tell the rambler, the gambler, the back-biter [introduction]

[gritted]

Mattie sleeps well, considering the long day she's had. Little Blackie is nearby her, which comforts her and makes her feel safe. She's still afraid of the snakes that come out at night even though Rooster told her that they don't attack young girls, but for now, she tries to forget that

Comments

[hismothersson]

Sometime in the late afternoon, she might be able to find Albert napping in the hayloft. He visits the horses, feeding and talking to the ones who don't seem to have people. He's not much of a rider, but he likes them. But today he did a little extra cleaning out a few stalls, and now he's tired. He isn't quite asleep, but sprawled in the hay with his eyes closed, that may not be obvious to her.

He's not snoring though.

[gritted]

Mattie's found the stables, and is currently exploring them, talking to the horses a little. When she sees Albert, she stops, a little bothered by his presence--she had thought she was alone.

She clears her throat, waiting for him to wake up.

[hismothersson]

That sound catches Albert's attention enough that he sits up, rubbing at his eyes. There's now hay in his hair, but he doesn't seem worried about it. "Don't mind me," he says cheerfully. "I'm just tired out from helping the horses a bit."

[gritted]

"I see. Do you help out often?"

[hismothersson]

He rubs his itchy nose next. He tries to get to his feet, but it's distracting having a girl looking at him.

"Not often, I guess, but often enough. The horses seem to like me."

[gritted]

"That's good, then. I find it nice to be around the horses--they comfort me."

[hismothersson]

That all sounds encouraging. "Do you ride?" he asks.

[gritted]

"I can, yes."

[hismothersson]

"I haven't been out for a while," he admits. "I don't know which ones need the work today."

[gritted]

"Try riding the friendliest ones--I think they are the ones that like it the best."

[hismothersson]

He nods his head at her advice. "Do you want to go out for a ride now?"

[gritted]

"I would like that, yes," she says with a nod.

[hismothersson]

Albert's grin widens. He now knows what to do to please the new young lady. "Well, if you pic, the ones you think want to be ridden, I'll find all the tack," he offers with enthusiasm.

[gritted]

She walks over to a friendly-looking horse, a little brown one, and nods. "Here, this one could be for you."

[hismothersson]

Albert stepped up beside her to pat its neck, then moves to the back where the tack is. "If you're sure. Which one would you like for yourself?"

[gritted]

She looks around and finds one that looks a bit like Little Blackie. "That one," she says, pointing.