[White Elk Stables] Equestrian (Ronan)

[Oluse]

Oluse gave an alarmed looked to Ronan when he professed horses could sense fear. It seemed like some story from an action hymn where the horrible monster stalks it's victims sensing their fear. Oluse shuttered, and closed the gate behind him, gladly stepping away a moment to gather up the saddle. It must have seemed to bulky to the Drykas.

"It's ok the man I bought it from showed me how." With a feint smile he then added dryly, "Now I just have to remember properly. Grab those." He waved his hand to two leather saddlebags, quite cumbersome in their own right, as he bent his knees poising himself near the ground in a near squat, then careful yo keep his spine arched properly upward he lifted first with his legs then arms, taking a moment to balance against his prevalent clumsiness, then with considerable exertion carried the saddle proper to the gate holding Velox, and hefted the saddle over. The large object moving in front of Velox's vision caused a shift in the pen, Velox turning to the side and watching the two carefully.

"Ok so first the blanket." He pulled open the dark leather saddlebags and produced a very thick woven blanket, a number of layers thick. "This is to protect it's back, and the bottom of the saddle." It seemed insensitive, but it made sense to Oluse that horses must sweat gallons, and their dingy animal oils could quite possibly corrode the saddle's smooth exterior over time, meaning he would need to replace the saddle sooner, and he never much fancied over expenditure. He still hadn't gotten over his twangs of guilt for what he had already purchased in such haste.

Oluse gingerly coaxed the pen open again, and realizing they would need more room clearly said a few words in Vani. "Ok, now. No biting." The quite beast relaxed somewhat to the sound of the sing song language, which went predominately unnoticed to Oluse who mostly spoke the language to the Vantha horse because it seemed somehow appropriate.

He grabbed the bit and reins still hanging from a hook still hanging from the outside facing building brace from the pen. The setup was shiny and clean, being almost unused. Still, Velox recognized what must have seemed like a torture device to Ronan, and willingly stretched it's heavy skull forward. Oluse, with some timidness slipped the leather strap up and over it's ears, then let the other part fall beneath Velox's neck, the whole apparatus holding rather snugly once he slipped the segmented bit into the horse's mouth, using the straps to pull it back into place. Oluse seemed somewhat calmer once the reins were on, which seemed appropriate since it did represent his control of the animal. He pulled the straps tot he proper notch to fit Velox, making sure it was well attached at vertical horizontal under and upper straps, then without much hesitation, seeming to fall into some methodical trance, moved out of the way of the gate, letting it fall open on it's own accords, taking the reins still hanging from Velox's mouth and coaxed him forward. His fear seemed considerable lessened as he promptly said again in Vani. "Ok, Velox, that's far enough. So you just don't move from this spot ok."

He eyes the horse dubiously then tied the end of the reins to the gate still swung open beside him. "There, now you will stay." He let the horse know, again, in Vani. He struck him how odd it felt to speak to an animal, and he had to give Ronan a glance to see if he was doing ok. He still didn't think Velox could understand him, but Ronan seemed rather insistent about speaking to the horse. If it were to understand speech, however, it would understand Vani.

The rest of the process took some time, the matte being set down first, creating quite an attractive solid blue green base, then the saddle being hoisted with a vivid grunt on top of it. It took Oluse some time to piece out how to get the matte and saddle straight, rather a fixation of his, before finally pulling out a mess of straps which had not been attached to the saddle yet. These puzzled both Ronan and Oluse for some time, but eventually the stirrups, saddlebags, and flaps held firmly to the seat, horn protruding proudly up, and the girth wrapped under Velox, snugly directly behind his front legs. An entertaining, and dangerous sight of Oluse running under Velox to get the girth across made Velox rather uneasy.

Still not long had passed before all of the twists in straps were straightened, the saddle set proudly where it ought to, and the reins were drawn up over Velox's head, and down his neck as they ought to, leaving the beast untied. Triumphantly Oluse looked up at his work, his fingers still hurting from being pinched between cold metal buckles more than once.

[Ronan]

Ronan gathered the saddlebags and lumbered after Oluse. He was relieved the boy had received instruction on equipping the horse with this traditional set up - because it would have been pure trial and error for Ronan. The yvas was startlingly different to non-Drykas.

