you're only as tall as your heart will let you be;

[fantasies]

Who: Henry and YOU
What: Saying hello to the horses.
When: This afternoon!
Where: The stables.
Rating: G for kidlets.

[It seemed like the logical next step, even without Charming to teach him. Go to the stables, learn about the horses, maybe learn how to ride one. He didn't suss through all the steps, but the first one is the most important, right?

Now, though, standing on tip-toe in a front of a stall with his hand outstretched and a horse ignoring him, he realizes it probably would have been good to have a better plan.]

Come on, I just want to say hi.

Comments

[secondchances]

[While Steph may not go riding as often as she probably should, she does try to stop by the stables every now and then to make nice with the horses. She's still not completely comfortable around them, but like hell if she'll let her Renaissance buddies see her sweat.

She's surprised to see Henry when she steps in, but quickly assumes a crouch to sneak up behind him.]

[fantasies]

[He's very focused on what he's doing. He bounces on the balls of his feet, trying to get the horse's attention by stretching his hand out further.]

Come onnnn. Hello? Hey!

[secondchances]

Boo!

[Steph hops up, putting her hands on Henry's shoulders.

Revenge for being cute or something.]

[fantasies]

[He jerks and makes a very high-pitched, very un-boy-like sound.]

Stephanie! You scared me!

[secondchances]

Sorry!

[Very obviously not sorry, given how hard she's laughing.]

Couldn't resist.

[fantasies]

[He pouts for a second-- but wait! This could be a good development.]

Why're you even out here? Did you come to ride the horses?

[secondchances]

Hmm? Riding wasn't really the plan, I was just going to say hi. Why are you out here, huh?

[fantasies]

I was trying to say hi, but I don't think they like me very much.

[secondchances]

I'm sure they do. Try again.

[waterproofed]

[Percy goes to the stables every day to make sure the horses are fed and cared for. They're always happy to see him. Percy notices someone new visiting the stables today, and smiles at the kid]

They want to know what your name is, kid.

[fantasies]

[He glances at Percy, and then back at the horse.]

My name? Can they even understand what I'm saying?

[waterproofed]

Of course they can. Go ahead and introduce yourself to them.

[fantasies]

If you say so.

[He knows better than to question people and their magic here. He reaches his hand out again.]

Hi! My name's Henry.

[waterproofed]

[the horses whinny in a friendly way] They're saying 'Hello, Henry. Nice to meet you.' They say you can pet them if you want.

[fantasies]

[And he'll go to do just that.

He squints back at Percy.]

Can you really understand them?

[waterproofed]

Sure. Talking to them is as easy as talking to you.

[fantasies]

But you're not even whinnying or anything.

[inafadingcrown]

[Galadriel happens to be nearby, speaking softly to a horse in Sindarin. But when she hears a familiar voice, she'll come to investigate.]

Henry. [She approaches, smiling softly.] A friend of yours?

[fantasies]

[He looks up at her and smiles.]

Not yet. Soon, I hope. If he ever listens to me.

[inafadingcrown]

He will. [She happens to have a little bag slung over her shoulder and she reaches into it now and pulls out a carrot, setting it in Henry's hand.] Even if it requires a little bribery.

[fantasies]

[His look turns conspiratorial, and then holds the carrot out over the lip of the stall.]

Hey, here you go.

[And lo and behold, over comes the horse.]

There we go, finally.

[inafadingcrown]

[It's amazing what food can do, isn't it?]

Do you ride, Henry? Or do you only wish some company?

[fantasies]

No. Well, I want to learn. But I can't yet. [The horse chomps on the carrot and Henry holds it steady.] I figured, you know, this was step one.

[inafadingcrown]

And so it is. [She smiles and reaches out to pet the horse.] Trust between horse and rider is as important as anything you might be taught.

[fantasies]

What's the best way to do it? [He turns to peer into the horse's face.] If I wanted to. Just talk to them?