[Gift] 2.2 Haunting Howling - Alistair and Satin

The pair was half way back through the orchard when a deep howl filled the air, making them and their steeds freeze in place. Harry turned around, looking back at Alistair who stared wide eyed at him back. They stood in silence, only the horses huffing and pawing nervously filled the air afterwards. Satin danced in place a bit, wanting to leave but Alistair carefully kept her still.

“We should investigate…” Harry started, eyes locked on the doctor for a moment before his gaze shifted beyond him towards the back of the orchard. The entire place was lit up like all other safe havens now in the darkness. Being on the main path the back of the orchard was just barely visible in the distance without fog covering it up. A massive fence lined the entire place, tall enough to keep most beasts and thieves out.

“But the horses…” Alistair whispered, his eyes drifting over their animals before finally joining Harry in looking back in the direction the howl came from. He turned back around, his hand gently petted over the mare’s neck. He was trying his best to keep Satin calm as she huffed and chewed at her bit. Her hoof practically dug a hole in the ground as she pawed. The horses had long since learned any sort of howls or growls were something to deeply fear. But with a firm hand they had learned to remain in place until told otherwise. All of their training reminded them to follow their riders’ lead over their instincts.

“You take Satin and Daemon back to the barn, the owner knows we’re professionals in this sort of thing. If you tell him I went to investigate the howl they should let you keep the horses inside until I can return. Give me three hours before you try to come looking for me. Promise?” Harry gave him that look, the one that made Alistair swallow and nod after a moment.

“Promise. Just… be careful okay?”

Harry dismounted and shared a quick but tight hug with the younger man. Then he helped Alistair get mounted on the black horse. Harry gave one last look at them before he was off, running towards the back of the orchard. Alistair waited a moment, both he and the horses watching the man disappear between the trees. Finally he clucked to the pair and pushed them onwards towards the main barn, keeping Satin’s reins firmly in hand. He knew as long as Daemon was in the lead she would follow much easier without him on her back. There was tension in her body and stride but with Alistair nearby and her herd mate in front of her she remained calm and followed along.

Just as Harry had said it was easy to explain his predicament to the farm owner. The man helped him with their apples and putting the horses away. He was even kind enough to give them a small discount. Alistair thanked him profusely and told him it shouldn’t be long, Harry would just be investigating and should be back in a few hours. He hoped… but he kept that part to himself. He didn’t want to have to go after him because that could mean so many worse things he may have to face. Not to mention he’d be leaving the horses behind. Who knew what they’d do if both of them didn’t come back? Not to mention, if Harry couldn’t handle whatever was out there what hope was there for him?

Alistair shook his head of the thoughts and instead bit his lip and focused on grooming Satin. The mare had relaxed significantly now that they were back inside. Not to mention she had some spare hay to munch on generously provided by the farm owner. It wasn’t much but it would fill the two up until they could get home. He had no idea how long their dinner would be delayed and they wouldn’t be able to eat on the train they were taking. Alistair sighed as he ran the brush over her soft coat, sometimes letting his fingers dance over it. As he worked on her neck she swung her head to nuzzle against him.

“Hey it’s gonna be alright girl, Harry will be back any minute now.” He tried to focus on relaxing and letting go of the tension building up within him. No doubt Satin could sense it and he knew deep down she was a sweet mare simply trying her best to ease it. He kissed her nose and gave her a good scritch. “Maybe the fact we haven’t heard any more howls is a good sign hm? I wonder if Harry is gonna deal with it or just check it out. Though if it’s something we need to hunt I worry about trying to come back…” Alistair sighs and leans his head against the mare’s body. “I hope he’s okay…”