, brushing her out quickly as she made faces showing just how much she enjoyed being brushed.

It didn't take long before I had the mare all tacked up and ready to go. I swung up on her back with practiced ease, glad I had gotten back into riding horses. I absently rubbed my knee when it twinged, remembering why I had hated horses for a while. I sighed, shrugging it off and guided the stocky mustang mare towards the indoor ring. I figured we could work on her roll backs and sliding stops, maybe later pull out some barrels and run patterns.

Suffice to say when we got to the ring, I was quite surprised to see someone there already. I chewed on my lip, debating on slipping away. Well, that was going to be my plan, until my mare realized that there was another horse nearby and neighed out a soft little greeting. I frowned, glaring at the mare's neck for a moment.

Well, there was really nothing else I could do without seeming rude right? "Umm, hi there, do you mind if I work my mare in the ring?" I called out, hoping my voice would carry out to the guy o his horse. I didn't wanna seem rude and I didn't know if he had a particular goal that'd be bothered with another horse and rider in the ring. I mean it wouldn't be the end of the world if I had to go to the outdoor ring, but I wanted to have better visibility, especially if Moon decided she wanted to spook or bolt.

notes: x__x blech
words: 535

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[Cian Luke Boyd]

Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now,
But I really need you near me to

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We danced, the two of us lost in our own melody and beat, hooves and heels and gestures so soft and smooth, you would never know that I was making them. Eyes shut tight; I ended my little song and focused once more on the mare beneath me. We moved with fluid grace and unparalleled partnership. I kept my posture straight and even, making sure that I kept her on the right lead as I asked her up to a trot once more. Long equine limbs extended and I felt that push from trot to canter. She was like liquid fire beneath me, blazing a trail towards wherever it was that we were going, around and around, this dance continued as the beat of hooves thundered over the hard packed ground of the arena. We were working, that was all we needed, and we didn’t need anything else. I was content in my life, I didn’t need anything else. I’d had enough mistakes in my life and I was only just getting back on track with my life. Sure, I was young, but it was hard to admit that I still had lots of life left to live after all that had come raining down on my head.

These were the things I was thinking about as we canter around this place, eyes locked on the spot between my mare’s ears as we shifted and bobbed, moving with simple ease and long practice. Her long lets arched and bent with each movement she made, long locks flicking against her flanks when I turned her ever so slightly to turn around and start heading the other way. Witch’s nostrils flared and compressed with each breath she took. My seat followed the motion of her body, my breathing even and calm even if my mare was breathing rather harshly, but this wasn’t anything either of us was unused to. If I asked her to stop now, she would only fight me. I took a hand from my reins and rubbed it over her neck, smirking. She wasn’t even sweating yet, she most certainly would not allow me to make her stop running around and flying over jumps. That is, until the sound of another horse had Witch’s duel toned eyes turning towards the entrance to this place and causing her to come to a sliding stop, nearly sending me over her head.

My head snapped around to look at what had caught my mare’s attention before my head tilted to the side and I turned Witch, urging her towards the newcomer at an easy walk, keeping a tight rein all the while in case she decided to do something crazy, which she might after all she was given her name for a specific reason or rather many specific reasons. I pulled Witch to a stop, keeping a respectful distance between me and this boy. Placing a smile on my face, I spoke, “Not at all, I was actually getting ready to cool down this beauty and put away the jumps, unless you’d like to use them.” I raised an uncertain brow, but otherwise kept my face neutral and friendly as I glanced over him quickly. He was a handsome fellow, young by the look of him, but I didn’t think he was that much younger than I was, probably a student, best to keep my distance or I could find myself in a lot of trouble, mainly with mother who would scold me and send me on my way. Turning Witch away quickly, I trotted her out, taking a deep breath and allowing my mind to empty once more.

Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now

• complete: yes • muse: good • comments: none • word count: 607

Cian Luke Boyd[/center][/color]

[Aidyn Dante Faywinter]

I was starting to wonder if I should perhaps move onto the outdoor ring or even go on the trails. I didn't really wanna disturb the man and horse. He looked more than just a touch focused on whatever he was doing with his horse. I mean I'd likely just get in the way with Moon being as spooky as she pretended to be. Last thing I'd want was for Moon to spook and literally slam into the other mare or jump. But yet training her around the jumps and other could be good as well. I mean it was something new and then she'd be able to be despooked and such. It was a fifty-fifty win and lose situation. I eyed my sabino roan mare curiously, trying to judge just how well I thought she'd behave but I couldn't tell, she seemed much too interested in the other horse at the time being.

