Horse Haggle (Noreen + Jack)

[Aeron]

Warm shafts of sunlight fell through the sparse cloud cover upon the carefully plowed fields, illuminating them in a soft, midday glow. These conditions often signaled the end of the winter season, and the beginning of the spring season. Unless the climate felt an insatiable urge to hoodwink its numerous subjects, one could safely count on warmer temperatures and more precipitation and moisture throughout the land. For the farmers and ranchers of Districts 10 and 11 especially, these conditions were necessary and essential to ensure a thriving, prosperous year. In District 10’s case, the aforementioned weather had settled within its boundaries for several days now, and its citizens were in modest celebration.

Fletcher Carnem’s family had survived yet another one of District 10’s harrowing winters, and like many other farming families, they were itching to resume their normal routines. Livestock was the primary trade of the District, and Fletcher’s family was well-versed in it, especially his father. The man of forty-two still had the physical vitality and mental vigor of a twenty-one year old, and as a result, his ranching and wrangling skills were still in their prime. Like any respectable rural father would, he had passed on some of these skills to Fletcher, his only son and first born. This made their combined efforts at satisfying the Capitol’s demand for meat quite impressive.

Fletcher himself, however, was currently lounging against the side of his humble wooden cabin, which contained the remainder of his family (mother, father, and two younger sisters). It had already taken a considerable amount of effort to pry away his nosy and bothersome sisters from him earlier that morning during breakfast, and the seventeen-year-old was already starting to feel the first symptoms of mental fatigue without even having begun his day’s work. His noticeably curly blonde hair had not even matted into clumps from excessive perspiration yet. A few small rocks and pebbles on the ground beneath him had been ejected from his grasp and over to a field nearby out of sheer boredom, but other than that, nothing remotely exciting had taken place thus far today.

The teenage farmboy had barely noticed the cabin door open, despite the fact that its hinges were notoriously creaky. Not even the finest oil could grease them into silence; they were too aged for even that treatment. After all, this cabin had been built by Fletcher’s great-grandfather. The person that came out of the cabin was Fletcher’s father, a burly man built similarly to his son. The latter had abandoned his spot on the side of the small house and met his father on the outskirts of the closest field, allowing a smile to escape from his lips in the process. Working with a parent was always rewarding.

“Fletcher, good to see you’re already out here,” he began jovially. “Listen, today isn’t gonna be a normal work day for us, alright? I have a friend – well, more of an acquaintance of mine – doesn’t matter what I call him – he’s got a horse for sale. If we had a horse in our family, it could open us up for a world of opportunity farming-wise. I heard about this prospect a while back, so I saved up some money. I’m sending you over there to haggle with him – the name’s Anderson, he’s just on the other side of this community. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find his place. There’s a nice big stable on the side of it. Can you do this for me?”

“Sure thing, Father. He couldn’t possibly refuse us, I mean – yeah, I’ll get right on it,” Fletcher responded dazedly, but obediently.

“Good man. Off you go,” said Fletcher’s father. And with that characteristic hand wave of dismissal, Fletcher found himself walking towards the dirt path that connected the settlements. The trek itself did not take very long, for this particular community was not very big. By the time the day rolled into the next hour, Fletcher had found the place his father had so vaguely described. He had heard of the Andersons’ ranch before, but had not formally visited it. But there was a first for everything.

The ranch itself was small, but effective nonetheless. As Fletcher mounted its front porch with the intention of knocking on the farmhouse’s front door, he was instead greeted by a man sitting on the front porch as he approached. The time was nigh for amateur merchanting.

“Mr. Anderson?” Fletcher began with a sincere plastered onto his face. “My name is Fletcher Carnem. My father sent me to talk to you about a potential horse purchase?”

