Page 19 of A Tale of Mirth & Magic

“That would not have been funny. Besides, I would have just gotten more.” He shrugged.

“Well, they clearly care about you a lot, even if you don’t like their meddling. Tell me about them.”

Barra lit up and launched into descriptions of each sister. Telen, the oldest—she was apprentice to Ma Reese, learning her mother’s trade and helping with the business side of things when Barra was out of town. Sassura, the other middle child, after Barra—a dancer and the wild one of the family, apparently. She spent half of the year traveling with her troupe, performing in the surrounding towns and villages for the warm months. When the season turned, she returned to spend the winter at home and teach her craft. Monty, the youngest—was still figuring things out, and she was indisputably the best cook in the family. She and her partner had just moved in together, and they were expecting a half-human, half-fairy baby in a few months.

I listened to him talk on and on about each one, pride and affection clear in his voice. I loved hearing about all of them, loved seeing Barra so animated and fond. And I made all the right noises as he went on, building the picture of their lives. But I couldn’t help the tiny flame of jealousy that ignited when I imagined it—the six of them together, cozy by the fire in their home. Or eating supper together around a big table. Or walking through the village market, laughing and happy.

What must it be like to have that? A warm blanket wrapped around your heart. Solid ground always under your feet. Safety. Home. I should have had that too. Why couldn’t I have it now? The envy flared brighter, and I wrapped my arms around my middle.

I hated myself for it, but suddenly I couldn’t bear to hear any more.

“Wow, they sound amazing! Hey, maybe we should stop for a midday meal soon. See what we can pull together.”

Barra looked up at the sun’s placement in the sky. “We’ve only been walking for a couple of hours. It might be best to keep going if we want to arrive at the inn before it gets dark.”

“Got it, got it. Very practical.”

“Did I tell you about Ma Wren yet? She’s a chatterbox, and she does the most intricate pottery you’ve ever—”

“Why aren’t we riding on Pebble?” I interrupted. “We could make better time that way.”

“Oh,” Barra said, surprised. “I don’t want to wear her out too much, carrying both of us and the packs all day. But she can definitely take one of us. Here, let me help you up.”

“It’s fine, I can walk,” I said, suddenly feeling foolish. I was no stranger to walking. I spent much of my travels going alone on paths just like these, unless I got lucky and caught a ride on the back of someone’s wagon.

“No, you’re right—we’ll make better time this way. I can walk at my full stride. I should have thought of this earlier.”

Barra stopped, halting Pebble. She dropped her gray head and began munching at the grass off the path. He bent, lacing his fingers together into a step.

“Let me boost you up.”

“She won’t like me riding her without you.”

“I promise you she won’t mind.”

“What if she bolts?”

“She will not bolt. She never has.”

“But what if she does?”

“Elikki, even if she did—which she won’t—I’m sure you’re more than capable of holding on until I catch up. You’re strong, you have elven reflexes, and I know you’re not really as frightened of this horse as you think you are.”

I harrumphed. Eyeing Pebble as she grazed nonchalantly, looking the perfect picture of innocence, I finally sighed and placed a foot in Barra’s waiting hands.

“One, two…” and on three he lifted as I jumped. I swung my other leg over Pebble’s gigantic back and landed solidly into the leather saddle.

“Well done.” He placed the reins in my hands. I gripped them. “Not too tightly,” he said, prying my fingers looser so I wouldn’t pull at Pebble’s mouth. “You all right?” he said, and I nodded.

I was way too far from the ground. But it also felt a bit… thrilling? I’d ridden horses before, though not since I was young. And even then, they were about half the size of this one. I was even a little taller than Barra now!

It was strange seeing him from this angle. He was patting his horse’s neck, talking quietly. The way he murmured reassuringly to her, taking time to make sure I felt comfortable, was thoughtful and so achingly cute. I smiled when he slipped a sugar cube from his pocket and offered it to Pebble. She sniffed, then lipped it up.

“Bribing her for good behavior?” I joked.

“Just a little incentive. We’ve agreed she gets three more if you arrive at the inn in one piece.”

“HA. HA. You’re hilarious.”