Post 744: Hayfield Diaries
Hello my dear EquiWorld readers! It’s Emma here, writing to you from the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Hayfield near Aberdeen, where the wind whispers tales of the past and the hills echo with the rumble of hooves.
The year is 0744. It feels a bit chilly this morning, but the sun promises to shine soon. The first light of dawn has dusted the meadows in silver, and the dew glistens on the tall grasses, making them sparkle like diamonds scattered on velvet.
A day like this makes you truly appreciate being alive. To breathe in the crisp morning air, to feel the cool grass underfoot, to watch the birds singing their cheerful song, and to…oh! Right, back to business!
Today I’m going to be telling you about horses in 744, so let’s dive right in!
A Typical Day in 744:
Most of the time, I'm out and about with my friend Angus, another grey draught horse, hauling carts of barley or wood. We help farmers till their fields and carry heavy supplies to nearby villages. It’s hard work, but satisfying. To see the land respond to our efforts, to know we’re contributing to the well-being of the community… it gives purpose to each day.
It’s been particularly busy recently as there are whispers in the air of an impending battle. Not near us in Scotland, of course, but the word travels fast. King Liudprand of the Lombards is said to be threatening Ravenna, a city in the south. I think the men worry that the fighting will spill into our part of the world, but none of that is my concern – for now, at least!
We’re usually tethered together when we’re not working, so I see Angus quite a bit. We're close and share a silent understanding. It’s good to have a companion in this life. We share jokes about the silly things that happen during the day - sometimes when the carts are loaded too heavy or when we see a bird with bright colours doing a strange dance.
Most of my days, though, are simple. I love feeling the sun on my back as I graze peacefully with Angus and the other horses in the meadows. We've become accustomed to each other's rhythms - the lazy stretches, the sleepy whinnies at dusk, the way we huddle together against the cold when night falls. The nights here are pretty dark and a bit unnerving sometimes, so it's good to have friends around you.
But life in 744 isn't all hard work and quiet companionship. I have moments of fun, too! Sometimes, I'm lucky enough to be allowed a gallop across the moor. The wind in my mane, the earth beneath my hooves, the sheer exhilaration of freedom – there is nothing quite like it! The other horses race beside me, their manes whipping the air, their tails flying in joyous abandon. We run until the world melts into a blur of colours and sound, then stop, panting, and stare at the vast landscape.
The wind whistles through the rushes on the banks of the River Dee, reminding me that the world keeps spinning even while I stand, lost in the simple pleasure of a breezy day.
Horse News from Across the Lands
There are stories reaching us through the occasional travellers. They speak of great events and people with such dramatic tales. I always pay close attention to what they have to say because it's our way of understanding what the world is like outside of Hayfield.
Recently, I heard that a new emperor is ruling in Constantinople, the great city at the edge of the world, where people live beyond what we could possibly imagine! The tales are so far away they seem like fairytales – they speak of grand palaces and churches with dazzling mosaics. This emperor, they say, is a brave warrior, a man of great wisdom and strength. Perhaps someday I'll visit this place of wonders myself. I don't quite know how to do that, though, as I only have four legs.
I also heard of Charlemagne, a king from the west who is uniting many tribes under one rule. They say he is a skilled leader and has many powerful warriors fighting for him. They seem quite scary, judging by their descriptions, though it’s good to hear of someone strong who might make things more peaceful for all.
We hear tales of a great many rulers - there’s one in Arabia who proclaims himself as the only true prophet, and another who conquered Persia and now wears a great gold crown with jewels that shimmer with unimaginable light.
But the news we get is so different from what it's like in Hayfield. Here, life is simple, we focus on growing food and making sure the livestock thrives, ensuring everyone has what they need to get by.
My Hopes and Dreams:
As I graze, watching the sunlight paint the meadow gold, I can't help but ponder. Life is simple for a horse, yes. But it also brings its own sort of adventure.
My hopes are simple. I dream of strong, healthy legs that allow me to carry my load and race across the moor. I dream of enough food for everyone, especially for the young foals who need a lot of strength to grow. And of course, I hope for a peaceful world.
One day, I wish to see the wide, wild lands beyond Hayfield. Maybe, I'll even journey to one of these magical places people tell stories of. Who knows what treasures I might discover! But even if my adventures stay confined to the Highlands, that is perfectly alright too. As long as I have a warm stable and a good friend by my side, I wouldn’t want for anything.
This year, I will continue to enjoy life's simple pleasures. I’ll work hard alongside Angus, enjoy the sun on my coat, gallop across the moor, and maybe even teach the foals a trick or two.
And to my dear EquiWorld readers, I wish you happy adventures too. Remember, there’s magic to be found in every hoofbeat, in every breath, and every fleeting moment of life!
Until next time, my friends.
