The golden sun peaked just over the wooden roof of the farmhouse. Auruleant light draped itself over the property. Weaving itself through quietly swaying wheat fields and through open windows of the small house.

They’d built the house less than a year ago. Everett had discovered his love of farming while Victor tended to the cattle. A match made in harmony for work.

Grazing cows filled a wooden fenced in area just beyond the confines of the home. The world had become simple in the days since; the cattle, the desert and a warm bed was all they needed. There were no neighbours, nor bandits, nor rangers left to weigh them down.

The air was warm and mellow as the day was slowly falling into its slumber.

“Wooo!” Everett boomed as he raced through the desert, Victor just slightly on his tail. Waving his tan hat in the air, Everett stood on his feet, straining against the leather stirrup.  Ranger had developed a friendly competitive streak against Victor's horse, Whiskey.

Victor caught up to him, “Sun’s gonna fall soon, we should get on home or else we’ll be stuck in another cold night out in the Desert.” They’d been riding around for the past few hours, kicking up dirt. The edges of Victor’s midnight chaps were dotted with a thick layer of sand.

“Perhaps those cold desert nights weren’t so bad because they were next to you.” Everett leaned in mockingly. The horse continued trotting beneath him, head held high by the reigns. Victor looked over at him, slowly losing his ability to keep a straight face as he watched Everett. The slight raise in his eyebrows, the curve of his cheekbones...

Breaking into a sprint, Victor made his way further from the house, “Then I rescind my statement!” He yelled over the thunderous clomping of his horse. Everett shot him a wide smile and chased after.

Victor beamed, the sun curling golden strands into his black hair as he rode onwards away from home with Everett beside him. Another cold desert night would do them some good.