01-18. The Way of the Wiccan

This update takes place the same day Traveller ran with the herd and Roy prepared to win another of his games.

Just when Roy thought he was beginning to understand Holly, she turned over a new leaf.

Holly was waking up before dawn, running around outside with barely enough clothes to cover her essentials. She even started wearing shrub leaves. Roy couldn't figure it out. And the leaf skirt was distracting.

Good thing he had Riley at home, someone to talk man-to-man with. Well, man-to-boy anyway.

Riley: When I grow up I want to be just like you, Dad.
Roy: Well son, you pay attention and I'll tell you all you need to know about life.

But Roy was beginning to wonder whether he knew as much about women as he thought he did. When he asked Holly about her new plant-hugging behavior, she sounded like she'd joined a cult or something. 

Holly: I've returned to my Wiccan roots. Summoning the Goddess. Communing with Nature. Invoking my full Feminine Power. ... You know, Roy, you ought to get in touch with YOUR feminine side. It's liberating.

Roy: My what? Are you out of your mind!

That's when Roy decided he needed to confide in Traviller again. He certainly couldn't talk to Riley about the boy's step-mom. It would have to be man-to-horse for this.

Roy: What the hell, Trav! The woman's trying to turn me into her girlfriend. Wants me to sit under the moon with her and sing about our mothers--or some such bull.

Traveller: Maybe she just wants to get closer to you, Roy. Share feelings.

Roy: Feelings! I don't have feelings ... and even if I did, I sure as hell wouldn't talk about them. What kind of man whines about feelings?

Traveller: And just what do you think you're doing right now, Mr Thorn?

Roy: Hey, you're suppose to be on my side! ... This conversation is done, horse. Go eat your oats.

Roy went back into the house and started preparing for the game that night. It wasn't long before Holly joined him.

Holly: Roy, I've really been working hard on my alchemy skills. So many facts about herbs, rocks ... insects. There's a lot of untapped power in bugs, Roy. You'd be surprised.

Roy: Bugs? 

Holly: Sure. And I bet I could come up with an energy drink that would help build your muscles.

Roy: All I need is exercise, babe. ... Sorry, hon, but I'm trying to concentrate here. 

Holly: Bug juice will help you exercise at higher levels, Roy. I'll have an energy drink ready for you tonight.

Roy: Thanks anyway, sweetheart, but I'll be fine without a bug drink. 

Holly: Roy, you can drink the elixir right before the game. And I'll even charm you with good luck! I want to support you and your career. Don't you want to support my career?

Roy: Well, sure. Course I do ...

Roy tried to rush out of the house that evening, but Holly caught him by the door and pushed the energy drink into his hands. Roy couldn't refuse.

Roy: Better hit me quick with that luck thing, babe, cuz my stomach is starting to complain about the bug juice. I guess I'm not used to all that power.

Holly: Well, maybe I should try a lower distillation until your body adjusts to the elixir. I'm still learning about all this, Roy. But honestly, I'm advancing fast.

Roy: That's wonderful, sweetheart, but I better go now. You and Riley enjoy the game. I'll see you later.

_____

That night after the game, Holly was drawn out to the countryside just as Traveller had been. The magic couldn't be resisted. Holly saw some mysterious lights near the river and went to investigate.

Could these be the Will-O-Wisp fairy lights she'd heard so much about?

As she carefully approached, Holly was amazed when the lights didn't disappear. She was able to reach out and capture one of the delicate creatures.

When the Will-O-Wisps continued to circle around her, Holly discovered that she could hold one in her hand and communicate with it through her senses and intuition. 

Holly knew the lights were there to help her, so she would take them home and see what secrets they revealed.

01-17. Trav Runs Free

This chapter is about Traveller and takes place during the three days when Holly embraces her Wiccan nature and Roy advances his athletic career. For himself, Trav gains more confidence and runs with the herd.

Roy had made a promise to Trav that he'd take him to the Equine Center for stud services. But with Roy busy preparing for a game and getting to know his new teammates, Holly said she'd help out.

She wasn't the equestrian Roy was, but she had some skill.

At any rate, Holly and Trav made it to the horse stadium and Trav met a nice filly inside. The Thorn family earned over $1000 for Trav's "date."

Back home, Holly fell off the saddle trying to dismount, and Trav couldn't help but snicker a little. Just a little. He was still grateful to Holly for taking him down to the Center.

That evening after work, Roy and Trav practiced jumping again.

Trav was still having some trouble with the more advanced jump.

But he finally cleared it after a few more tries and some encouragement from Roy.

Later that night, Traveller was still restless and answering the call of a herd of wild horses, he chased a beautiful white mare past a rushing waterfall.

That was when he realized a unicorn had also joined the herd.

Trav felt the magic at once.

Here was a horse who was More Than a horse. A Legend.

