Working together, Celus and Shu-shu had finished all the chores long before supper-time. Celus took the opportunity to clean up a bit. Domna insisted on fixing dinner, in spite of the fact Shu-shu was more than willing. Shu-shu took off for the barn then and threw a blanket and harness on Luna, Domna's horse. Celus wandered back outside and sat himself down on the edge of the well to watch Shu-shu canter Luna around the field. It was hard to tell who was happier, Luna or Shu-shu. The poor horse hadn't been ridden in months. It was utterly delightful to watch, Celus thought. He felt very happy for the first time in the months since his wife had passed on. Today seemed just like old times. Not the really old times. Those weren't so good. He was Domna's cousin, the son of her mother's brother. He'd gone to work as a shepherd for one of the men of their city as a young man. It was a year of many wolves and he lost more sheep and goats than all the other shepherds together. The man made him a bondsman because of it, in order to pay back the losses. He was relieved of shepherd duty and made to serve in the man's house and yard - much as he did here. It was hard work and everything that happened always got blamed on him, even if it was someone else's fault. He'd been beaten so many times he couldn't remember, and ended up spending 15 years bonded to that devil of a man. It probably would have been longer but like Shu-shu, he'd escaped his bondage. He ran back home, only to find Domna's father had just passed on and she and her mother were packing up to leave for her mother's home. He went with them, and because he knew nothing else, ended up serving them. They were far nicer than his old master, though. When Domna's mother died and she came to Carthage, he came with her. He loved Domna like a sister and she was always good to him. When all the other servants left, he refused to go. He didn't care that she no longer had anything left. She was the only family he had and she need a man around to do the sorts of chores men did. His wife fell ill with a fever shortly after Domna had sold everything to pay the taxes. She didn't last long. They'd buried her in the south-east corner of the yard under the palms. He hated the thought of leaving her behind now, but it was best all around. Shu-shu was riding toward him now, grinning from ear to ear. "Did you see? I love this horse!" Celus saw a cloud of dust rising on the road. "I think Master Azdrubaal is returning. It'll be time to eat soon. Let's take Luna back to the barn and dry her down. Aye! I did see. You ride very well!" Shu-shu laughed. "I was born on horse!" ***** Celus figure and back image created by me in PP2010 and VUE. Prop is Old Wishing Well. Well...Arthur wins the 'Guess the intended light source' gold star for the last image. That is what I had in mind but it could have turned out better. Thanks for your comments and favorites. Will be visiting your latest creations soon! Cheers! Rayvn