Anastasia nodded her head, relieved that they could go to the stables. It seemed to be the only escape from her mother's memory, that in the walls for the castle. She started walking toward the barn with Samsul. When they were part way there she looked at him, "Race you?"

She gave him a soft smile before lifting her skirts and running off to the barn. It wasn't a surprise that Samsul race passed her soon before they reached the barn. She laughed and hopped onto the fence, she had almost forgotten about her mother. And maybe... For a little bit... That would be for the best. Gale looked up and saw her before he came racing over to them. She grinned and pet him as he practically placed his head in her lap. She smiled at him, "Want a good rub down, Gale?"