Bonfire Feast
Dog had spent part of his day dragging branches with Vigilance, and had managed to bump into a familiar face. Trinh and Kidist had bumped into them while they had been hauling the wood and the group of four had started working together. Vigilance had been pushing at Dog, trying to drag more and more as thought trying to outdo the mare. Kidist had seemed completely unimpressed by his efforts.
“I think someone has a crush” Trinh said knowingly as she watched Vigilance prancing around in front of Kidist, trying to show himself off. Dog let out a soft laugh as he wrapped a rope around a bundle of branches.He shaved of a few twigs to make it easier to tie.
“He is never like this around my girls, I think he realised quickly that they don’t care. But now there is a new lady around” he said shaking his head. Between him and Trinh they got the bundle tied to Vigilance, and quickly gathered up a second tying it to Kidist and then led their horses back to the quickly growing bonfire. Dog looked up at the mass of wood in awe, eyes wide as he watched people carefully carry bundle up a path literally built into it to add to the stack. It stood easily as tall as a house, just dry wood, leaves, a few bits of fat soaked cloth tucked here and there to make sure it burned.
“Man, this thing would keep me warm for the rest of the year” he said softly. “Not that we could carry this much wood!” he added grinning.
“I would be set for rebuilding fences when Gourd knocks them down” chimes Trinh and Dog laughs in agreement. The two spent most of the rest of the day collecting wood with many of the other people there to see the giant bonfire. As the sun began to set they found somewhere comfortable.
The night had fallen quickly, the stars blinking into the sky almost like eyes looking down at those waiting. A crowd had begun to gather around the ever growing pile of wood and branches that would soon be aflame. Now, as Dog and Vigilance sat waiting for the fire to be lit, Trinh and Kidist were perched on the hill beside them. They had managed to find a quieter place with a perfect view of what was going on. The two riders were silent, the horses were bounding around each other curiously, sniffing and nipping and just generally getting to know each other. They were on long ropes, giving them as much freedom as they could without having two wild horses running around.
“Well, I’m glad to see they are getting along, now that Vigilance has settled down” Dog says glancing over his shoulder where Vigilance and Kidist were now literally bouncing around each other. Trinh smiled at the two’s antics, both Vigilance and Kidist were being very careful not to hurt each other, or get too close to the two riders even if there play was a little violent, as it often was with horses.
Silence seemed to be a common theme between Trinh and Dog, neither of them felt the need to waste words as they watched the man leading the events walk over to the bonfire with a torch, flickering with flame. He placed the torch into the middle and Dog couldn’t help but smile as he saw the fire flow up and over the wood. He felt something move next to him and saw Vigilance by his side looking at the now roaring mass, glancing to the left Trinh and Kidist were likewise mesmerized.
The night had been cool, winter trickling it’s way under people’s clothes and biting at uncovered fingers. But the flames sent there fingers dancing through the air warming Dog and Trinh and sending Vigilance and Kidist into a moment of panic at the smell of smoke on the air.
“Chill you two, it’s okay” Dog says rising to his feet and gently stroking Vigilance. He was happy to see Trinh doing the same with Kidist and it didn’t take long to settle the two horses.
“I always miss these events” Dog admits quietly. “To much time wandering I suppose, I never hear about them until too late. Then I have to find horse care and a whole mess of things. I’m just lucky my friend wasn’t planning to come out this year” he said with a soft sight, leaning gently on Vigilance.
“Well you always know you can come by my home and find out about what's coming up. I’m sure Vigilance won’t mind seeing Kidist, or Gourd again!” Trinh says kindly and Dog nods.
“Next time I will try and bring my friend with me, I think you two would get on pretty well. He’s a big guy, a little intimidating. But nice, friendly, if a bit quiet!” Dog says with a small smile. Trinh nods thoughtfully and the two fall quiet.
The two stayed perched on there hill, watching the flames burn brighter and brighter, before starting to burn down, getting lower and dimmer as the night got cooler. The two horses were settled, Kidist leaning against Vigilance looking sleepy as Dog finally sighed softly and got back to his feet.
“I think it's time me and Vigilance got somewhere for the night” Dog said and Trihn nodded standing herself and moving over to Kidist who twitched her ears curiously. Dog saddled Vigilance back up and swung himself onto the stallion who was instantly more alert at the idea of moving. Trinh was mounted on Kidist and they gave each other a nod.
“Ride safe! Let's not leave it so long before meeting up again” Dog said grinning as Trinh laughed softly and nodded.
“Agreed. Swing by the farm some time, I could always do with a helping hand!” she said turning Kidist towards home. Dog and Vigilance waited until they were almost out of sight before sighing and setting off for there long ride home.