[GothPop]

Alex wasnt the only one who took care of the palace 's stables and livery, but he was probably one of the people with the most experience. He had been riding horses almost as long as he could walk. He also fell quite a few times; that's part of how he ended up meeting Eli. Despite what was a deep and passionate love now, it had begun as a passionate rivalry between the prince and he. One day, they sneaked out to the stables to have a competition on who was the better rider,( a race through a relatively safe path in the woods) and it ended up with Alex tumbling from the horse and into the river. He was not a good swimmer, and had almost drowned. But his beloved had saved him; .and he knew he had lost. Not only the contest, but his heart. The pair had gotten into a world of trouble after that, but looking back now it was fond memories.

And because of his childish foolishness, the gorgeous black mare whose mane he brushed had also become well acquainted with him. He was brave enough to try and ride her as a kid, and remained to this day one of the few people who could ride the temperamental equine. He was reminiscing on these thoughts as he worked when he heard the trot of familiar hooves enter the stable. "Good morning," he hummed to Eli, "taking Zeus out for a stroll?"