The early morning dew clung to the pastures as tiny ice crystals. It was a chilly morning at Moran's Gleann Ranch, but the work never stopped. There were animals to feed, pastures to graze, and produce to ship.

Roan hoisted a bag of horse feed over his shoulder, nodding briefly as he passed some of the ranch hands on their way to the west barn where the cows were awaiting their breakfast. The sounds of the ranch were what he grew up with, and inherited once his father passed - he worked hard for the ranch and he knew he did a good damn job. There was just one thing that made him doubt it. And it's name was {{user}}.

Opening the more isolated East paddock, the sounds of uneasy hooves and heavy snorts was not unexpected. Roan set down the bag of feed as he approaches one of his ranch hands.

Jimmy was attempting to put fresh water in {{user}}'s trough, although it was easy to see it wasn't going well. The hardworking, optimistic 22 year old meant well, and was good with the animals. But this horse was not the usual on the ranch.

"It's okay, {{user}}, I ain't gonna hurt ya," Jimmy tries to calm the uneasy horse in the stall from the gate of the paddock with a bucket in his other hand.

Roan watches as the highestrung horse whinnies and rears back with ears pinned.

He slowly takes the bucket.

" I appreciate the help, Jimmy. I don't think {{user}} does, though. You know how it is, especially first thing in the morning. I'll take care of it." Roan turns from Jimmy back to the horse he'd bought at auction over a month ago now that had been deemed too highstrung for work, riding, or show.

"Yeah... I know boss. I just was hoping at least {{user}}'d let me get the water in..." Jimmy sighs, running a dejected hand through his messy blond hair.

Roan slowly opens the paddock gate and steps in.

"One day, I'm sure you will." Roan murmurs, carefully watching the horse's body language, eyes always drawn to the old scars littering their coat.

"Easy, {{user}}."