Oluse took the saddle, and as they approached the pen, Velox turned to acknowledge them. Oluse went to Ronan's saddle bag once they were in and procured a blanket. He said something in another language to the horse, and though Ronan didn't understand it, it had a soft lilt to it. Comforting even.

He watched as the boy put in the bit and sorted out the reins. Horses other than striders seemed so restricted by their riders. Was that because they were more unruly? Drykas didn't need all these tools, because they had an almost telepathic link with their own horses. They could say what needed to be said without even speaking.

As Oluse tied the reins to the gate, he spoke with a new found confidence. And it seemed Velox was listening too. Ronan gave him an encouraging smile and nod when he turned for approval.

He watched with a keen interest as Oluse began to ready the saddle. Ronan himself came over to help with some of the trickier straps and to get the saddle sat correctly. There would be nothing worse than causing the horse pain through incorrect preparation. All being said, Velox remained rather calm throughout.

"It looks like you're all done. That was great, Oluse, and you did it so smoothly. I think Velox is already starting to get used to you!"

[Oluse]

Oluse just gave Ronan a blank look for a moment as his mind turned. However, after a few ticks he smiled. "Yeah." He agreed, then grabbed the reins and started leading Velox toward the gated field outside. It was empty of other horses, only a small area that unruly horses were often trained, or for horses to be examined when they had been injured. Oluse has resigned to riding Velox, his determination winning out over fear.

"So, now is that riding part, right?" He asked as they exited the warm barn. Velox seemed somewhat uneasy as they stepped out onto the melted soil. It did not crunch under the snow white horse's feet, and it was not cold, only chilled and forgiving with unpleasant and rather unclean sounds of suction.

Oluse, frankly, felt a similar discomfort. He, unlike Velox, however, had enured a true spring before at home. He knew that their was beauty to be excited for, that if they could go north there would be a whole nothing world awaiting. A world of unknown pleasures and breathtaking sights. Yes, danger, but that is what their entourage had been acquired for. This hope, and this hope alone, was the only thing that had prepared Oluse to mount the beast.

He walked Velox near the fencing and in Vani told him to stop. He wondered if there was a trick to it, and would following any suggestions Ronan gave, but did not ask for fear of embarrassing himself. How difficult could mounting a horse prove? Scaling the shallow fence he managed some extra height, before stepping over first with the wrong foot, then realizing the mistake before the action was carried out he switched feet and pulled himself over. Velox stood fast as a steadfast sentinel, caring little for his rider's inexperience as he clamored aboard.

Once atop along stuck his feet firmly into the stirrups without paused and grasped at the horn, then managing a grip on the reins all with minimum movement, afraid that the wrong twitch may send the horse into a wild gallop without warning.

With an uneasy expression he glanced downward toward Ronan with a questioning knit of his brow.

[Ronan]

Ronan followed with a nod. "The riding part," he confirmed, still impressed at how well Oluse had gotten his fears in check. It was a hard thing for a person to do, especially when they had held those initial fears a long time before.

As they came back outside, the soil gave way beneath his feet. It was true. Avanthal had melted. He wondered if it would be a story that the Vantha people would tell for many years to come. The storm had crafted many stories - grace from its rampant destruction.

He watched Oluse clamber up onto Velox. Far from graceful - but elegance would come in time. It mattered not. Ronan smiled again, and cleared his throat to begin to talking Oluse through riding.

"Right... it's time to ride. First you need to let Velox know of your intentions. Keep the reins reasonably loose for now, and give him a gentle nudge with your foot. If you need him to turn, then pull one side of the reins. A sharp pull on both sides, and perhaps a press with the foot - gentle, mind - will stop him. Why don't you just have a walk around for now. I'll follow."

[Oluse]

Oluse sat rigidly upon the saddle, fearing that at any moment the beast may decide his weight as too much and throw him off. Before mounting he had even feared Velox may not be capable of holding the weight for a long trip, but feeling his immense form between his legs, the horse's rippling muscles and thick bones Oluse suddenly had very little concern for Velox's well being.

