Ahoy, fellow equine enthusiasts!
It's Emma here, your trusty grey mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just outside bonnie Aberdeen. Welcome to my eighth-hundred-and-sixtieth post, another exciting peek into the equine world of 868! I hope this blog finds you well, tails swishing in the breeze and spirits soaring high.
It's a glorious summer morning here in Hayfield, the sun is dappling the heather fields with gold and the air is buzzing with the sounds of life. As I nibble on the sweetest grasses, I feel an overwhelming sense of contentment, like a full cup overflowing with blessings. I am fortunate, you see, for I live a simple life. My days are filled with gentle work, tending the fields and hauling carts, a routine I've grown to love as much as I love my fellow steeds and our wise human companions.
Speaking of humans, oh, the fascinating lives they lead! They’ve been building a fascinating structure up on the hill - something they call a “kirk” with walls of sturdy stone and a pointy roof. They gather inside and sing beautifully, holding hands and praying for good harvests and happy families. The sound of their prayers, the hymns rising towards the clouds, reminds me of the vastness of life and the strong connections we have, no matter how different we might appear.
Of course, 868 wasn’t just about church building and prayers. We were all buzzing with news that had arrived on a swift courier from the south. It seems a new king had ascended the throne of Wessex in England - a fierce warrior named Alfred! The humans say he is strong, intelligent, and fiercely devoted to his people. Time will tell, of course, how he will lead his kingdom, but everyone hopes his rule will be wise and prosperous.
This news also sparked a great deal of talk among my fellow horses. We hear tales of this King Alfred being a keen horseman, even spending a great deal of his time amongst his cavalry, inspiring and training them for battle. They say he believes horses are a critical part of war, capable of carrying brave knights into battle, bringing victory for the cause of peace and freedom. Such dedication! We mares, of course, can't help but admire a leader who places such high value on our strengths and contributions.
And while Alfred is building his power in England, life for horses in Hayfield continues its gentle rhythm. There's a constant need for horses to till the land, transporting supplies, and for those precious tasks we carry out with love and grace. A good draught horse is as valued as any noble knight, you see, because we provide the backbone for so many vital services in this world.
I often find myself watching the human children running around, chasing each other, giggling with joyous abandon. They love the horses just as much as we love them, it seems. There's a young boy with bright, eager eyes and a boundless amount of energy, he's a favorite amongst our lot. He comes to our stables every day, feeding us treats of sugar and bread, brushing our manes and tails until they shine like silk, and whispers kind words of love and gratitude into our ears. I feel an immense connection to this boy, as if our souls are kindred spirits bound by a mutual affection. He wants to become a knight one day, you see, and is inspired by the tales of brave warriors astride their magnificent steeds. Perhaps he’ll ride into battle one day, bearing the King’s banner high, leading his army to victory.
Oh, how exciting it all feels! As I munch on my meadow-sweet hay, I can’t help but feel a little bit proud of myself. I might be just a simple working mare from the humble fields of Hayfield, but I contribute my own little bit to the bigger picture, ensuring that crops are harvested, the land is well-tended, and families are able to prosper and live with a smile on their faces. And all this thanks to our unwavering loyalty and the magic we possess as majestic creatures.
And that’s it for today, my dear friends. As the sun begins its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of purple and orange, I must leave you, my beloved readers, for the long and gentle slumber that awaits. But fret not! I’ll be back soon, with another equine adventure to share, telling you all about the wonderful happenings in our world - in 868, or in any year for that matter! Stay strong, stay joyful, and until next time, happy trails!
P.S. If you want to learn more about the world of horses in 868, I highly recommend heading over to www.equiworld.org, a fascinating website full of information and engaging articles, dedicated to sharing the history and spirit of the noble horse with the world. Happy exploring!
