{ forbidden fruit ~ GoT Open

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Arget snorted into Briar's hair, sniffing it deeply before moving on to Anita, scrutinizing her. She almost looked like she nodded, bobbing her head and beginning to graze.

"Alright. First order of business is that you, my darling, need to see what horses do. So, sit with me, have some food." Anita sat on the ground, legs stretched out in front of her, and passed the girl the bag of gold she had earned in the race and some fruits.

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Briar sat down, crossing her legs modestly, "What do you mean 'what horses do'?"

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Anita bit into a brightly-colored apple, watching with amusement as Xavier wandered over, snatched one from the pile beside her hip, prancing towards Arget, dipping his head to share. The mare took her portion and nuzzled the gelding gently.

"People expect horses to run all the time, go over jumps, draw carriages. But horses don't only do those things. To keep a horse happy, healthy, and safe, you have to let them graze six hours a day, make sure they are properly watered, and groom them three times a day. That's standard, but I spoil my horses." Anita shrugged. "They don't seem to mind much."

She paused, eating a bit of apple before continuing. "So, part of my apprenticeship, when I started being interested in horses, was learning what horses did. Not what they were expected to do - but what they did in their most natural, relaxed state." She gestured with the apple. "This is what they do."

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"This is what they do in the fields all the time, right?" Briar asked, picking up one of the apples and smiling.

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"Most of the time, yes. Occasionally, you'll see someone rival another's standing in the herd and they will duel. That, my dear, is not something for your eyes. Not quite yet."

Anita tossed the apple towards Arget, who reared into the air and caught it. She grinned.

"You see, the horses have a standing of power just like the human kingdoms. Arget is the Queen, while Xavier is like... Xavier is not the King, but perhaps the royal guard." She nodded.

"But, younger horses - stallions, especially - don't like females in charge. Big surprise there. And she'll have to show her dominance over them."

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Briar took a bite of the apple and chuckled softly, "Human males don't like females in charge either."

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Anita nodded. "Wise girl. Alright. Tell me what you see."

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Briar looked out to the horses and tilted her head, "I see..them grazing. They look peaceful right now."

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Anita nodded.

"Horses are at their weakest when they graze. A lot of them are abused when they are grazed and then are forced into a stable for the rest of the time. It's not healthy." She raised her eyebrows, glancing at the mare and gelding grazing side-by-side. They were peaceful. "Notice how Xavier hovers behind Arget, rather than right up next to her. That's a sign of respect - but it also means that he is watching out for danger."

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"So, he's acknowledging her dominance?" She asked, looking back to Anita.

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Anita nodded, pleasure in her gaze as she stared at Briar before focusing back on the horses.

"Do you have any questions for me?"

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"How do they decide which female horse is in control?" She tilted her head, "Do they fight for it?"

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"Typically, males are the ones who exert physical dominance. The female dominance is determined by age and knowledge of the territory - for instance, I've had Arget for... Too many years to count, and she's older than most of the horses in the stables." She shrugged. "And those who challenge her - for she acts as dominant female and male - are... Quieted."

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"Huh. How do they fight? I can't imagine horses fighting the way dogs do," Briar frowned.

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Anita whirled on Briar, eyes dark. "Don't even think that for a second! Horses are dangerous! They are almost four times our body weight, Briar. Male horses - dominant, submissive, whatever - fight with hooves and teeth. Females... They just... They circle. They pace. They make mind games."

She backed off. "Sorry."

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Her eyes widened when Anita turned on her and all she could do was nod helplessly, "O-Okay..sorry."

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Anita shook her head. "It's okay, Briar. But that kind of thinking has killed some of the best people I know." She shook her head again. "Alright. Now. Time for a riding lesson, the right way. Arget!" She whistled, and the mare came trotting over. "Bareback."

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Briar blinked, slowly getting to her feet, "Is that dangerous?"

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"Not when you're with me." Anita smiled. "Want a leg up?"

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She looked to Arget and back, then nodded shyly, "Yes, please."