The Horse

“Ha-ha,” her mood returning to the playful Winifred C. Artem had grown to know. He was right, it would have been distasteful.

“A lot of money, huh? Is that why you are such a penny pincher?” Nudging him softly, she smirked. The forest started to thin out, and she could see the split oak just around the bend. At that point, the questions were geared towards her.

“I would like to think you are keeping me around for my charming attitude.” Too soon for jokes? Winifred didn’t think so. Avoiding answering the question entirely, she pointed ahead. “I doubt my story would be more interesting than the rest of yours. But, save it for another time, shall we?” As they neared the tree, she slid down off the horse.

“Have you traveled through a portal before?” Her blonde hair seemed to get in the way more than providing a beautiful look. Pulling her hair back and tying itself in a bun, she held out her hand towards the portal. “It will take us just outside the city. But uh, it is probably best to travel on foot through the portal? I mean, unless you want to take your horse- I guess. But portals are really for self-aware beings. Otherwise it can get tricky.”