Washing the many cups and plates took quite a long time indeed, and perhaps that was why the sun had risen an hour or two before Laurie arose the next morning. She was very loth to leave the warm nestle of blankets, but she forced herself to crawl out and get ready for the day. She began to brush her long golden hair, cursing the knotted tangles. She had been too tired to wrestle the thick waves the night before, but was paying for her negligence today. Finally, with an exasperated sigh, she pulled it back and tied it into a ponytail.
A few moments later, Laurie slipped out of a side door, avoiding the common room, and strode quickly through the chill air into the stables. The warm smell of hay and horses filled the air with its sweet aroma, and Laurie breathed in deeply. She worked quickly, warming up again as she mucked out each stall and filled the hay racks. As she reached the end stall, Laurie noticed a new horse had been brought in. She moved closer, and was shocked to see one of the steeds of Rohan, her homeland! The horse moved forward from the shadows, allowing Laurie to better admire the strong lines and perfect balance. Nell called jealously from down the hall, wanting attention too. Laurie turned away reluctantly, and greeted her own horse, and kissing the soft muzzle. Her long frown forelock tickled Laurie's face as she hugged her horse. Nell had been the only reminder of her homeland and former life, and had long been her best friend on the long and lonely travels. Still, it was interesting and intruiging to see another horse from Rohan so far from home. Laurie wondered how it came hence and who brought him. "Only one way to find out," she told Nell.
So with one last fond pat and glance down the hall, Laurie left the stables and re-entered The Green Dragon, this time through the front door. The common room was full, as usual, and she glanced around, wondering to which of the strangers the horse belonged.
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