More so he thought of how easily go could be tossed from his perch. A more than uneasy look met with Ronan as he explained what to do. Oluse listened but as he did so the look soured as if he may be sick. Yes, nudging it, that seemed like a good way to get on it's good side.

Just the same, Oluse held the reins tightly, and silently reminded himself that he was the owner, and Velox knew to command it's owner. Gingerly at first he grazed his feet, swinging in stirrups along Velox's side. Not enough to encourage movement. Oluse looked awkwardly to Ronan again, as if Velox was broken or something, and upon being encouraged to give it another go, he did. Velox's ear shifted back, it's attention resting on Oluse, and after a third try with a little rock of weight from Oluse the horse began forward.

The movement below him caused Oluse to tense, his legs straightening out and his rear leaving the seat as his eyes seemed to consume his face. Message misconstrued, though honestly conveying just what Oluse wished for, Velox stopped at the unintentional command issues by the stressed rider upon him.

Oluse remained tense another few moment before relaxing in confusion. "What did it stop?" He asks more rhetorically than anything and builds the courage to prompt it forward again, assuming Velox paused because it must constantly be encouraged to move. As before the horse meandered slowly forward, starting to walk along the curves fencing just to halt slowly again as Oluse tensed.

The corollary did not go without Oluse's notice this time. He was too tense, and something about knowing how to stop Velox settled his nerves somewhat. "Ok, Velox, Easy." he muttered tentatively in Vani and nudged again, doing his best to remain calm. And sure enough, Velox continued along at a slow pace. All went well for nearly a whole chime before Velox grew impatient. Since being purchased he had not been out to stretch his legs. Velox wanted to get some exercise in and so slowly he began to speed up into a canter. Oluse wasn't sure what to do, and when he tensed Velox took the hint and slowed reluctantly back to a slow walk, hooves indignantly pawing into the slush beneath them.

He gave a slight twitch of the ears as Oluse pulled on the right and leg side of the reins trying to steer Velox instead of simply prompting with gentle pressure.

[Ronan]

Oluse had a sort of wooden positioning, as if the slightest move would cause him to snap and break. Though his eyes were uneasy, they were not as fearful as earlier. Perhaps - Ronan hoped - he had mustered a little trust for Velox.

It took Oluse moving his feet thrice before the horse began to plod along. He wasn't sure if the Denvali had just not been firm enough, or if Velox was being stubborn with his new owner. Sometimes horses liked to teach their riders a lesson. Tairell had been short with him once or twice, though the bond between Drykas and Strider went much deeper than simple horse riding.

Oluse sat awkwardly at first, and his improper seating caused Velox to stop in confusion. Ronan did not say anything though, merely followed at the side, because the horse began to walk again when the boy righted himself.

He kept the horse slow, but after a while, it seemed Velox had other ideas. He had clearly not had enough exercise of late. He sped up, Oluse on the back. But once again, calm swept over him, and he brought the horse back to a slower gait. Ronan nodded and smiled once again as he began to steer the horse as he had taught.

"You're doing really well for our first time! Would you feel comfortable speeding up a little? I think Velox could do with the run, he's a large legged guy after all."

There was humour in his voice, but also a gentle authority. He wouldn't force Oluse into anything, but he was learning quickly, and it seemed appropriate to pick up the pace.

[Oluse]

Oluse frowned at both the compliment and the suggestion. In truth Oluse has never truly been complemented in anything before meeting Ronan, there was his Jamoura friend who was always calm and supportive, but hardly one to compliment. Oluse could not be certain if Ronan truly meant his words. That issue aside the concept of going faster, when he had just manage to slow Velox down sickened the timid Denvali boy.

"No." He answered honestly, a slight crack in his voice. But, instead of resisting the notion his took a deep breath and nudged Velox harder, in quick succession. The horse need not be told twice, though he took it steady not unsure of Oluse's mixed signals. He was, however, learning that the ride would be as Oluse felt comfortable not him. A slow trot came from the horse, and Oluse felt as if they were galloping at neck breaking speed, he predictably tensed and Velox slowed. After knowing that he could slow Velox the second attempt at a run was much more successful. Still at no point did the too manage beyond a hastened canter. It seemed Oluse was not comfortable with that, and Velox was having a hard time relaxing with the untrained rider atop him. Part of the horse wished to disregard his rider, but it was indeed a well trained and experienced horse. On one hoof it expected a practiced hand to guide it, but on the other it had no intention of mistrusting his rider, he and his herd, human or horse, were a team and he felt inclined to trust that bond, at least in a casual setting. Ronan could tell if it became a question of instincts or authority, however, Oluse would find himself on the ground. He would need to grow bolder to brave the trek south. A slow learning curve would not lend itself well tot he dangers that no doubt awaited them after the storm.

