🪷Circe’s Inspection🏛️

Vasilis had rushed down in the early morning to Elysium's stables before the dawn had even thought to begin to wake up and spread its pink hues across the skies and sea shores of Greece. Circe heard his steps and leaned her head out of her blue stall door, giving a happy nicker when she saw the young boy approach. Vasilis softly stroked her velvet nose and she nibbled slightly at his sleeves earning for the hidden apple she knew he had brought her. After all today was a special day, and on special days she received special treats. He let out a soft laugh and pulled the apple from the grooming kit he had brought along with him. She happily munched the divine treat.

"Today's the day, Circe!" He softly slipped on her halter and cliped on the lead rope, "So we are starting with a nice spa day to get you looking as beautiful as your soul." The pony happily nibbled on Vasilis's black curls, he giggled again and shooed her lightly away. "Yes-yes, there will be snacks."

The young boy lead her slowly out of her stall and past the other stalls and horses. Most of which were still peacefully sleeping except the other teddy cob, Odysseus. Oddy perked up as they passed and let out a happy whinny greeting them happily. "Oddy shhhh everyone's sleeping still." Vasilis reached over and gave the shaggy gelding a small scratch under his chin, his favorite. "But good morning to you too, silly boy."

Vasilis walked over to the wash bay clipping up the ropes, and removing Circe's lead rope. He also set down his own grooming kit on a nearby table. She looked at him curiously, as he began to start the water and slowly wash her coat. She stood perfectly for him, after all she had always enjoyed a good wash and brushing, and Vasilis had worked diligently that she felt comfortable and enjoyed her time in the wash bay. She was after all his first pony, his pride and joy; a gift for his 13th birthday from his moms, the owners of Elysium stables.

The morning passed quickly and soon Circe stood, washed, brushed, and braided. She seemed to stand taller in pride, glowing in the golden morning hues that glittered across her buckskin coat. Vasilis beamed with pride too, but he looked more a mess than he did before, horse hair and dirt covering his clothes. He wiped the sweat from his brow.

 Walking up Kalliope, Vasilis's mother, came up to see his finished work, with his new little sister tightly wrapped around Kalliope in a soft unbothered sleep. "Here you are, I was wondering where you were at breakfast. Oh, Vasilis! Circe looks wonderful! You be done such a good job getting her ready." The mare proudly posed for Kalliope's praises and a few soft pets.

"Thanks! Do you think she's ready? I even added some accessories, that's allowed right? I thought the bells would add a nice touch due to their connection with her breed." He looked anxiously at his mother.

She smiled softly and hugged his side, "She's perfect. You should be proud of what you've accomplished, I know your baba and I am."

He smiled and hugged her back, only to get interrupted by a soft nudge from Circe who also wanted some attention earning a laugh from Vasilis.

"Alright, now your the one who needs to clean up. I'll take care of Circe while you get ready." Kalliope clipped up the mare to her lead, and began unclipping the ropes to the wash bay.

"Okay I'll be quick!" Vasilis then hurried off to the house. Kalliope and Circe watched him leave, all excited for what the afternoon would hold.