The Queen gave me a pony today.  Her name is Zimm, and she was given to me for a specific purpose.  My next assignment is to pose as a Mountain Herder.  Zimm is a Mountain Pony, born and bred.  She is stubborn, but hardy , and an easy keeper; all the marks of a Mountain Pony.  She is a grey dun with a windswept mane.  Secret loves her, and that little pony bosses my big black horse. 

  My mission as a herder shall most likely last a few months.  My hair will be braided in the traditional manner of a Herder, and will trade in my usual outfit for a grey one.  I rather like it.  I will have a long grey poncho rather than a cloak, and leather pants, which will last longer in the mountains than my leggings.

   I think this trip will be fun in many ways, but I must not forget my duty.  I have been practicing herding with some of the horses at pasture.  I think I can pull this off convincingly.  I will miss Secret's fire and absolute willingness, but I have to get to know Zimm better.

As the Herders say:  May your herds never stray!