Fireside Stories and Legends Retold [Valhallan Storytime]

Taliesyn’s little grotto was tucked into the flank of the hill like a foal against its dam’s side. It was roomy, important considering the stallion that lived there when he wasn’t out patrolling the wall or walking the herds watching for animals the wolves could cull.

The back of the cave was deceptive. From the mouth it looked as though there was nothing more to the back wall, but in truth there was a switchback into a private little alcove, perhaps the size of a comfortable stall if his mother had been present to put words to it.

Taliesyn had ducked around to snag a few more furs for the pile by the fire. A voice from outside echoed back and he smiled to himself. The first of the story-time guests had arrived, it seemed. It wasn’t a voice he recognized, so he supposed this must be either one of the newcomers Ardyn had accepted, or the guesting lady… Cassiela, if his memory served him rightly.

The stallion plucked a large bear hide up into his blunt teeth and gave his head a solid swing, swirling the hide up and over his back like a heavy cape, then repeated the process with several other furs before trundling around the corner with a dull clip clop of huge hooves on the stone floor.

Pausing by the pile of furs, the stallion tipped his head around and pulled the furs to drop on the pile before smiling in welcome to the woman and settling in his preferred spot toward the back. Among the group once it was gathered, but leaving space for them to move around his rather large frame. Pups being pups, he had little doubt that if any of the younglings came to listen or tell stories, he’d be a climbing challenge.

“Good evening; I am Taliesyn.” The stallion introduced himself with a dip of his horned head to Cassiela before regarding Ardyn with a smile, adding, “I’m sure there will be some good tales this evening.”

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think