[laphae8ash]

Another day another dollar. I was back at the Anderson's ranch working with Teo, trying to finally break this crazy horse. We'd been at it for almost two months with no avail. He'd let me sit on him bareback, and sometimes he'd even let me take a few laps around on him as long as I leaned in and held myself close to his body. It was like we were one the way I'd weave my hands through his flowing mane and press my body against his. I was small enough that I didn't add too much extra weight and it made breaking horses easy. Teo wouldn't even let you come near him with a saddle without tearing down the fence, it was a shame too because he was a beauty. Jack always said he wasn't made to be broken, and the longer I worked with him the more that was proving true.

It was a typical day, with me in the paddock and Jack working the stables. I had Teo to the side and was climbing on his back. The steady pum pum pum of his hear beat against my legs as I threw myself up and on his back. I had to use the fence to give me the height I needed to mount a horse bareback, which was a little award with a horse like Teo who hated fences. Eventually though I was up on him and I gave a nudge that let him know it was okay. He lunged forward in a quick steady pace in the circle.

After the slaughter of my horse by my father, I'd been growing ever closer to Teo. He was a pain, don't get me wrong, but he was spirited and lively and reminded me of myself. No matter what I tried he wouldn't break, and as much as I hated it, I loved it too. Maybe when Jack finished the cabin and we scrimped and saved we'd be able to purchase him. Maybe Jack would give me a reason to ask Mr. Anderson, who in turn had already given Jack so much.

The wind was in my face as Teo picked up some speed, and if it was any other horse I would've pulled back my arms and let myself feel it flow past me. Instead I held on tighter and smiled. There was nothing to worry about when I was on him, I could just be. The last few months of my life had been crazy and times like this I didn't have to think about that. No thoughts of the beating my mother and father gave me, no thoughts of the fact I was living with my boyfriend before I had even graduated high school, or the fact I had been sent back a grade. My mind was free, just Teo and me.

Sometime later I felt the tempo of his pace drop, he was wearing himself down and eventually he came to a stop and I slid down into the grassy field below. "Good Job today boy, maybe soon enough I'll get that s-a-d-d-l-e on you." I patted his side with a smile. Leaving him to much on some of the new green buds, I walked over to get the harness and led to take him back into the barn and groom him up for the day. I tossed the worn blue halter over his head and clip the lead into place, tugging it to get him to follow me back in.

Entering the large wooden barn, I send a smile to my tall handsome boyfriend. He was covered in hay, but I didn't care. I tied Teo up to the grooming station and sliped over to give him a kiss before grabbing a brush. I noticed that Jack was tidying up two other horses and I gave him a look. A few weeks ago we had a vistor from the Capitol come to purchase a horse...the same horses Jack was grooming. It hit me, we were having another vistor...and it was possible I'd lose Teo. Shaking my head, I mumbled "Not again. Not Teo this time too." The look on Jack's face told me it was and I sighed.

Brushing his hindquarters I worked my way forward lost in my thoughts. I pursed my lips and kept brushing. There was no excuse, I knew he wasn't mine, as much as I wish we could keep him, it wasn't my choice. Not til we had the money. The cabin came first, then a horse...

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[Jack Lexington]

The whole morning I had been playing scenes over and over in my head how I could possible tell Noreen that maybe it was Teo's day to leave the Andersons ranch today. Not because he was a great horse and would be of value for his new owner but because he was so damn stubborn that the old Anderson would have to sell him under value.
Needles to say that I didn't want to be the messenger and therefore didn't come up with a way to tell her.
Instead I busied myself cleaning the stables, shoveling manure, fixing yet another board of the fence that unruly horse had crashed into and simply hiding away from my girlfriend somewhere in the hay.

The day was warmer than the past few and I was breaking out in sweat in my undershirt and warm flanel. So I took my old hat off and wiped at the sweat on my brow with the back of my hand when I spotted a man up on the porch with Mr. Anderson. Setting the shovel aside I watched him for a moment while he was talking to my employer. Hopefully he wasn't another one of these freaks from the capitol, who only wanted to buy a horse to color the fur pink.

