Jaskier, who was already deeply invested in plans to braid this horse's mane and systematically identify what treats it liked, came to an awkward, stumbling halt as Geralt denied it. He played a sour note as his fingers stilled on the strings and the horse seemed surprised and annoyed by it.

"What, why, it's perfe--wait," Jaskier objected, whined, and complained all at once. "Kelpie?"

His eyes widened at the idea, not in horror but in open, unashamed wonder. His head whipped back to the beautiful gold horse and then Geralt, then back again.

"I thought they only came as seals," Jaskier breathed.

The golden horse, annoyed by the sudden lack of serenading, stepped closer to the awed bard and nudged him firmly in the shoulder with its nose. It huffed and nipped at his shoulder and then nipped lightly at his hair until Jaskier started stroking it.