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.