I guess I'd been zoned into my mare because I hadn't realized how close the man had gotten. I started, my mare snorting softly in her slight annoyance with me, looking up at him with those large blue eyes of mine. He seemed friendly enough and was even bothering to say more than just yes or not, something I kinda appreciated even though I wasn't expecting it. A hand lifted, scratching the back of my head as I glanced between the jumps and my mare. "Well, ummm, she's kinda spooky and more western trained. . . " I trailed off, gesturing to the western saddle on my mustang's back, wondering if perhaps I should have brought River instead, but then again how exactly was I supposed to know that someone else was already in the ring and using it for jumps? I shrugged the thought off, contenting myself to look at the guy curiously, a little surprised at what I saw. I could've sworn he was a student, he looked young enough but at the same he didn't. Maybe a recent graduate that had permission to work the horses? Or even a stablehand? I didn't know, but I did like what I saw.

I was pushed out of my mind when my mare nudged me and I rubbed her nose before she pulled away, lifting her head high. "If you want I can help you take down the jumps right quick if you'd like? I offered, my head tilting just a little as I smiled softly even though I could feel a blush trying to creep over my face. Hell I didn't even know WHAT was trying to make me blush. Maybe just what felt like a semi-awkward situation? Only thing that was coming to mind, after all it's not like he was flirting me or vice-versa. Well, it wouldn't hurt to help right? Hell it wouldn't even be a hassle for me in the end. Free up some room and make it safer if Moon spooked. My attention was starting to wander again, back towards the guy, however this time I looked down to look at the horse he was riding. Pretty thing, a lot flashier than Moon in a way, however she was likely on the same level as River for sheer wow factor upon first sight. Of course, why hadn't I really looked at her before? I didn't know. "Your horse is beautiful by the way, I've never seen markings like her's before." I commented, properly smiling this time.

He moved off and I moved towards the gate, leading Moon through easily before shutting the gate behind me and turning to face the mare, sizing her up again as she flicked her tail absently. Even if she looked calm I trusted the mare about as far as I could throw her. I sighed, shrugging it off before mounting the mare as she decided to toss her head and sidle away. I frowned, pulling her nose in and urging her to walk in a tight circle until she was forced into stand-still. Her ears flicked and I rubbed her neck, looking for the other guy to make sure I wasn't going to be in his way. I mean he'd been here first and all. I sighed softly, scratching under the mare's mane a moment before nudging her into a walk around the outside of the ring. I figured it might be the wisest course to let her see the jumps before doing anything high-speed near them.

My idea seemed to be good too. One moment she was walking calmly like she'd seen everything the world had to offer and I was looking around, just trying to make sure I was staying out of the other's way when my mare came to an abrupt halt, tossing me forward before she wheeled around on her hindlegs and took off at a dead sprint for the other end of the arena. At first I was just trying to hang out, the fear of falling and getting hurt once again rushing through my brain. Idiot me didn't react in time to pull the mare down, even if she performed what would be an excellent sliding stop had we'd been being judged. I nearly flew over the mare's head but shoved myself back into the saddle, glaring at the horn for a moment. That's when I blushed heavily. He'd seen hadn't he? That I hadn't been able to control my horse? I grumbled a bit, swinging off the mare and walking her back towards the 'offending' jump, trying just to focus on us. Much to my displeasure, the mare acted as if nothing was wrong. "You are evil Moon." I muttered, looking around again, almost hoping the guy had left and hadn't seen that little escapade. Last thing I needed was for people to think I couldn't control my horses.


notes: erm o,o'''
words: 976

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[Cian Luke Boyd]

[bg=ffcccc][atrb=border,0,table][atrb=width,410,table] Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now, But I really need you near me to

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The laddy boy seemed shy, which was probably good for him. It made it easier to not flirt with him, which was my nature most of the time. I was a rather in your face sort of person, an attention giver and an attention craver. I couldn’t do there here though. I’d been warned multiple times about getting mixed up with people that could possibly be students. Actually, the more I thought about it, there was no way this kid wasn’t a student here. I wondered for a moment if he wondered who I was. Most people didn’t realize that their school secretary was a. a man and b. almost as young as they were. I wanted to start laughing, but that would have been very rude and well, I didn’t want to come off as being an asshole, because I wasn’t one, usually anyway and I didn’t need mother hearing about me being rude and being dragged about in front of a whole parade of people by my ear. That was a very unpleasant thought and inwardly I was cowed by the idea of that. Santiago could be a brute when he wanted to be, which was sad because he was just so loveable.

