The Deer Rider
A Story Every Day in 2024 25th July 207/366
Angie was gazing out of the window when she saw the doe. It had come from the woods. She couldn't keep creatures out so, she decided to accept their presence with good grace.
Tentatively, the doe started to nibble the leaves on the tree by her patio doors.
As the deer drew closer, Angie noticed it had a saddle. Astounded at the notion, Angie looked away, shaking her head, looked back and the saddle was still there.
That's odd, she thought, and wondered if she could get closer to touch the saddle, to prove her eyes weren't lying to her.
She went to find the key to open the door when there was a commotion. She sprinted back to the glass to see the deer being mounted by a man, a warrior with long, red hair wearing a kilt. He looked fearsome. Angie didn't know what to do. Should she hide?
But it was already too late. His eyes were on her.
Their gaze met. Angie felt a flicker of recognition. Did she know this man? She couldn't! He was unlike anyone she had seen before. Was he part of some re-enactment group? She tried to think of men she knew with long red hair. None sprang to mind. He was now on the back of the doe, who was still, docile, chewing leaves.
The tension broke as the stranger smiled warmly.
Then, with a quick turn he was gone, riding off with a wave, hair blazing behind him.
Angie was left bewildered, shocked and concerned that she was losing her mind. She also felt like it wasn't the sort of thing that she could mention to anyone. What next? Unicorns?
*
Soon after, at the local library, she noticed some artwork on the wall. It was called "The Deer Rider" and depicted a flame-haired warrior riding a doe and beside him, a magnificent stag carrying a lady in a white dress, who looked remarkably like Angie.
"Who is this?" she asked the librarian.
"Oh, just some artwork based on some local legend. I found it left on the doorstep but it's rather good, don't you think?"
Angie nodded but really she didn't know what to think.
***
366 words
It was my intention to write a drabble for this but Angie and the red-haired warrior arrived instead so I went with it. I might have to return to this pair to see if their contact extends beyond a smile through glass.
Thanks for stopping by! If you do read this, please leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers.
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Comments (3)
Feel free to follow up on this storyline, Rachel! It’s a winner!
Oh you have to write a follow up to this one… … okay, you don’t have to, but I’d really like it if you did!
Oooo, this seems like an awesomeeee beginning to a fantasy story!