Good.

Hee.

Though the story doesn't last forever, of course.

Sadly not.

They can get a late supper once the Darkling finishes. 

Just the two of them?

That was her intention. Unless Svetka has someone she wants to invite...?

Ummm. Not tonight.

Good. The Darkling would prefer to keep Svetka all to herself. 

Blush!!

The Darkling will order food for them both. 

It's been a long day. Svetka is kinda hungry.

She orders quite a bit, fortunately. 

Great.

Several weeks later, a letter arrives from Elvira and Valeriya. They've found the trail, near Ryevost.

She informs Svetka. "We'll be setting out as quickly as possible," she says, "Traveling light, just us."

"More riding?"

"Yes," she says. "You've been doing very well in your riding lessons, too - I think you're ready for your own horse."

"Will you pick one for me?"

"Yes," she says. "In fact... I'll gift you two of your own."

"Wow. Thanks."

"Let's go meet them."

To the stables.

Where she brings Svetka two mares - they're war horses, with the sort of extremely fine breeding and precise carriage the Darkling has taught Svetka to notice. One, somewhat larger, has a shimmering reddish brown coat; the other is nearly gold. "This is Nestan," she says of the larger mare. "She's an obedient girl, and willing to work with those I'm fond of." Then, of the other: "And this is Darejan. She's more spirited; watch you don't let her steal the lead from you." She smiles softly. "Their names are from the same poem as my Tariel and Avtandil; in that, Nestan-Darejan is Tariel's love - Avtandil's love is named Tinatin, though I haven't found a mount worthy of the name yet..."

"They're beautiful," Svetka says, stroking Nestan's nose.

Grin! "They are." She'll very happily chatter a little about their ages and breeding and training, and, then: "Perhaps during our travels I can read you the poem their names are from..."

"That would be a good way to pass the time."