From Emma, Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen
Greetings, fellow equine enthusiasts! It's Emma here, a humble grey draught mare from the verdant fields of Hayfield, near Aberdeen.
As we step into the year 0877, a new chapter unfolds in the history of our equine world.
Spring: The Awakening of the Fields
Spring brings with it a flurry of activity. The fields are awakening from their winter slumber, a verdant carpet unfurling under the warm embrace of the sun. The air vibrates with the sounds of newborn foals, their joyful neighs echoing across the countryside. As a mare, this time of year always brings a special sense of anticipation.
We, the draught horses, are the backbone of this community. We till the fertile lands, prepare them for planting, and then diligently pull the ploughs, scattering the seeds of hope. The smell of freshly turned soil is a familiar fragrance, and the feeling of our powerful muscles pulling through the earth is both invigorating and fulfilling.
This year, however, there is a curious excitement in the air. News has arrived from far-off places about the rise of a new Viking king – Harald Fairhair. They say he's unified the Norwegian kingdoms under his banner, and rumour has it he is setting his sights on even grander conquests.
Summer: A Buzz of Trade and Tradition
Summer bursts upon us with a flourish, the days lengthening into lazy stretches of sunlight. The air buzzes with the activity of the bees, diligently working among the blossoms of the fruit trees. The world feels full and alive.
These days are full of bustle. Markets are held in every town and village, a cacophony of sounds and scents as people gather to trade their wares. We draught horses, sturdy and reliable, are crucial to this system. We pull the laden carts, bringing the bounty of the fields to those who need them most.
But the bustling markets also speak of a growing sense of change. Whispers of Harald Fairhair's conquests reach our ears, stories of raiding parties and subjugation.
Our own king, the one they call Constantine, seems restless, and the murmurs of conflict are loud in the land. The threat of Viking invasion hangs in the air like a storm cloud on the horizon. We are trained for strength and endurance, and our strength may be needed to defend our homeland.
Autumn: A Time of Preparation
The autumnal leaves begin to shift, a vibrant kaleidoscope of oranges, yellows, and reds cascading onto the earth. This is a time of preparation for the harshness of winter. Crops are harvested, barns are stocked, and the preparations for the coming winter are well underway.
This time of year is traditionally marked by the gathering of horses for the winter months. Our kind are rounded up, separated from the grazing herds, and housed in warm stables, cared for by the hands of dedicated farmers. Our coats grow thicker, providing an insulating layer against the cold.
Our strength is a blessing in this season, as we transport harvested goods to villages and towns. It is not a time for conflict, but a time to strengthen our bonds as a community, a time to support one another in preparation for the challenges ahead.
The whispers of Harald Fairhair's conquests haven't faded. The news arrives from southern lands, tales of fierce battles and shifting alliances.
Winter: Strength and Resilience
Winter comes with its crispness, the world hushed in a white blanket of snow. We huddle close within the warmth of our stalls, finding solace in each other's presence.
While the winters are often peaceful, this one is different. It’s colder, quieter, and darker. The wind whispers of things happening elsewhere.
There are rumors about a battle, somewhere on the coast.
Stories trickle back. Stories about a sea king, landing with his men. Stories about fierce fighting and cries for help.
They are stories of courage and hardship. They speak of horses who were brave in the face of fear.
Echoes of War and Resilience
As spring begins to dawn, the land is once again filled with whispers of war. The Vikings have descended, their axes glinting under the first rays of sunlight.
In these challenging times, we horses find strength in our resilience, in the enduring spirit of the community we share. Our power, honed over years of labour and the legacy of our ancestors, is essential for pulling supplies, for transporting warriors, and for holding fast to our homes.
In the face of this new enemy, we band together, our hearts beating in unison, a rhythm of unwavering courage that reverberates throughout our land.
The Strength of Our Legacy
As we forge forward into a future uncertain, we, the horses, are a testament to strength, endurance, and unwavering loyalty.
These stories of 0877, though often painted with hues of fear and conflict, are a reminder of the inherent spirit that defines our world. We are a breed built for both hardship and hope.
Until next time, stay strong and stride forward, dear readers!
With whinnies of hope,
Emma
