A new batch of recruits came in, and that meant he got some time off while they trained and got used to everything. He found it to be an incredibly nice coincidence considering he was longing to see the calm fields of his farm once more, and the nice people of Lynnem once more. It was always such a treat to get back there, and since he had a bit of money now, he could travel in style! Style of course being on the back of a powerful horse, dutifully trained and perfect for long trips. It was true, he didn't used to take little vacations, they were long and frankly he loved his job, but there was always that itch.
The brown stallion trotted along the beaten path with ease, though it looked frightfully bored. Why shouldn't it? This was a horse of power, it had not been unleashed yet, as the rider seemed more content to take it slow and easy. That was his policy of course. Just relax, don't get excited over anything, and let the world go by slow enough that you get to enjoy it.
The rider didn't look like a rider, at least not one of nobility. He was a stout man, with a large build to him that just screamed farmer; and that is what he had been. At one point, he had been a farmer's son, but now he was a guard. He wore a relaxed attire though, muted greys and browns in a simple outfit of a tunic and some trousers with his classic large boots. Great boots, he loved his boots for they kept him warm and dry and were good for running or traversing muddy land. The man had a kind sort of face, warm and inviting, his deep forest eyes spoke volumes to his kindness, and the smile on his face definitely welcomed those that saw it.
"Almost to the lake you brute, then you can have a little drink." His voice was rough and deep, he reached down to pat the great horse on the side of the neck only eliciting a snort from the creature in return as it shook its head. The thing definitely had personality! He smiled to himself as they turned around the bend of the path, opening up to the large lake. However he quickly pulled the reigns of the horse, causing it to stop almost instantly.
There was something at the lake. A dark fur-clad figure with a tail. A tail! That set off many warning bells in his mind. He observed it carefully, his hand going to the sword strapped to his saddle. He didn't know what the creature was, but if it attacked he'd have to defend himself, and his horse. Hopefully it hadn't spotted him, but he was going to assume that something that looked like...that had good senses.