“Animals see, hear and sense a lot of things we don’t, Raxx.” Indi shot him a knowing look. “Gaia believes you have less than pure intentions towards her owner.”
Fucking psychic horse…
Raxx gritted his teeth but didn’t reply. His hand wormed its way into his pocket and he thumbed the fortune crystal for a few moments.
“I can’t promise anything,” he muttered. Indi’s face lit up into a bright smile.
“Oh, thank you, Raxx!” She leapt towards him with the intention of wrapping her arms around him. The faerie blinked for a moment in confusion when she sailed through his ghostly visage. She looked at him expectantly.
“I don’t do hugs,” he grated.
“Suit yourself,” Indi giggled and hurried over to Gaia’s stable door. The faerie cleared her throat.
“What are you—”
“Gaia, I’d like to formally introduce you to my friend.”The faerie’s voice sounded different. It warbled and waivered, almost like she was underwater, yet Raxx could hear every word perfectly.“I know you’ve already mentioned your distrust for him and I understand. He’s pretty fearsome looking.”
“Hey,” Raxx grumbled.
Indi shot him a small apologetic smile.“Raxx is a friend, I promise you he is trustworthy and has only the best intentions towards Faye.”
Gaia moved forwards and stuck her head over the stable door. She looked at Raxx again before snorting and shaking her head.
“You don’t believe me? What is it that troubles you the most?”Indi asked. Though the mare didn’t appear to be doing anything, the faerie tilted her head as if she were listening to her. She nodded a few times.
“There are many things about our lives that you will never understand, dear horse. Believe me when I say we envy your simple lifestyle. Things are far more complicated for our kind. Sometimes, those who look the most terrifying are actually the ones you can trust the most.”Indi smiled in Raxx’s direction again, pausing to listen to the mare’s response.
Raxx watched the curious one-sided exchange in fascination. Gaia’s dark eyes moved to him again, this time the mare sighed.
Indi waved him over. When Raxx didn’t move, the faerie flapped her hand more insistently. Raxx stepped towards the mare.
Indi grabbed for his hand, her arm sailing through him. She shot him an annoyed glance. “Would you mind?”
Reluctantly, Raxx solidified his presence, shuddering as his body was hit with a bitter wave of frozen morning air. Indi reached for him again and held up his hand in hers for Gaia to see. The mare reached out her muzzle and sniffed him.
“He is a friend. He means neither you, nor Faye, any harm. He will protect you; I swear it. Raxx is a demon, a kind of being you may never have encountered before. Demons are good, honest folk and would bring you no trouble. Raxx has wings and, due to his supernatural abilities, sometimes vanishes. This is okay too, he’s looking out for you and the princess, making sure no one hurts you.”Indi explained, glancing between Raxx and Gaia.
The mare lowered her nose further still until it rested in Raxx’s outstretched palm. Slowly, Indi pulled her own hand away until Raxx stood, frozen in place in front of the horse.
After a few long moments passed, Indi giggled. “It’s okay Raxx, you can touch her now. She’s allowing it.”
Raxx slowly raised his other hand towards the mare’s face. Gaia’s ear flickered in his direction, but the mare remained still. He touched her, stroking his gloved palm down her cheek.
Gaia released a low groan and nudged him gently with her soft nose. Raxx couldn’t speak to animals, but even he recognised that as a sign of acceptance. With growing confidence, he petted the mare again, smoothing his palm down her long nose. Gaia’s eyelids grew heavy and her ears softened, falling backwards in relaxation.
“She likes that,” Indi all but whispered. “Does that touch of yours do the same thing to ladies of your own kind, or just horses?”
Raxx shot the faerie a disapproving look and Indi cackled with glee. She shook her head and nudged him playfully, before hurrying away to collect more of her riding belongings.
A few long moments passed where Raxx just stroked Gaia, enjoying being able to finally interact with the mare without fear of being bitten, or kicked out at. She was a beautiful animal. It pleased him to be able to appreciate her smooth coat and soft, velvety nose.
“So, you’ll talk to Magna?” Indi asked.
“I will. Like I said, I can’t promise, but I will see what I can do to somewhat temper this situation.” Raxx nodded. He stepped away from Gaia and the horse shook her head, seemingly waking from the heady relaxation his petting had brought her.
He locked eyes with the mare. Gaia blinked before turning to stretch her nose around to the side of her body. Using her large teeth, she nipped at her skin, satisfying an itch.
Their moment was over, that much was clear, but even Raxx could sense the mare’s acceptance of him. He was under no impression they were the best of friends, but Indi had certainly eased Gaia’s most immediate concerns and for that he was grateful.
