Rearview Park, 2009
The tension between Raymond and Rhaenys reaches a peak. Raymond reveals a startling revelation: "Your mother never told Arthur that she was pregnant."
Rhaenys's eyes widened in disbelief as she processed her grandfather's words. "What do you mean? Why wouldn't she tell him?" Her voice trembled with a mix of confusion and anger.
Raymond sighed heavily, his gaze shifting to the ground. "It's because of Arthur's father," he explained, his tone heavy with the weight of unspoken history. "Your mother was afraid of what it would mean for both of them. Arthur's father had a reputation, and she was terrified of the consequences."
Rhaenys then said, "What do you mean by reputation?"
Raymond took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts before responding. "Arthur's father was known for his violent past, especially when it came to magical beings. He had a fierce reputation for hunting down creatures that posed a threat, but that often meant collateral damage.
Your mother feared that if the truth about her lineage came to light, it would put both her and you in danger." Rhaenys frowned, her mind racing with the implications.
Rhaenys's eyes widened in disbelief as she processed her grandfather's words. "Wait, Mom possessed magical abilities?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and confusion.
"Yes," her grandfather replied solemnly. "Your mother comes from a long line of magical beings, a legacy that has been hidden for generations. It's a gift, but it also comes with immense responsibility and danger."
Rhaenys struggled to absorb the weight of his revelation. The world she believed she understood was unraveling before her, and the reality of her family was more complex than she had ever imagined.
Rhaenys's voice trembled slightly, a mix of shock and confusion. "Is that why Mom came to this dimension?" she asked, trying to find clarity amid her chaotic thoughts.
Raymond nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, that's why your mother came to this dimension."
Rhaenys's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wow," she whispered, trying to process everything.
After a moment, she turned to her grandfather, her voice barely above a murmur. "Do I need to go and apologize to my mother right now?" The uncertainty in her tone reflected the turmoil within her, searching for a way to navigate this newfound complexity.
Raymond shook his head gently. "No, not right now," he said, his tone reassuring.
He could see the confusion in Rhaenys's eyes and wanted to provide her with a moment to gather her thoughts. After a brief pause, he added, "Would you like to go horseback riding?"
The suggestion was meant to lighten the heavy atmosphere and give her a chance to breathe and think.
Rhaenys's face brightened at the suggestion. "That would be awesome!" she exclaimed, her spirits lifting.
She looked at her grandfather with gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Grandpa," she added sincerely, feeling a sense of relief at the prospect of a fun distraction.
"Let's go to the stable and saddle our horses," her grandfather said with a smile, eager to share this adventure with her.
Rhaenys felt a rush of excitement as they made their way to the stable, the weight of her worries beginning to lift with each step.
As they approached the stable, Rhaenys caught a glimpse of a figure on the other side of the park.
He stood under the shade of a large oak tree, his features obscured by the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The mystery man watched them intently, his expression unreadable. Rhaenys felt a shiver run down her spine, a mix of curiosity and unease.
"Grandpa, do you see that man over there?" she asked quietly, nodding toward the strange figure.
Her grandfather paused, squinting in the direction she indicated. "No, I don't see anyone. Are you sure?"
Rhaenys shrugged, her eyes still fixed on the mysterious figure. "He was just standing there, watching us closely."
"Don't worry about it, Rhaenys. People frequently come and go in the park. Focus on our adventure!"
Despite his words, a lingering sense of discomfort hung in the air, as if the stranger's presence was a shadow over their outing.
The enigmatic man kept watching them from a distance as they got closer to the stable, his eyes never leaving them.
Rhaenys approached her horse, Flicka, her heart still racing from the unsettling encounter. "Hello, Flicka," she said softly, reaching out to stroke the horse's neck.
Flicka nickered in response; her warm breath was a comforting presence.
Rhaenys let out a small sigh, trying to shake off the lingering unease. "I can't believe I've had you for four years," she said, her voice filled with affection as she continued to stroke Flicka's neck.
The horse nuzzled against her, providing a sense of grounding amidst the discomfort of the stranger's watchful gaze.
Rhaenys took a deep breath, grateful for Flicka's calming presence, and began to focus on the bond they shared rather than the shadows that loomed outside the stable.
Then she remembers the day her grandfather gifted her horse Flicka. It was a sunny afternoon, the kind that filled the air with warmth and possibility.
As she stood in the grassy field, her eyes widened in disbelief when her grandfather led Flicka toward her. The horse, a beautiful blend of chestnut and white, seemed to radiate a gentle spirit, and Rhaenys felt an instant connection.
She remembers telling her grandfather that she loves her horse.
After reliving her memory of that day, she saddled up her horse, Flicka.
Then both she and her grandfather got on their horses.
Then her grandfather asked her, "Are you ready to go?"
Rhaenys looked up at her grandfather with excitement sparkling in her eyes. "Ready, Grandpa!" she exclaimed, her voice full of enthusiasm. She adjusted the reins, feeling the familiar warmth of Flicka beneath her.
"Well then, let's go!" her grandfather replied, a smile spreading across his face as they set off together into the open fields.
The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a golden hue over the grassy field, and Rhaenys could hardly wait to embark on their adventure together. With a gentle nudge, she guided Flicka forward, eager to explore the world around them.