Inclining my head ever so slightly, the motion agreeing with what he said, a smile crossed my lips for a moment. Oh dear Epona, those eyes. When he turned them on me, my heart lurched and my eyes widened for a moment as I looked at him from my horse’s back and immediately started praying to whatever god would listen to what I had to say. Oh dear me, he looked so innocent and I wanted to see that look on his face while he was under me. Shit, I was going to get in trouble; I could just hear it now, scolding upon scolding for even have such inappropriate thoughts. Drawing in a deep breath through my nose, I parted my lips and breathed out once more. “No. I can do it; it’s not the first time I’ve had to put away my own jumps.” I smiled at him, a bright, million dollar smile that usually made people either want to get to know me or run as fast as they could because it wasn’t common to see someone with a smile as carefree and open as mine was, even if sometimes I was neither of those two things.

Reaching down, I stroked Witch’s neck. “Beautiful as she is, Witch’s heart is as cold as ice.” And as if to prove my point the mare twisted her head around, intending to take a chunk out of my leg, but missing when I pulled it away. “She’s an Irish Mustang, pretty as they come, but ruthless as well.” Witch tossed her head, pawing the ground and pinning those ears of her as flat to her skull as possible, “And a handful to top it all off.” I tapped my heels against her side in reproach of her pawing, keeping my reins tightly pulled back so she wouldn’t go forward, but the motion caused her to throw her head up and hop about an inch off the ground, but I didn’t even flinch when she did it, just narrowed a blue eyed glare on the green and amber eyed vixen under me. I was used to this and while some might think my kicked, but restraining her was mean, it was the only way to get my point across to this little devil. Still, I looked at the boy for a moment longer and then was moving away, allowing my mare her space from the other.

We moved about at a walk, but I kept an eye on the boy, curious about him and his little, spooky mare. Well, he rode well for one and for two he was a very handsome young man, but it was foolish to let my mind wonder to those things, so I focused back on my golden and white mare, eyes closed and just felt the flex and pull of her muscles as she walked, the pure power and strength underneath it all. She seemed to have simmered down and I pulled her to a stop, flipping a leg over her and dropped to the ground. I walked her to the tie rack and untacked her with quick efficient fingers before putting her halter and tying her to the post before turning back to go deal with the jumps, but that was about the time a swift motion caught my eye and my head snapped around to watch the boy’s mare spook and take off, nearly knocking him from the saddle several times and my heart nearly stopped and I decided the reason it did that was because I was a teacher and he was more than likely one of my students.

Forgetting everything I was supposed to be doing, I rushed over once he was on the ground, but slowed my pace the closer I got and came to stop at the edge of the jump he’d led his mare over to. “You dinna get hurt did you?” I asked, though he never fell from his horse, I knew that even hitting the saddle wrong could cause injury. I looked him over from head to toe; trying not to be too obvious about and breathed a silent sigh of relief when I came to the conclusion that he was mostly unharmed at the very least. “I should probably have introduced myself. I’m Cian Boyd, the cross country teacher and secretary here, but please, don’t call me Mr. Boyd, just Cian will do.” I wasn’t sure why I just decided almost at random it seemed to spit out that bit of information, maybe I was trying to put up a wall because this boy was seriously attractive and then add to that he was shorter than me, which was a novelty really because most people where almost as tall as me or as tall as I was. Silly, foolish Irishman that I was, thinking like this.

Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now

• complete: yes • muse: good • comments: none • word count: 1016

CIAN LUKE BOYD

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[Aidyn Dante Faywinter]

I wasn't really too sure on what to think about this guy. I mean he looked young, seemed friendly enough. Hell, he was even easy on the eyes, but that was no judge of character. I'd have enough of the pretty faces that just wanted to use and abuse me. I needed and wanted something something. What the hell was I even thinking?! No doubt he was already taken, I couldn't imagine him staying single for long. Of course that made me wonder just what he looked for in a partner. At first I figured maybe some brunette beauty but that didn't seem right. I couldn't really see him with a blonde or a redhead either. Perhaps another black haired person? I didn't know and I didn't know why I was even curious. Oh right, I might have had a mild case of ADD or something. At least I was going to claim it as such and nobody would be none the wiser for it. Not like anyone could check my medical records or something and even then my parents didn't particularly care as long as I was happy and nobody was getting hurt.

