Life is good, thought Serali as she lay in bed that night. My magic is going well, I'll make journeyman mage in only a year or so at this rate, and getting to know Galen is great. I think I'm falling in love. I always thought that love was a serious thing. Who would have even guessed it would be so much fun? And indeed Serali and Galen were enjoying themselves quite a bit. They went for walks, they spent long hours just talking, they had long rides and picnics in the country. Galen had even bought Serali a horse. She had protested the expense at first, but Galen said "I'm a noble, remember? That means I'm filthy rich. If I don't spend it on you, what else would I do with it?"

The first time he'd attempted to teach her how to ride had been a dismal disaster. Not because of anything Serali did, but because of the horse. Galen had ridden up to the tower on a chestnut gelding, holding the reins of a matched gelding. Inside the courtyard he'd stood and held the horse's reins and directed Serali in how to mount. She had been around horses only a little bit, and had never tried to ride one, but she knew that horses were nervous around her. She guessed it was because they could smell that she was a dragon and carrying someone who normally would have eaten them wasn't something most horses could put up with. And indeed the gelding started dancing nervously and tossing his head as soon as she came near.

Galen gave the reins a little jerk and the horse stilled. "I don't know what's gotten into him," he said, "I picked him out because he's quite steady, a good beginning mount."

"Horses don't like me," said Serali, not wanting to try and explain.

"Well whether he likes you or not, he's going to have to put up with you on his back," Galen said firmly, and tightened his grip on the gelding's reins.

Serali was dubious, but she tried. She got close enough to touch the trembling horse and he suddenly reared, yanking the reins out of Galen's hand, and clattered across the courtyard. If the gate had been open he might have gotten away entirely, but as it was he had to settle for standing as far from Serali as the poor creature could get.

Galen gaped at the horse. His own horse, standing a few feet away, tossed his head and indicated that he wasn't particularly happy about this either.

"I said horses don't like me," said Serali. "Though I've never tried to ride one before, I didn't know it would upset it that much."

"That's... bizarre," said Galen.

Serali just shrugged.

Galen shook his head. "I guess we won't be going riding today."

"I don't think we'll be going riding ever," said Serali.

He looked over at her. "Maybe. We'll see."