Culoth watched Pennuialiel leave the inn, and she suddenly wished she had spoken up. Smiling at Bethberry and saying quickly, "I'll be back soon," she left the inn, just in time to see Pennuialiel disappear into the stable, leading her steed with her.
Culoth slipped quietly into the stable and walked to the stall where Celeblhach was being kept. Stroking the grey neck of her horse, she looked over at Pennuialiel shyly. The Elf smiled softly at her and Culoth blushed, looking down.
After Pennuialiel finished feeding her horse Nibinwing, she walked over to Culoth. "Your horse is very beautiful," she said.
"Yes," said Culoth quietly.
"What's his name?"
"Celeblhach... Silver Leaping Flame." Culoth gathered up enough courage to look up into Pennuialel's eyes.
The Elf laughed at Culoth's expression of awe. "Why do you look so stunned?" she asked.
"Well," Culoth said, looking down again, "I've always wanted to meet an Elf, and now I have." Suddenly she brought her head up and smiled widely. "I'm not shy with you anymore," she said, laughing.
__________________
In the fury of the moment I can see the Master's hand
in every leaf that trembles, in every grain of sand.
|