The old man got up from his comfortable rocking chair and shook Fletcher Carnems hand. "So you're Mr. Carnems son." he gave him a friendly nod. "I've known your father for a while now. We meet every now and then in town and play some cards..." His almost grey eyes darted to the door to see whether his wife was listening.
"Your father mentioned that you could use a horse on the farm. What kind of horse are you looking for? One for driving cattle or sheep? Or one to pull a wagon?"
He stepped of the wooden planks and onto the dirt of his land.
"Let me introduce you to my right hand. He'll show you a few young horses that are for sale."

Together the two come closer so I run my hand over my dirty sweaty hair and put my worn brown fedora back on while I wait for them to reach the stables. Out of the corner of my eye I see Noreen, who must have noticed the arrival of the buyer as well. I turn to her and wink as if to say. "Don't worry."

[Aeron]

So, this is what it feels like to be a trader, Fletcher thought, stifling a chuckle as he accepted Mr. Anderson’s hand and shook it, still beaming unnecessarily. Presentation was vital to a successful purchase, although that logic was more or less common sense and not merchanting protocol. Surely Fletcher had succeeded at this first step, because Mr. Anderson’s response seemed to parallel Fletcher’s friendly tone. Fletcher had not even given this crucial role much rehearsing; talking to people, regardless of their temperament, was one of his strong points. As Mr. Anderson stood up from his rocking chair and beckoned Fletcher to follow him to the stables, the latter gave an answer to his query.

“My father is looking for a horse to help drive cattle, mostly. Our family could use a friend, too,” Fletcher answered thoughtfully, as the duo descended the porch and onto the grass-laden dirt once more. He felt like he had left a decent impression on Mr. Anderson, which boosted his confidence up a few notches. Sure, his confidence was already quite impressive in terms of communication, but the extra self-assurance was appreciated nonetheless.

The stables were mid-sized, perfectly capable of housing a small handful of horses. A much younger man sporting a worn and faded brown fedora awaited them, with a woman not far behind. However, the dimness of the stable made it difficult to make out her physical features accurately. Fletcher rounded on the man first, offering him his hand to shake as a friendly gesture. He could already feel the potential scene welling up in his mind like a natural geyser in nature. If things went smoothly, the sterling visualization would erupt into reality.

[laphae8ash]

I gave Jack a nod, I knew what was going on and it wasn't what I felt like dealing with. So I just kept my mouth shut and my head down as Mr. Anderson brought in the buyer. By the sound of his voice he wasn't much older than Jack or I. I figured that Jack would be better handling this, as I have a tendancy to spit off at the mouth when I'm unhappy, and the prospect of losing my favorite horse has me riled up.

I kept brushing Teo, the action was building beads of sweat across my face. I figure if I can keep busy long enough I won't have to say anything. My strokes are long and even, massaging the muscles of the horse. The motion is something I can keep up with my mind wandering.

I hear Jack start to talk to the boy and I move around to the other side of Teo, his large body blocking me from view. He was looking for a cattle horse, which brought a smile to my face. Teo would never be a cattle horse, he was far too skittish around...well everything! Teo would take off one way letting the cows do whatever they wanted! This was perfect. He would probably take one of the two quaters that Jack had been grooming earlier, and I'd get my friend.

The thought had me so excited that I started humming a tune to myself as I worked. My head bounced to the song in my head and I couldn't help but feel my mood lift. Mr. Anderson was about to get a nice pay day, Jack was getting to show he was capable of running the ranch, and Teo would be staying.

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[Jack Lexington]

It can't help but seize up the young man who will be purchasing a horse. usually the looks of a buyer tell me a lot about the kind of horse he might be happy with. Aside from the two Quarter horses we have Teo the unruly mixed Stallion, two older Paints and one beautiful pony.
They all have different characters.
Mr. Anderson suggests that I show him the young Quarter Horses first so I walk away to grab bridle and saddle.

While I saddle them up I explain. "So these two would be good horses for driving cattle or other live stock. They both have a great cow sense and know how to cut them off the herd. They still need some more training to make them react a little easier and faster but you can already put them to work."

