Page 25 of Meadowsweet and Marigold
"Empowering," she said finally, a hint of wonder in her voice. "Like I can see the whole world from up here."
As they set off at a gentle walk, Marigold felt the rhythmic sway of the horse beneath her.
Each step sent a gentle ripple through her body, a new kind of dance she'd never experienced before. The countryside unfurled before them like a living canvas – rolling hills dotted with wildflowers, the distant treeline a deep green against the azure sky.
"This is... incredible," Marigold breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.
Meadow rode beside her, his posture relaxed and natural in the saddle.
"It's a different world out here," he said softly. "Take it all in."
The steady clip-clop of hooves against the earth became a soothing metronome, gradually easing the tension from Marigold's shoulders. She found herself matching her breathing to the horse's gait, a calming synchronicity.
"How am I doing?" she asked, glancing over at Meadow.
He nodded approvingly.
"You're a natural. Just remember to keep your heels down and your back straight."
Marigold made a small adjustment, feeling more secure in the saddle.
"Like this?"
"Perfect," Meadow confirmed. "Now, if you want to turn left, just apply a little pressure with your right leg and guide her with the reins."
Following his instructions, Marigold gently steered the horse towards a flowering meadow. As they meandered through the tall grass, she marveled at how responsive the animal was to her subtle cues.
"I never imagined I'd be doing this," Marigold admitted, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. "After everything... I thought I'd lost my ability to try new things."
Meadow's gaze was understanding.
"Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is to start again."
His words resonated deeply with Marigold, stirring something within her that had long been dormant. For the first time in months, she felt a flicker of hope, a sense that maybe, just maybe, she could rebuild herself here in this peaceful place.
As they rode side by side, Marigold found herself stealing glances at Meadow.
His quiet strength and gentle guidance were so different from what she'd known before. It made her wonder what other surprises this new chapter of her life might hold.
As the sun began to dip behind the distant hills, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape, Marigold and Meadow guided their horses back towards the stables.
The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on the packed earth filled the comfortable silence between them.
Marigold's muscles ached pleasantly from the unfamiliar exertion, a physical reminder of the day's adventure. She took a deep breath, savoring the crisp country air tinged with the scent of grass and wildflowers.
"Thank you for today, Meadow," she said softly, her voice carrying a warmth that surprised even her. "I haven't felt this...alive in a long time."
Meadow's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled.
"It's my pleasure, Marigold. Sometimes all we need is a change of scenery to remember who we are."
As they dismounted, Marigold's legs wobbled slightly, and Meadow's steady hand was there to support her elbow.
The brief contact sent a flutter through her chest, and she found herself wondering about the possibility of friendship –or perhaps something more– in this new place.
While they brushed down the horses, Marigold's mind drifted to the future. For the first time since her world had shattered, she felt a spark of excitement about what tomorrow might bring.
The ache of betrayal was still there, a dull throb in her heart, but it no longer consumed her entirely.
