This time, it was not near so bad a trek to Hot Springs. I went to the fall horse market and bought a horse. He was an "Ashkevron reject" horse. Apparently he was too docile, too big, too ugly. No one wanted him. I adored him! I loved his gentle nature, his HUGE thundering hooves, his giant tree-hauling strong body. I didn't think he was ugly. I thot he was perfect in every way. They told me he would only be good for plowing and hauling. Maybe I am silly, but I love him for riding. He can certainly help with the things they suggest when there is a need, but riding him is primary. And oh boy can he strut thru snow! Like it is absolutely nothing! Just makes me love him more as I am not so fond of the cold white stuff.
I arrived midmorning. The village was just starting to set up for midwinter festivals. My inn and temple was closed up for the holidays because everyone wanted to be home with family. My apprentice wanted to stay in the quiet of the temple. I debated staying with him, but he wanted to hold a quiet vigil. So, I rode my big horse, my gentle giant, to here to see what there is. I like the mixed feeling of Hot Springs. A mix of heralds, mages, Tayledras, and well... all sorts of people. I arranged for my gentle giant to be pampered at the stable and headed out to seek .... breakfast? and maybe snow taffy? I overheard someone say snow taffy and I really need some.... but maybe not for breakfast.
I saw some faces of people I had seen when I was here in the early fall: Herald Mage Danya (who looked rough around the edges from too much use of her gift), Heralds Yarik and Kaylan, Shein and belatedly Moonstar. The healer seemed absent, likely busy this time of year with winter colds and winter injuries. The morning conversation was light as we sought tea for the morning and pocket pies. MMMmmmm... hot apple and cheese pocket pies. Shein likes lamb ones. Blech! But... to each their own. These folks then headed out to the field for winter games. Not having slept in a warm bed last night, I was disinclined to romp in the snow.
Instead, I wandered the stalls seeking out a gift for my apprentice. I found a lovely large tea mug I thot he might like. I ate my other 2 pocket pies for lunch and bought a little skewer with steaming bits of venison and vegetables. A handful of roasted chestnuts rounded out my much too big lunch. So I spent some time in the temple here making quiet offerings and just feeling the sense of peace within for a bit.
To dodge the wildness of the winter games further, I took a room at the inn to sleep the afternoon so I could better enjoy evening festivities.