I'm waiting a moment so the darker one, which we named shadow lets out the air in his belly and I can tighten the strap. "Check out his hind hand...powerful and perfectly turned out hoofs. You'll turn so quick that you can outsmart any bull."

A little later we're outside and I hand him the reigns so he can test which of the two he likes better. Hopefully he won't ask me to show him the animals in action since I still can't use my right leg enough to hold on to a trotting horse.

[Aeron]

Business commenced immediately after Fletcher introduced himself to the other two people in the vicinity. As Mr. Anderson looked on, giving the younger man instructions as to which horse to show Fletcher, the latter refrained from speaking, since he was not as knowledgeable on horse breeds and types. All he vaguely knew was that he might be leaving this ranch with one, reigns in hand.

Fletcher waited outside the stables for the selected horses, as the stable was cramped and the ranchers needed room to prepare them for riding. When they emerged, two dark-colored horses followed in suit. Despite being young, they were already fully grown, and as the rancher explained, primed and prepared for work. Fletcher listened intently as the rancher went over the horse’s specifications, appearing to emphasize the fact that the horse had powerful, well-developed hooves. Hearing this made Fletcher’s eagerness perk up slightly. A horse with powerful hooves would tire out less quickly than most.

Upon begin handed the reins after the lengthy explanation, Fletcher approached the darker of the two horses slowly but confidently, as his father had once directed him. His riding skills were far too amateur to parallel those of horse racers, but what little riding fundamentals he knew would certainly get the cattle-driving task done more efficiently day by day. The horse did not flinch, which was a good sign. Even when Fletcher had one foot in its one of its stirrups, it still did not react maliciously. On the contrary, it seemed captivated and taken my Fletcher’s friendly presence. When he had mounted the horse fully, he had no problem cantering it around a small perimeter of dirt. It handled well, and responded promptly to Fletcher’s nonverbal commands and rein control. Fletcher tried to envision the horse moving at a slightly faster rate in his head alone, since he did not want to charge the steed around the farm and risk ruining the land. After a few minutes of smooth, careful demonstration, Fletcher dismounted the horse and handed the reins back to the rancher, beaming.

“This one handled really well, sir. I felt comfortable riding it,” Fletcher said jubilantly. He decided to pause upon concluding that statement, seeing as he was no expert. The ranchers would suggest his next move.

[laphae8ash]

After Teo is groomed I put him back in his stable and peek out of the door. Jack is talking up Shadow and he seems to be the perfect choice for the young buyer. On closer inspection I see the boy is my age. I know him from school and he doesn't seem to know too much about horses. He nods as if he does, but his face says otherwise, to the point I have to bite my tongue to keep from laughing out loud. Jack could bullshit his way through this and this guy would never know. He hops up on Shadow taking a gentle walk around the yard. Why he didn't go out to the paddock and really test the horse is beyond me. If you want a good cattle horse you need to know whats under your legs.

I look over at Jack and wink. If he's wanting a horse to ride Teo is beyond safe. I dare this guy to come at him with a saddle...Jack and I would be fixing fences for a week! I leave it up to Jack to do most the talking and negotiating since my smart ass would only end up costing us the sell. Especially since he seems so easy to fool. I'm not exactly the nicest person to be around and my tolerance for people is pretty low.

Stepping out a little further to watch the transaction I lean against the hitching post. I'm hoping for a little excitment, maybe they'll have me show off one of the horses. I could let this boy see what they could really do. A full speed run around the ring, a few sharp turns. Something more than a little walk. A smirk crossed my lips of the thought of this guy trying to hop on Teo. Brushing my dirty jeans and shirt off I couldn't help but smile. It had brightened my day so I decided to stay there watching til we needed to bring out the next horse.

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[Jack Lexington]

After a few minutes it's obvious that the young man isn't an accomplished rider and will rely on my advice, which I will definetly give him truthfully. Maybe my girlfriend can take the horses for a faster ride so he can see what they actually can do.