I was startled a little when my mare nuzzled the back of my neck, making me yelp and squirm away from her. Of course her only reaction was to give a rather amused sounding snort before shaking her head. I frowned softly and nodded a little when he mentioned putting the jumps away himself. "I really don't mind though..." I trailed off when I looked up to see his smile, I pressed into my mare's shoulder, stroking her neck. What the hell?! Why did I want to simply pounce him? Oh right, maybe because I'd been completely and utterly alone for the past few months, something I was entirely unaccustomed to. I flushed brightly, looking down to try and get my bangs to shield me so he wouldn't see. I didn't need him taking a guess at the very inappropriate turn my brain had taken.

I merely nodded, still looking down when he spoke about his mare. She seemed to cause a fuss and I looked up, peering between my bangs still not wanting to expose my face fully. I knew I didn't have a handle on the blush even though I could feel it slowly starting to recede. I chuckled softly, nodding in agreement before piping up. "Well I didn't say that she wasn't a handful!" I outright smiled, looking up at him even though I knew the blush wasn't fully gone. Okay, it was a fine attempt at being a smartass if a bit weak by most other's standards, perhaps it was something I'd actually regret since I didn't actually know who the guy was. Maybe he hadn't heard me though, considering his mare was fussing a bit more. I really wouldn't mind, I might have seemed rather, well, idiotic.

Of course after he moved off and I was actually in the ring on Moon I tried not think about him and focus on my mare. She really needed my full attention, not some strange man I had met by pure chance! I couldn't help but steal glances at him though. That was why the spook had caught me off guard no doubt. I was just glad I'd stayed on for the brief and somewhat wild ride. I knew it could have been so much worse. Had to be thankful that Moon was more of a runner than a bucker.

Maybe I should have been paying more attention to the guy when I was showing Moon that the fence wasn't out to eat her alive because next thing I knew he was near us and speaking again. I jumped, going wide-eyed and staring at him before looking down and nodding. I was mildly perplexed at the sudden change in his accent. I mean I'd heard it and recognized it from the brief exchange we had just recently had, but now it was harder to decipher but not impossible. One point for Aidyn? For what? Sheer dumb luck if anything. "Oh yeah, umm, my butt's a little sore but I've had a worse fall." I said quietly, trying to smile but it was a weak attempt. Why did he care if I was okay? Well, maybe he was just a good guy and cared for others? Or was there some other reason? No, I highly doubted it, he just had to be a general person.

I looked up, head tilting just a little when he went on to introduce himself. Well I certainly wasn't expecting that of all things. If anything I rather expected him to go back to his mare once making sure I was okay, which I was except for possibly my nerves but I think that was natural for any rider to be a little bit frazzled. I stared at him when he admitted to being the cross-country teacher and even the secretary. How did I not recognize him? Oh, well, I suppose I had mostly dealt with the headmaster so that would explain that part. But the cross-country teacher aspect interested me. My stallion was competing in that. Did that mean I'd actually have him for a teacher? I actually almost blurted out that question before catching myself. Oh no, it just wouldn't do to be asking questions like that. I bit my lip, trying to hold the flood of questions back. I did smile and nod when he gave me his name. "My name is Aidyn, Aidyn Faywinter." I said, rather quietly and then could have kicked myself. I was being too quiet! I mean it was rather quiet in the arena, minus the snorting and pawing of horses, so it's not like I'd be drowned out but my father had always told me to be most assertive. One of the few issues I actually needed to work on according to my parents.

"I think I'll have you during school-times, my other horse is actually being trained for cross-country." I smiled rather brightly. I was actually excited to be meeting one of my teachers before class started so I'd at least have an idea of the personality of the teacher and if I could actually handle it. Of course, with him as a teacher would I be able to focus properly? Especially the focus my stallion would demand? I looked away, frowning softly. Then again, it's not like it would just be us, one on one. My face lit up like a bonfire and I had to turn away, pretending to check the cinch on my mare who grunted in displeasure, reaching around to headbutt me before I pushed her head away trying to control myself. Well this was just great! Here I was, wasting a chance to get to know my teacher by being a complete and utter fool! What a great day this was turning out to be....

notes: *walks away*
words: 1172

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[Cian Luke Boyd]

[bg=ffcccc][atrb=border,0,table][atrb=width,410,table] Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now, But I really need you near me to

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Lifting a hand, I waved him off, chuckling to myself as I shook my head lightly, “Really, it’s fine. I was raised to clean up after myself and no matter how big the mess, I do.” I saw traces of hi flush as he looked down and felt my heart kick it up a notch. Oh dear Epona, I wanted to see more of that. Shit, I shouldn’t have thought that because now, I was more or less staring at him with a rather bold look in my azure eyes. He was a rather delectable young man and maybe that was vein of me to think, but I couldn’t get that one thought out of my mind. I mean, I’d seen plenty of attractive men in my twenty-three years, but none of them had really made me look at them the way I was looking at him and that caused me to wonder if maybe some goddess of fate was pulling the strings here or many our fates were just twisted together like that of people who were meant to meet? I didn’t know and I wasn’t sure I wanted the answers to those questions. I couldn’t afford to get mixed up with someone right now.

