(Untitled)

[leftthecradle]

The back door opens to admit the Ranger. The filly he brought to Milliways a few days ago gambols at his heels. She is much cleaner, has filled out slightly and seems to have pretty much accepted him as her "mother".

The Ranger heads over to the Notice Board to put up a sign of his own. An identical copy already hangs in the stables.

Attention

Comments

[amanda_darieux]

Look at that, the Ranger is getting hugged by a friend that hasn't seen him in some time. No they don't normally hug but a near death experience will do this to a woman.

[leftthecradle]

Eyebrows are raised at little.

"Amanda!" he says, delighted. "It's been a while."

The little foal is somewhat taken aback by this sudden manhandling of "mommy" and tries to go under the table. It isn't very successful.

[amanda_darieux]

Amanda notices.

Letting him go, "Yes it has. How have you been?" looking at the figure trying to ide, "And who is this?"

[leftthecradle]

"From the heights to the depths and back again," he says crypticly. "As for this little one..."

He smiles as he coaxes the foal over. This is a friend, he thinks at her, projecting the image of two horses play-jostling each other.

"This is a foundling I had with me when the Door decided I needed to come here. I think I've settled on a name for her, though. Cai seems appropriate."

[prototype_karr]

KARR's scanner flicks rapidly as he eyeballs the horse. He's had a few bad experiences with animals in the bar, and can't help but be a little uneasy. "Shouldn't you have a newspaper on the floor for that? Or take it outside?"

[leftthecradle]

The filly startles a bit but is quickly soothed by a gentle touch and an proffered bottle. The Ranger quirks an eyebrow at the talking car.

"I've made it clear to her that she is to go outside if she needs to urinate or pass stool," he says amicably. "I don't believe we've met, sir."

[prototype_karr]

"The question is, did it understand a word you said?" But his scanner settles down a bit after a moment-at least he doesn't plan to let the filly make a mess in the bar.

"I don't believe we have either; I would remember you otherwise. I am the Knight Automated Roving Robot-KARR, if you prefer. And you are...?"

[leftthecradle]

The Ranger laughs lightly.

"If I had used words, she most definately would not have understood," he says. He bows slighly. "I am honored to meet you, KARR. As for myself, I have a great many names, but some here call me Spero."

One hand strokes the foal's short mane as he gives KARR a speculative look. "I don't believe that AI's of your caliber were ever placed in ground vehicles in my universe. At least, it was not recorded in our history if they were. May I ask what year you are from?"

[puckishly]

Puck eyes the sign.
I jest to Oberon
and make him smile
And grins.
when I a fat and bean-fed horse beguile
The Ranger, as it happens, has a new note, written in painstakingly elegant script:
neighing in likeness of a filly foal.
To Monsieur Anla'shok Sperro,
I could, perhaps, be persuaded to supply a horse or two. Do let me know how you plan to proceed.
-Robin G.

[leftthecradle]

The Ranger recieves the note later in the day when Cai is sleeping. He nods in satisfaction and sends back a reply.

Robin G.

You have my sincere gratitude for your offer. I would like to discuss the particulars over tea before you commit. Being Bound, I think I could manage any time most convienent to yourself.

Valen's blessings.

Spero.

[puckishly]

Spero,
I assure you that you will find that the particulars are all in order. However, I fear that I do not drink ... tea.

Would you care to cut straight to the chase? I've a stallion in the stables-- gray, nearly silver. Appropriately enough, he'll answer to the name 'Quicksilver.' Should you care to give him a look, I am confident that you'll find him up to snuff.
-Robin G.

Puck, as it is probably unnecessary to note, is a lying liar.

[leftthecradle]

And lying liars lie most lyingly.

The Ranger finds the note waiting for him just before he retires.

Robin G.

I will most certainly accept your offer to look Quicksilver over and will do so tomorrow. Is there any possibility we might meet at the stables? I would very much like to meet you in person.

Spero

They say you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. Well, this isn't a gift horse. The Ranger plans to pay quite handsomely for the services. So he's going to look in it's mouth quite throughly...and maybe even look in the owner's mouth.