Shadow would have been my choice for the buyer but , of course, I have to offer him the other available horses as well. With a nod a the horse I ask noreen to hold him while I tell the young man more about the second one.
Clapping him lightly on the neck I explain. "This is Shadows brother, Spartacus. He's very similar in character, easy to handle. His cow sense isn't as strong but he's a little faster on the turns."
Like before I hand the buyer the reigns. "How many tesserae are you looking to spend? These two would be priced around 250 tes and we have one other horse. I wouldn't recommend him because he's not fully broken and has a head of his own. He'd be cheaper though. Around 120."

I can practically feel Noreens eyes boring into my back. She'll hate me offering Teo, her favourite horse, which she would like to keep fro herself. She'll have to understand that we both work for the Andersons and have to act in their best interest, which is selling a horse today. And if that means the cheapest one has to go it'll be Teo.

[Aeron]

As Fletcher listened to Jack preview the next horse, christened Spartacus, it was clear that his miniature rodeo with Shadow was quite egregious. Still, the lack of a spectacle did not seem to faze the rancher or his companion. Perhaps they were keeping their opinions and critiques to themselves. The rancher bequeathed the reins of the light-coated horse to Fletcher, and talked prices as they did so. Fletcher had not even arrived at that stage yet. He had brought a hefty sum with him, but had hoped to haggle with Jack in an attempt to lower the prices.

Upon stepping into the stirrups of the second horse, it was evident that this one was both younger and less refined in terms of riding and behavior. The steed let out a startled whinny, and nearly charged off in cowardice before Fletcher dismounted in haste. The horse luckily calmed down within seconds, although the girl in the barn was now giving him a scandalized look. Fletcher recognized her as Noreen, from school. She was fortunate enough to have found work outside of her farm, unless she lived at the Andersons for the time being. The two were not even acquaintances.

“I don’t think this one enjoys being ridden very much,” Fletcher said with a slight chuckle. “The other one handled pretty well, although I’m no seasoned rider.”

[laphae8ash]

I hardly stifle down the chuckle as I step up and take the reigns from Jack to lead Spartacus out of the way and shook my head saying "Jack don't even let him try to sit on Teo, I don't feel like fixing anymore fences." If he couldn't handle a green, but broken horse, there's no way he'd even be able to get Teo to let him on him. I finally got a good look at the boy, I'd seen him around school, but I couldn't place a name.

Nodding at him I said, "I'm Noreen." No more no less. I really wasn't interested in getting a lecture from Mr. Anderson about my lack of customer service, that was Jack's expertise. I dealt with horses, much easier, much nicer. I know that I gave off the appearance of someone who couldn't do much, but horses and I had an understanding and it was the one thing I felt at home doing.

I'm sure Jack was dying laughing inside about me trying to help out with a customer. I hate social interaction, it makes me feel akward and snarky. I feel like everyone is judging me and its just...awful. I looked up catching his green eyes and raising my eye brows. "You want me to bring out Teo, or should we just show him in his stall?"

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[Jack Lexington]

Silently I'm hoping that Noreen will stay out of this sales pitch but of course she comes out and tells me what she thinks as if I didn't know that. Biting back a nasty comment, which would look very unprofessional, I state. "No, If Spartacus isn't easy enough to handle, you'll hate Teo. Forget him. He's not even broken yet and has a temper. Let's with the solid ones."

I let my eyes wander around the pasture where the mares are peacefully grassing. One stands out. She's not very tall but easy to handle, yet agile. For breeding she's too small so Mr. Anderson will probably try to sell her.
"That gray horse over there would also be suitable if you don't have anything against another girl on your farm." I attempt to joke to lighten the mood. It's obvious the young man isn't very comfortable around and on horses but I don't want him to feel alienated.
"C'mon. We'll go get her for you. In the meantime Noreen can show you what Shadow is capable of."

While we walk over to have a look at the mare and lead her back to the stables to saddle her I motion for my girlfriend to put on a little show for our customer.