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This was a good way to get over her aversion of human contact. It was, and she didn't even mind when Marisol actually listened and held on to her. Beverly sort of felt like a protector, which wasn't a bad feeling at all. Was this how Kennedy felt when he helped people out? Meh. It wasn't THAT bad.
Snapping the reins just in time to let the Granian know when to jump, Beverly braced herself, flowing with its movements. When the winged horse hit clear path, she breathe in relief. THEY'RE ALIVE.
"Okay, Marisol," she said, "I need you clear the path of snowballs." Like now. There were a few coming there way. "You too, Mordaunt!" she said louder, just in case he hadn't heard her.
Was he daydreaming again?
It wasn't that bad! The snow was soft for one thing, and the horse didn't seem too shaken. Marisol breathed. Huh. She had not realized that she was holding her breath. Her nails were digging into Beverly's shoulders, so Mari let go.
Was this activity purposely getting harder and harder? The first year didn't know, but she'd better get those snowballs out of the way. Cutty didn't seem to be paying attention. He was not easily fazed.
Marisol noticed that her entire left arm was black and blue. That one snowball had been bigger and harder than it seemed at the time. And it was her wand arm. Dang it! Mari lifted her wand weakly and kept casting spells, though she'd rather they got to the finish line soon.
"Uh-huh," the eleven year-old grunted to her team.