Dark Edge Village

With the rains having muddied the fields considerably Liu Fei did something rather unexpected. Coming out to the Horsemanship field where finer things like Kimono were much safer instead of the muddy open plains. While she waited Fei rode around on Gokiburi, spending some quality time with her favorite companion, outside of her family of course.

Horseback riding...Lets not fall off this time

Suteichi arrived at the Horsemanship Field, careful to not get his kimono dirty. He wore a modest haori, cotton of course for her. He figured this would be suitable for learning how to ride. In his sleeve were two apples for Gokiburi if she would let him have them.

He saw her riding and she looked so free and beautiful. It made him smile. When she would ride up to him, he would bow to her.

"Liu Fei-san. Gokiburi-san. Konbanwa." he greeted politely.

Seeing Suteichi she made sure to have Gokiburi show off a little before they finally rode up to him. Stopping by his side she remained mounted for the moment, bowing her head, "Good evening, Suteichi-san. Prepared for your lesson I hope?"

"Of course. I brought a gift for my sensei." he reached into his sleeve and produced the apples. "These are for Gokiburi. I am sure he cannot refuse me three times but I ask if it is alright with you."

"You may," she said, delighted in the idea actually. It was a perfect way for the two to form a familiarity with one another. Carefully, skillfully, she dismounted Gokiburi and walked just a few steps away from the two of them. Close enough for conversation but far enough that Gokiburi's focus was on Suteichi.

"Do not hesitant, Gokiburi is as unsure of you as you might be for him," she coached from the side despite any apparent comfort or discomfort.

Suteichi advanced closer towards Gokiburi and extended the apple to him. He offered the apple with a bow. "Good evening. I said I wanted us to be friends. Please accept this token of that friendship." he said to the horse.

Gokiburi, in all his capacity of not understanding human language or etiquette did understand one thing. This man before him was a friend of his companion and was now offering him a treat. That was good enough for him to accept it, sniffing at the apple for a only a moment before taking it between his teeth.

Fei, for her part, merely watched. Amused.

The breath of the horse tickled his hand which garnered a chuckle. He reached to pet him gently. "I hope that we get along today. This will be new for us both."

Fei approached as they shared the little moment, "I will hold onto the other apple for now Suteichi-san. Have you ever mounted a horse before?" she asked to be sure, standing just enough in the way of the saddle to keep him standing where he was for now.

"Not since the lancing event. I trust you will remind me as to how?"

Fei realized just then she allowed him to know how much she was caught up in her own performance to not even having noticed his. Or, perhaps he thought something else entirely. Who knew?

"Do you remember how to use the stirrup?"

"Hmmm... My feet go in them, that much I know."

"Come here," she guided him over to Gokiburi's side. Showing him how to properly get his first foot into the stirrup. "Now.. I did this when I was much younger and Gokiburi, I do not think he had another rider but it should be similar enough. While your foot is in the stirrup, wait and get a feel for Gokiburi. How he shifts his weight and you use your own. Let him see you so he knows what you are doing and then when you feel like you can get up do so. Your body should remember the rest of the motion."

Suteichi did as instructed. He walked about Gokiburi and petted him. Then he placed his left foot into the stirrups and then success! He swung himself over and mounted.

"Well, that was easy."

Liu Fei let a smile cross her lips when he mounted Gokiburi like an absolute natural. Keeping herself composed beyond that, however, trying rather hard to be a proper teacher. "Now, if you lean lightly.. like you were trying to move yourself, Gokiburi should pick up on the motion and that will give him a sense of direction. From this point forward you two are partners. Inspire the thought and he will do what you want but never be rough with him, my horse."