Welcome to Gaia! ::

*flops on a couch*

**A heavy fog clouds his path as Dai spurs his steed, Diego, up the steep hill to the Comrade castle. The unicorn's glistening white coat is shiny with sweat, but his head is high, black mane rustling in the stagnant air. Dai sags in the saddle, bearing most of his muscular bulk on the equine. Diego doesn't seem to mind, and trots forward, around the bend, eager to get his rider home. His eyes shift alertly, he steps gingerly over winding roots and unusual glowing crystals growing from the side of the path.

Behind them, Atmos walks on foot. Diego snorts as he quickens his pace, a distrustful aura seems to radiate like a throb from the horse. Atmos keeps his distance, taking his time, ever alert but nonchalant as he trails his liege.

Dai is nearly sleep, bobbing rythymically, absently in the saddle. He does not curb Diego and instead allows him to carry him directly into the Cafe. Diego's hooves clomp loudly on the wooden floor; he tries to tiptoe to no avail. He stops at Dai's chair, turns his long, strong neck to push Dai's feet from the stirrups and shove him sideways off the saddle and into the chair with a thud and a bounce. Dai rolls onto his back, slouches and nods to his steed.**

Good job. **sighs, looks around** Where's Atmos?

**Diego whinnies** Somewhere, out there. **He can not shrug but the noncommital tone of his telepathic message is ripe with indifference.** You look rather tired Lord Dai, I found it best to pick up the pace.

**Dai smiles lazily, knowingly** Appreciate it. Now go introduce yourself to the lady of the house before she kills you for scuffing her floors. **He points in a wayward fashion to Stat. Diego shakes his mane, turns, trots over to Lestat and bows as low as his thin, muscular legs will lend him.**

My sincerest apologizes, m'lady. As you can see, Dai is no shape to move on his own.

**Diego closes his eyes, honored by the touch, and shakes his head in an apologetic motion** No, should have sensed it. **He rises, and nudges the palm of her hand with his black muzzle, his short goat-like beard brushing against her wrist.** It's an absolute pleasure to be in the presence of a dragon queen. **He beams, in his own horse-like way, but doesn't show his teeth. In one swift transformation, he goes from stallion to colt, discretely sliding Stat's hand up his muzzle and over his ears for a scratch in his favorite spot. Dai laughs from across the room.**

**Diego quivers, delighted by the massage. His left ear follows Stat as she makes her way around him and his glistening coat and muscular frame seem to ripple like lake water as he shivers. He whinnies, enticed by the horse-speak, grinning in a unicorn way.

Dai sits up to watch, fully awake now. He chuckles as he watches Diego, a model of discipline, absorb the attention **

You're going to spoil him, Stat.

**Diego tosses his head at Dai, who has risen and crossed the room. The movement seems to be Diego's way of saying "told you so" though he sends no telepathic message. Dai smiles, patting Deigo's well-built flank affectionately. The unicorn fidgets under Stat's gentle stroking, thorougly pleased. Dai leans an arm on his thick neck.**

So true, Stat, luv. **sighs** So true. **He ruffles Diego's mane** Time for dinner, a good wash and a brush down, friend.

**Dai move to remove the cumbersome saddle. There are no reins or bit. He tosses the saddle carelessly aside for a moment and feels the tension release from Diego as the weight is removed. A quick scratch soothes the uncomfortable itching where the saddle had been, but only temporarily**

I've got to work that leather down a little more, Diego. Don't want you chaffing.

**Diego snorts, shakes his mane** How about no saddle at all?

**Dai shrugs, pats him lightly** Fine by me. Come on we've to get you settled in for the night.

**Diego perks up at the coddling, ears twitching, neighing from deep in his broad chest** Oh yes, m'lady. **He eyes Dai, who grins**

What do you think I'd say no? Let you suffer?

**Diego playfully snaps his teeth at Dai** Never know with you

**Dai laughs, curls a few tresses of his steed's mane around his fingers** No apple for you.

**Diego snorts in mock indignation** We'll remember that when we're pulling you from a pit of quicksand, my liege

**Dai arches both brows and grins devilishly. To Stat, he frowns** No, no pad. This was a rush job, had to get out quick. I'll have Tavis, my stablehand, warm up some water and we can get that bottle of yours for his itching.

**Dai claps his hands and Tavis, short, round, spikey and green appears in a puff of white smoke. His large, pooling eyes stare up at Dai, tho there's no coyness behind his deep green pupils. He is in hay-covered overalls, and shoeless. He bows, squishing like an inflated balloon. His voice is like a low rumble, a small avalance of rocks tumbling and vibrating**

Yes, my liege? A bathe for the Prince's steed? **He eyes Diego, can smell the stench of sweat-dried coat. Dai nods once, and Tavis pats Diego's leg--with no reins to lead him--and motions for him to follow him

Diego bows his large head to Lestat, nudging his muzzle into her shoulder** Goodnight, m'lady See you in the stables, Lord Dai

**Dai nods, smiles as the forboding stallion prances after the squat, waddling Tavis out of the Cafe.**

((exirement))