Still, he was doing it, and without a fuss. At least the boy followed through with his goals.

[Ronan]

Oluse had a curious expression. It seemed he was one of those people that found compliments hard to swallow. Ronan had discovered that there were two types of people - those that relished and thrived on comment, and those that fended off any type of compliment as if it were a plague.

Though unsure at first, Oluse eventually got Velox speeding along. Ronan had to jog to keep up. The speed was variable though, with the horse slowing down whenever Oluse panicked over their speed. It was a learning curve he would slowly become accustomed too.

"You're a little uptight," Ronan said, a little breathless as he caught up with the latest jaunt. "Your fear holds you back, and makes Velox' gait inconsistent. You have to... relax a little."

He nodded, walking up to the horse and patting his side while looking up at the Denvali.

"Why do you still fear him? You have approached him, fed him, and now you ride him. You haven't even fallen off once. I think you've shown yourself there's nothing to be scared of Oluse."

[Oluse]

Oluse pulled up on Velox's reins once Ronan began to lend further comment, growing uncomfortable with the growing speed of the beast in which he ferried upon. The sudden pull caused Velox to take a nervous step backwards, and begin to turn to the side till Ronan's presence calmed them both, Oluse letting up on the reins and Velox coming to a tentative stop.

He gave nothing but at nervous expression at first to Ronan's inquiry. He made it sound like falling off was common, this did not bode well. Finally he spoke.

"Well, Sir. I-I'm not afraid of the horse anymore." He gave an uncomfortably looking smile as he squirmed uneasily in the saddle. "I'm just afraid of gravity the distance down now." He gave a fearful glance to the mud below along with a quarter-hearted laugh fading sardonically into stilled silence.

Their lesson stretched on for not much longer, proving little improvement or further relaxation, riding along the length of the training yard several more times at varying speed, before finally Ronan instructed Oluse in dismounting, which took some coaxing as Velox stood patiently, then they returned him to the barn, offering some more food, this time in the trough.

Velox safely back in his pen, and Oluse still slightly wobbly on his feet a few words of appreciation were given and Oluse felt one step closer to braving the upcoming journey.

He would have to grow accustomed to Velox, for both of their survival depended upon a cohesive partnership. Perhaps they were both simply doomed.

[Ronan]

Oluse's sardonic laugh was met with a smile. He could tell that the initial fear of the horse had faded, and now it was external dangers that resided in his heart.

Ronan prompted the boy onward, and they continued round the pen, Ronan walking and jogging at the side as Oluse gradually became accustomed to controlling Velox's speed.

With a little tutelage with footwork and rein control, Oluse seemed to get the hang of it, though his learning was finite for today. He still seemed afraid of falling, and that restraint crept into his riding.

Nevertheless, they did a couple more rounds, a smile even creeping into the Denvali's face at points. There was a joy to horse riding - one that even the non-Drykas seemed able to relish. Since the early days of man, their equine companions had been at their side, carrying and sharing their burdens.

When they were finally finished, Ronan taught Oluse to dismount carefully, gingerly pulling feet from stirrups and manoeuvring the body safely. Velox was troublesome at first, fidgeting and snorting, but together they managed to calm him. Ronan helped him hop down from the tall horse.

"Great," he said simply, watching as Oluse walked to the trough and readied a little more food. Velox seemed to accept happily enough. Oluse turned back to him and thanked him for the lesson. Ronan held out a hand to shake, and nodded. "Any time friend, with a little practise you'll get the hang of it, I just know it."

But still, Oluse didn't look so sure. He twisted a little, looking back on Velox. They would have to learn to get along - for the future held much adventure.