Strange going ons

Walking along one of the many paths on the ranch, Bough meets an unexpected pair. It's his brother Archer and- a horse which is definitely not his. Bough of course stops them, keen on knowing whats going on here. Because whatever it is, it's weird.

"Hey. That's Scorch?" 

Archer treats this as if it was a natural, everyday occurrence. There's a lasso thrown about the tall, black stallions neck. Not that it appears to have any effect. Evidently, Scorch hadn't bowed his head for Archer to put a halter on.

" Yup. Legends say he has a fun side. I'm a non-believer though." 

"Maybe he just doesn't like you?" 

Archer dismissively tosses up a hand. "Tch. I never said I want him to like me. He's boring as hell." 

Bough crosses his arms, scrutinizing his brother. "Uh. Okay?" 

"He's a stick in the mud. He's rude, he's way too stubborn and I keep telling Azura he's badly trained. Which I am right about and she happens to be in deep denial." 

"I'm pretty sure he's just ignoring you. You in particular. Even now that you're holding his lead. You sure you're not just mad about that?" Bough knows he's right. Archer however would never admit that, not over his dead body. 

"I dont need some animal to acknowledge me. There's just no fun to be had with him." 

"Mhm. Why is he dragging you around then?" By dragging, Bough means it literally. Scorch ignores any and all input from Archer, acting like the man himself doesn't exist. The stallion can afford to do so. He stands at 18 hands tall and boasts much strength, more than enough to pull a guy around. 

Archer momentarily lets a glimpse of actual frustration slip, before catching himself again.

"Because clearly he's badly trained." 

"You know exactly what I mean. Why are you with him?" 

"Because I can. This is what free will looks like." 

Bough's eyes narrow. "You're up to something." 

"If that's what you want to believe... I'm just taking a walk with a resident pet." 

"Which acts like you're air." Bough isn't all that interested in hearing the truth from Archer. Now, he just wants to poke his brother's ego a little. 

"Yeah so? It's not like I could do anything with him if I wanted." 

"Which hasn't stopped you from trying. Don't tell me- you're trying to bond with him?!? He hates your guts!" Faking surprise, Bough rejoices just knowing he once again has to be right. Not that Archer would admit to this either. 

"Why would I do that? Sounds like a waste of time to me, with this- stubborn mule." 

The "stubborn mule" in question suddenly sets back into motion. Maybe he feels insulted, maybe he's just decided to cut it. Whatever reason he may have, Scorch turns on his heel, deciding it's time to return himself to his pasture. 

"Someones got enough of your bullshit. Such a smart guy he is." Bough laughs at his brother as the latter is being dragged off. 

"It's all a training issue!" At this point, Archer's final words are getting harder to understand as the stallion speeds up and the unfitting pair gets further and further away, all while Archer refuses to let go of the lead.  

Bough snaps a quick picture before they're out of sight. If he wanted he could send it to Scorchs owner. He decides to hold onto it for now though, it is perfect material to make fun of Archer at some later point

Before the duo makes it to the pasture, both spot Azura in the distance. Archer of course doesn't want to meet her, but Scorch does and heads right towards his person. Archer lets go of the lead, shortly after which Azura also spots the two. Archer walks into the other direction, but is caught up to by Azura with Scorch in tow. Archer scoffs- the stallion follows her without any lead. That's just rubbing it in. 

Azura tries to step in front of Archer, yet he dodges her. She trails behind him instead. Archer continues to speed up, but knows it's ultimatley pointless.

"Do you happen to know why he's got that around his neck? And why is he here at the same time as you? He's looking really unhappy." She points to the rope and glares at Archer. The jig is up.

Archer shrugs. "No idea, I'm just taking a walk. You know he's doing all kinds of weird stuff, who knows what he got into. That's kind of a training issue. And he always looks the exact same." 

"No, he looks the same around you because he's annoyed." She pauses, catching up to his side. "You have some ugly rope burns there." She looks at him. He avoids her intense gaze, keeping a straight face. And while she keeps asking questions, he keeps avoiding them. Azura’s not even mad. Annoyed, yes. But it's almost kind of fun to try and corner him, knowing it's all so ridiculous.