1.7 What's Your Favorite Scary Movie? - Anya and Razz

The festival was winding down as several guests made their way to the “hideaway” that had been set up. The whole area was filled with a warm glow as the fire at the center crackled. Anya had arrived early and spotted Marcus tending to the fire pit. He waved at her as she dismounted and led Razz closer.

“Looks like we’ll all be toasty warm tonight right hun?” She stole a quick kiss before making sure to loosen Razz’s cinch. She fussed with the stallion, making sure he would be comfortable during their time hanging out with the others.

“Absolutely, we got plenty of firewood if it dies down too, would you mind getting the marshmallows and roasting sticks ready?” Anya nodded and quickly tied Razz up by the hitching post. While the two finished their preparations the rest of their guests slowly arrived, each doing the same. By the time everyone arrived they had about ten people curled up around the fire.

Anya sat down beside Marcus, smiling as he wrapped an arm around her waist. “Alright I’m gonna start this off with an easy icebreaker, everyone introduce yourselves and your horses! I’ll go first, I’m Anya, this is my husband Marcus, you should all know that by now.” Giggles and chuckles rose up from the assembled and she continued once they died down. “My horse is Razzmatazz, that lovely blue and white splash stallion over there.” She gestured at where Razz was nibbling at some grass that had barely managed to survive the early frost.

“And the gorgeous black beauty beside him is my mare Umbra.” Marcus chimed in after.

“Ah I guess that makes me next?” A younger member waved their hand and smiled. “I’m Kennedy, they/them please! My ride tonight is that handsome boy over there.” They pointed at a gorgeous red dun with rabicano running up his belly. “That’s King, we’re from RVEC.”

Beside them a young man cleared his throat as it became his turn. “Hello everyone, I’m Angelo. Tonight I’m riding Choir from Blue Antler, the gold champagne appaloosa over there. We’re also connected with RVEC, so good to hear someone else is here.” He smiled politely at the person beside him. The two ended up quietly chatting as the rest of the gathering went through introductions for both horse and rider.

“Alright everyone, now that we’re all familiarized, let's get to the more interesting topics!” Anya grinned, the fire throwing eerie shadows over her features. “Now, how about your favorite scary or halloween movies? Mine is Halloween Town, I’ve been watching it since I was a kid and I can’t help the nostalgia for it.” She giggled before passing it onto the person who went last for introductions.

Eventually the conversation returned back around to their two RVEC friends. Angelo rubbed his chin, having been thinking about it while everyone else went. “I guess I’d have to go with Hocus Pocus, it’s a classic for me and a fun watch.”

“Oooh I’d have to go with Cabin in the Woods. I just saw that one recently and I love how it spins a lot of horror movie tropes on their head.” Kennedy grinned.

The rest of the night the chatter flowed smoothly amongst the group. Several people got to know each other for the first time and had a delightful time around the campfire. Marshmallows were distributed and while a few got burnt, everyone enjoyed a good smore or two. As they were growing close to winding down, Anya got up to check on Razz. The stallion had ended up dozing off after a while with all the chatter in the background. She was grateful to see he wasn’t nervous being out in the dark with so many strangers and new horses.

As she reached him he raised his head, looking over at her. Once she was within reach he nuzzled against her and sniffed at her palm. “Hey there bud, you have a good nap? We’re almost done but I wanted to give you a lil treat for being so good.” She pulled out a graham cracker from her pocket and let him nibble at it until he ate the whole thing. “Just one of those got it? Happy Halloween Razz.” She kissed his head and pet his cheek as he chewed through his treat.