Part 738: Sumia A

Well, Cynthia? Have you found your answer yet?

Yep. After you posed the question, I thought and thought and thought... But I couldn't think of anything, so I did what you said and bathed in the spring. That's when I noticed my poor pegasus was as dirty as a farm hog! I've been so busy making MYSELF look grand, I neglected my faithful mount!

Ah, good. You understand at last. A knight's pegasus isn't some beast of burden or a farmer's mule. She is a partner and ally, and must be cared for as much as a knight cares for herself. ...A lesson which I can see you've learned. Your mount is looking radiant today.

Oh, yes! I've starting washing and brushing her every day now. I want her to look as fine and proud as your pegasus, Mom!

Hee hee! Now that will be a challenge. Don't get your hopes up! ...By the by, Cynthia. I had something I wanted to ask.

Yes? What is it?

Our two pegasi seem so similar, don't you think? So similar, in fact, that I'm wondering...

Yep! My pegasus is the very same one that you used to ride. When my mother was killed back in my time, her pegasus made its way back to me.

I see...

She told me what Mother said just before she died... "Please, return to Cynthia. Look after her and protect her." She- well, you- sent your pegasus to me so I'd have something to remember you by. All of which makes me feel TOTALLY worse for not taking better care of her! She's been my stalwart friend and ally ever since, but I don't even deserve her!

Now, now, Cynthia. That's not true. You made a mistake, but you recognize that now. You have lots of time to make it up to her and strengthen the bonds of trust. After all, you're not the only one who ever neglected her pegasus...

Y-you used to forget to wash her, too?

Wash her? Heavens, there were times I forget to FEED her! Once I even tried to pluck out some wing feathers to make myself a fancy hat.

Good grief!

My point is, you still deserve to be her friend, even if you forget to wash her. She loves you far too much to desert you just for that. I've seen how happy she looks, swooping across the sky with you on her back.

Truly? I'm so relieved to hear it... Oh, Mother, I can't thank you enough. You've taught me so many things that I didn't have a chance to ask about before. You really are everything the legends say! ...Well, maybe a bit more clumsy, but...