"I doubt he'll give you much trouble so long as none of them give him trouble," he says with a small smile at her teasing. A very normal name, yes, but it was his choice, and it seemed fitting that an equine companion bear the name of a friend. He'd find it funny, Malcolm is sure.

But back to business: "I do plan on dropping in to take some care, though you and Master Dennet will understand if I become scarce when I'm needed elsewhere." That is, after all, why a stablemaster and their hands exist. "Your hands will learn quickly how to thicken their skin--and their bones--working around these animals, or they'll stop being hands soon enough." It isn't meant unkindly; that's simply the way it works. If they can't mind themselves and their animals and can't take a bit of a physical and mental beating, then they aren't cut out to be there. "But I'll make certain to bring any issues to the attention of those more capable of handling the situation swiftly, thank you."