paradisa | ✎ 003 [dictated]

[After ~~barely~~ surviving the heat wave, the temperature has gone back to normal and Alexis has decided that it's ok to venture outside again. She had been thwarted from riding horses on the day of the ballpit incident and then during the unbearable heat, but now nothing is standing in her way. She hopes.

She makes it down to the stables without a problem. So far so good. In the stable she's able to pick out one of the castle's unclaimed horses, a chestnut mare. Alexis pats her neck as she tries to get the saddle on her. Imagine that, horses are bigger than she realized and she has virtually no experience in riding. This will turn out well.

After about 20 minutes, the horse is saddled up and, after a few tries, Alexis manages to get up on top of it. They move out of the stable at a slow pace. If the horse goes slow, she feels safe. In the middle of one of the castle's lawns she stops to take in the view from up here, enjoying the feeling of the breeze through her hair. She pulls out her journal and dictates a short message.]

Would anyone like to go horseback riding?

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_{[ Vanyel was already out riding. He had taken to it in the wake of Tylendel's absence, enjoying the time out with Yfandes and her comforting presence physically and in the corners of his mind. They had been paused beneath a tree in the shade, when Vanyel heard the question.

He paused, considering a moment, but Yfandes prompted him, telling him that he could do with human company, with not being alone. ]}

I am already riding, if you would like me to meet you...

Sure. Where are you?

[She can't see any other riders from her vantage point.]

Further out than the town. I can come and meet you near the barn if you do not mind waiting some.

Yes, that's fine.

[She wasn't very familiar with the town and didn't want to get lost out there.]

_{[ He tucks the journal away, and he and Yfandes head back to the barn
area. It takes them about fifteen minutes in total with Yfandes using her
long, Companion's canter. Alexis would see a man riding up on a bright
white mare, his dark black hair bouncing behind him in its braid. The pair
drew up into a trot and then a walk.}

He nodded to Alexis and sketched a sort of bow with his shoulders and head. ]

You called for a riding companion?

Uh.. yeah.

[She sure got one too. The guy reminded her of one of the models on the cover of a romance novel, the way he rode up on a white horse with long hair streaming behind him. Not that she's complaining about any of this.]

I'm Alexis.

Nice to meet you, Alexis. I am Vanyel, and this is Yfandes.

_{[ He stroked the neck of his mare, who raised her head and nodded
towards the woman and her mount. ]}

I hope I did not keep you waiting over long.

Nice to meet the both of you.

[She smiled.]

No, it hasn't been long. You were outside the castle grounds?

Only a bit. Just getting some fresh air, really.

_{[ He smiled at her, though it lacked it's usual warmth. Yfandes, for her part, his happy to see someone new to keep Van company and snorts gently and prances a bit in place. ]}

I'd love to!

[Wade hasn't taken much time to go riding either. Most of her explorations have been on foot, and riding alone just didn't seem as much fun.]

Great! I'm out on the front lawn. You can't really miss me.

[Since she was in the middle of an open field on a horse.]

I'll be down in a jiff.

[A few minutes later, the girl comes jogging out of the lobby doors and towards Alexis]

Well, I guess I don't have to ask if you need help getting started.

[She starts walking past Alexis to the stables, smirking]

No.. though this is my first time riding in a long time so I might need some pointers.

[Fortunately the horse seems used to unskilled riders. Alexis starts to follow Wade towards the stables.]

Well, it's been a little while for me, but I feel it's a bit like riding a bike, you know?

That's good to know. It's really cool being up here, I can see so far.

[As long as the horse goes slow and doesn't buck her, she should be good.]

[She giggles. Things only short girls understand.]

That's definitely an advantage. I like being taller than my friends for a change.

[She headed into the stable to pick out a horse]

[Alexis mostly felt regal being up this high, like a queen surveying her kingdom. There was something romantic about riding a horse. It was a throwback to when it was the only mode of transportation besides walking.

She waits for Wade to choose a horse, then smiles when she comes out.]

Nice!

[Wade saddles up a regal white stallion, not unlike one she'd rode in a dream she'd once had of another life. Talk about romantic...]

So where do you want to go? Through town? The forest? Farther?

✎ 003 [dictated]

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