[piosenniel]

Olo grabbed some bread and cheese and another mug of tea and headed for the stable.

The great black was standing by Peri's stall, and both were looking wishfully at the hayloft, hoping some might fall their way.

The hobbit broke a bit of bread off his loaf and offered it to the pony, who took it delicately from his outstretched hand. The great black looked askance at Peri, expecting him to suffer some ill effect from the offering. But, there was that brainless pony nudging the creature for more, which he received.

'Would you like some, Mr. Midnight, sir?' asked Olo. The horse shook his head and backed up nervously at the outstretched hand. 'Well, I'll just set it here, then and you can get it if you like.' He placed it on the edge of a railing in an empty stall.

Peri nudged him, once more, and Olo laughed. 'Now you just hang on a bit. I'm going up to the loft to toss down some hay, and then I'll get you two a nice helping of mash.'

He looked back once toward the horses as he climbed the ladder to the loft, just in time to see Midnight thoughtfully chewing on the scrap of bread.

Once the horse and pony were fed, Olo mucked out the stall and spread fresh hay on its floor. He filled the trough with fresh water, and refilled the manger with hay for later.

One of the stable boys came in, and showed him where he might find the equipment for grooming the two.

'Come, on you two.' he called to them once he had gathered up the tools. 'It's a glorious day outside, let's go make you both as handsome as we can!'

Starting first with Peri, he combed out the rough spots and the burrs from his coat, main and tail. This was followed by a vigourous brushing which brought out the shine to his coat. He trimmed the mane and tail, and brushed them til they fell into place like bright satin. The final step was inspecting the hooves, filing down the rough edges, and then blacking and polishing them til they shone. Peri pranced and tossed his head after the grooming, thinking he looked quite grand.

He walked about the black horse, taking his measure. 'Well, you look pretty handsome for someone who's come through some rough patches as you must have. Someone's done you up fairly recently, but I think we could get you looking like the lead horse in battle . . . if you'll let me work with you, eh?' The hobbit stood waiting for the horse to indicate his agreeability. Midnight stood for a moment looking back at Olo. Then moved a few steps closer and took in his scent with his sensitive nostrils. He bowed his head once, and then nudged the hobbit in the back.

'Alright, then!' said Olo, softly to him. 'Let's get to it!'

He worked slowly and gently on the great steed. Buffing his coat, tail and mane until he gleamed like a polished opal. Finishing up with the hooves he stepped back, and looked at his work admiringly. 'You're a handsome one. Mr. Midnight!' You'll have to run when the girls see you!'

He let the two amble about the outside stable area - munching at grass and occasionally chasing each other. Olo sat down beneath the shade of a large tree and lit up his pipe, and watched the two creatures enjoy themselves until he felt his stomach tell him it was time for lunch.

[ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]