Not for the first time, I wished that he would lift his head so that I could see his face, but he wouldn’t, not even while I was speaking and I felt a frown pull on the corners of my lips, but I tried to keep it away by keeping my face neutral for the most part as I waited to see what other reaction I would get out of him. Even if I didn’t seem to like the responses I was getting, it still intrigued me that he seemed well, so shy. It wasn’t normal for people to act this way around me, most of the time other people got as happy and delighted as I typically am and then, he spoke and my eyebrows rose. Oh dear, now wasn’t that just the cutest damned thing I’d ever heard come out of someone’s mouth in my life. My head tilted back and I laughed, it was a rich, warm sound and I had to cover my mouth to stop it. “That you didn’t, but I thought I should give fair warning that this beasty isn’t as sweet as she seems.” I shook my head grinning all the while.

I could feel him glancing towards me, just as I was glancing towards him. I wondered what had us doing that. Once more my mind was drawn back to the idea of fate and I wanted to start laughing at it, but I didn’t need insane looks being thrown my way, people did that to me enough as it was, I didn’t need to add this boy to the list of Cian’s crazy, let’s look at him funny. No, didn’t need that at all and anyways, I was probably going to see him a grand total of three times. I kept scolding myself mentally every time I cast an eye his way. I was getting lucky that we didn’t look at each other at the same time that would have been seriously embarrassing. I would have felt like such a peeping tom that I was more than positive he would have reported me to Santiago and well, I really didn’t need mother on my back about gawking at students. I got enough scolding from him as it was and I didn’t want to add one more to the list or maybe I did, because that boy looked yummy riding his horse.

When I rushed to him, he seemed slightly confused and I wasn’t really surprised. I mean, when I got worked up, my accent became unbearable for the most part and you couldn’t really make out about half of what I was saying, so I had to take a deep breath and calm down, but then his words made me laugh and I whispered, low and soft, hoping he didn’t hear, “I could think of better ways to make that arse hurt and I’m sure you’d enjoy them.” I coughed lightly; mildly surprised that I’d said that out loud and prayed to whatever higher power was out there that he hadn’t heard what I’d said. Oh lord, he would be greatly freaked out, even if I got the feeling that he batted for my team. This was all foolish insanity and I should just be done with it, but no, my and my big Irish mouth had to keep going on and on and on, like I just couldn’t get enough of him, which I guess I couldn’t and that was new. Normally, I could just walk away from a cute guy, but not this time.

I wanted to kick myself, I wanted to kick myself ten shades of black and blue for saying what all I’d said. Dear Epona, he didn’t need to know all of this because he would sure as hell figure it all out eventually. So what was the point in telling him all that I had? Well, to get his name of course and that was exactly what I got and I rolled his tongue around in my mouth, letting it bounce around my brain. What a lovely name for someone like him, but I couldn’t decide if it was fitting or not, after all, he didn’t seem like a little fire, but I wasn’t going to tell him that, it was rude to say such things to someone you didn’t know. So instead I put on a smile and inclined my head, “Ah, I’ve heard your name before. It’s nice to finally meet you, Aidyn.” And it was, it was really nice and I felt so horrible. I felt like someone was watching us and scolding me the whole time I stood there chatting away with him like this wasn’t dangerous, like someone couldn’t walk across us and take this the wrong way.

“Then you’ll probably be seeing a lot of me and Witch. I can promise you, my class won’t be easy, but it will be interesting.” I grinned almost wolfishly as I thought about it and enjoyed the idea of chasing students around a little more than I should have. It wasn’t unusual for me to find amusement in it though. I needed to get my kicks somewhere and watching students run around like chickens with their heads cut off was more than a little amusing at even the best of times. Once more, that adorable blush colored his cheeks and he looked away from me to start messing with his mare’s cinch and I wanted to know what was on his mind and why he was bent on not looking at me when he blushed like that and of its own accord, my hand reached out and lightly brushed his fingers away to pull lightly on the cinch. “Nothing wrong with it, so why do you keep looking away from me?” As I drew my hand back, I let my fingers lightly brush his arm again and I felt ten shades the fool as I did it and knew that this could only end badly.

Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now

• complete: yes • muse: good • comments: none • word count: 1209

CIAN LUKE BOYD

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