Dmitri was pleased to find that Ladybird was a pleasure to ride. She responded to all commands without fail, and her movements were smooth and graceful. One could almost assume she understood human speech! Then again, if she belonged to Anya, whose experience with horses was on par with any other Copperstone, this should be no surprise.
This got him thinking that it might be a good idea to claim Ladybird for the Copperstone family as well. After all, the mare's ties with his sister, though still mysterious, were quite obvious. Besides, with her under Copperstone protection, she would be less likely to be commandeered by the school without his permission.
So, after they finished with their ride, Dmitri led Ladybird back to the stable and brushed her down. After casting the same soothing spell he had used on Aurora, he branded the Arabian with the Copperstone crest as well, magically turning the mark a copper color to contrast with her black coat.
"There you are, girl," he said, giving her a treat and stroking her muzzle. "You are a Copperstone horse, now. And if it turns out my sister is willing to part with you, I would be more than honored to take you in."
Mentally, he made a silent apology to Theia. Despite the Horse Witch's efforts to hide her feelings, he could tell she coveted both horses for herself, and who could blame her? This was why he had let her keep Aurora's future foal for all her faithful service.
"So, this is what you've been up to for the last few hours. As you never sent word of your whereabouts, I almost thought you had run away."
The voice made Dmitri jump before he smiled and turned. There stood his beloved wife, Ellany, hands on her hips in mock reproof.
"Forgive me, my love," Dmitri chuckled, going up and kissing her. "As you can see, something came up."
Looking past his shoulder, Ellany studied the Arabian mare with grudging admiration. "Well, I suppose I cannot blame you for your good taste. How could anyone compete with such a fine creature?" Reaching up, she ran a finger down Dmitri's neck. "Was she a good ride, dear?"
Dmitri saw the mischievous glint in his wife's eyes and raised an eyebrow. "And who, pray tell, is asking? The woman or the horse?"
"Why not both?" Ellany purred before her form shifted into a lovely Friesian mare. Like Ladybird, she was startlingly black and nearly the same size. One could hardly blame the Horse Witch for a bit of jealousy.
Eagerly, she nosed him and pointed her head back through the doorway.
"Very well, if it would prove my loyalty, I will ride you, my love," Dmitri laughed, going to fetch his saddle again.
Ellany stomped a hoof and pricked her ears questioningly.
Her husband winked at her. "The horse AND the woman."