Trav stayed with the wild horses all through the night. At dawn, he headed for home ... in a water ferry.

He was anxious to talk to the family about his magical night.

(That day, I edited the waterfall lot to make more room for the horses. I removed a few trees and leveled some of the ground. I also moved the trough and fire pit to open up more space. Riley and Trav checked everything out.)

Riley was happy to visit the waterfall park with Traveller.

The view was breathtaking.

Riley understood how much Trav liked the place.

Traveller had seen Holly over by the river during the night. If anyone understood magic, it was this witch woman. So he shared his excitement with her too ... even though she was still a little lacking in horse sense.

But Trav took her smoothly over the advanced jump, no problem. Holly was learning.

The two of them were getting close. Not like it was with Roy, of course. But Holly did get out of bed that next night to groom Trav. He certainly needed it, and Trav appreciated her care.

01-16. A Man, His Horse, and His Lady

Roy and Holly Thorn were in day two of their married life when I checked back in with them. They were snuggled up together and looked very much like newlyweds.

After the day began, Riley went off to school, and I told Roy to groom his horse Traveller who needed some socializing. But instead, Holly followed Roy outside, and the two started in on their usual love fest.

Traveller watched from the sidelines. I have no idea why the three of them were so secluded in the trees and bushes here.

Traveller must have been feeling a little jealous because he began to have thoughts about getting engaged. Was he hoping for a pretty filly of his own?

Roy: Hey, Trav, why don't you and me go for a run down by the river? Enjoy the day and have ourselves a guy-to-guy talk. What d'ya say?
Traveller: Really? You wanna spend time with me?
Roy: Well sure, buddy! I got things on my mind and maybe you can help me sort stuff out. We do think kinda alike ... both us being males and all.

Traveller seemed intrigued by the notion that he and Roy had so much in common.

So off they went, galloping along the dirt road, following the flow of the river. Enjoying the sunshine, the open plains, and the call of the hawk.

At first they just rode in companionable silence. Then Roy spoke up and told Traveller his heartfelt concerns.

Roy: I'm married now, Trav. Again. The first time I was way too young. Didn't know a thing about what I was doing. Well, except for the fun part. I knew all about that.
Traveller: Of course. The fun part's natural.
Roy: Exactly! See, you get it. I knew you would. ... But anyway, marriage was a lot more than those enjoyable times, let me tell you! In just a few months, I was fit to be tied. Truth is, I might as well have been tied.
Traveller: Stallions aren't happy if we're not given free rein.

Roy: You hit the nail right on the head there, Trav. A guy needs his freedom--or he's no guy.
Traveller: You got it.
Roy: But see here. Now I'm thinking maybe you and me can do the roaming bit. Spend time in the hills here, get our restless side satisfied, you know? Then I could go home to Holly and enjoy more of those fun times like us stallions crave. ... I guess what I'm wondering is, can I quit roaming with other women? Do you think that's natural, Trav? Being with just one filly?
Traveller: You do recall now, Roy, I don't have any filly at all. Not a one. Truth is, I'd feel mighty lucky to have just one lady horse. No lie.

Roy: Dang! I've been remiss on my duties to you, Trav. We need to get you down to the Center and offer your services to those warm bloodied mares there. Hmm, I guess there's no need for you to keep to just one female.
Traveller: Now you're talking!
Roy: That doesn't solve my problem though. ... One thing I haven't mentioned yet. I have a gut feeling that if I do keep running around with other women, Holly is going to kill me.
Traveller: Something to think about.
Roy: Sure is.

Roy didn't come to any firm life decisions by the end of the ride, but he was in high spirits.

He caught a glimpse of Holly over by the pool and went straight to join her. She was looking real nice in her bikini.

Still feeling footloose and fancy free, as the saying goes, Roy winked at Holly and showed off his skinny dipping skills. He was happy to see that Holly was impressed with his manly figure.

It did trouble him a little though when she got out her witch's wand. She still didn't seem inclined to give up her magic spell making. Which brought to mind his confessed fears to Traveller. Holly could be one dangerous lady.

She seemed sweet and caring, but Holly had a wicked side too. Best to tread lightly and not rouse her temper.

Then again, there was nothing that said Roy and Holly couldn't indulge their wicked sides with each other. He liked that idea a lot. Being wild and free with Holly. He might enjoy that as much as roaming the hills with Trav. More so.

Holly certainly appeared content to make a home with him. Roy was glad she didn't have roaming urges herself. That would really rile him up.

Well, he sure hoped she didn't have any wandering lust. Sometimes Holly was a puzzle to Roy. Maybe he should come up with a few tricky ways to keep her puttering around the house. His house.

Roy: Say there, sweet thing! What say you and me practice being married?
Holly: I'll practice anything you want, Roy. Just so long as it's with you!

Roy: Aw, Hollyhocks! Don't you worry none. You name the game this time, honey. I'm all in.