Surprised, Arielle dropped the brush and startled the mare. A string of panicked neigh’s echoed through the stables. Hugging the walls of the stall, Arielle waited till the mare calmed and then began to stroke her sides for reassurance. Arielle only turned to look at the voice once the mare was settled.

With one hand on her hip and the other on the horse, “Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to spook someone near a horse?”

The man who spoke was standing on a stool, resting on crossed arms upon the stall gate. He was a human, that much was clear. His hair was silver, like that of the King’s coin, but freshly minted and never spent. And his brilliant blue eyes were so vibrant that Arielle felt like she was getting lost in a mountain lake just staring at them.

“I thought you heard me, I wasn’t trying to sneak up on you,” admitted the man. “Sorry, it wasn’t my goal. I wouldn’t want to spook you or good ol’ Sarionet.”

Arielle looked at the horse, “Her name’s Sarionet? That’s beautiful.”

“It’s the name of a famous painting, since she’s a work of art.” The man paused, as though taking a moment to admire the horse again before returning his attention back to Arielle. “Anyway, my name is Lyle, I’m the stablemaster, and as I said before, you’re not supposed to be here.”

Arielle could see now that Lyle’s muscles were well-worked and defined, indicating he was a hard-working man and likely not lying to her. “Ah, right,” she paused, “Although, if you’re the stablemaster, then I suppose it’s you I can berate for letting Sarionet’s mane getting all knotted. It was liable to start matting soon!”

Lyle threw his hands up in defense, “You are definitely not from around here.  Everyone knows only the students and professors can care for their horses. I’m only responsible for feeding and watering, plus barn upkeep.”

Frowning at his words, Arielle was speechless. This definitely wasn’t Maliorn. Between the elf accosting her to get his notebook and hearing that people simply didn’t see to their responsibilities, Arielle found it hard to believe that the attendees of this academy were the ones trusted to protect the empire.

“Don’t get the wrong idea, I report when the animals are neglected and the students receive appropriate punishments. They never expect me to turn them in, but after their first term, they learn quick,” explained Lyle. He began to look around, refusing to meet Arielle’s gaze and mused, “It often earns me a few beatings in retribution, but the animals are worth it.”

Arielle shook her head, unable to believe the words she heard. Muttering under her breath about fake heroes and false appearances, Arielle gave Sarionet one last scratch before climbing over the stall gate. “Well, I am sorry for jumping to conclusions and I hope that me brushing Sarionet’s hair doesn’t affect the student’s punishment,” apologized Arielle. While stubborn was a characteristic of hers, she wasn’t too proud that she couldn’t admit when she overstepped.

Lyle followed her with his eyes as she had climbed over and was studying her intently. Turning to lean against the stall door with arms crossed he said, “Apology accepted. Perhaps as a gesture of goodwill you can share you name?”

His voice was light, as though their whole interaction amused him. “Is something funny to you?” pressed Arielle. She wasn’t normally on the defensive. In fact, she liked to think of herself as fairly personable, but the last day had put her on edge.

Moving to sit down on the stool, Lyle rested his chin in the palm of his hand, staring at her with bright eyes and a lazy smile. “Well, yes. A feisty fellow human has found herself in my barn. I’m thinking I won’t be able to tame her like the wild horses I often take in and that amuses me quite a bit.”

“You’re comparing me to a horse?”

“They’re majestic creatures, I’d take it as a compliment,” laughed Lyle.

Pursing her lips, Arielle finally said, “I’m not sure if you I should like you or not, Lyle. Humans seem sparse around here and I think my allies will be far and in between, but boy are you arrogant.”

This time Lyle laughed loud and true before standing up from the stool to explain, “You need to be to survive around here. Harsh words will have to roll off your back.” He started towards her and paused a foot away, staring at her with those piercing eyes. “To need allies means you must have some hard times ahead. Should you ever need a fast getaway, do consider choosing my barn as your dealer of choice, Miss – ”

“Arielle!”

Aymon’s voice echoed through the stable, causing a cacophony of startled horses. Lyle never got to finish his sentence because without any further notice, Arielle was getting pulled by the collar of shirt, her heels dragging through the dirt.

She looked at Lyle aghast, who stared at the scene, equal parts confused and amused, as though realizing this is what a future of knowing Arielle Alarie held for him.