(Yellow) A Welcome Diversion

[Bree]

Micheal's body ached to ride. And ache only known by other horse riders. She had been meaning to ride out in the trails for a long time but had yet been able to because of the situations that came up suddenly. She weighed the possibility of either scrubbing her Hermes saddle or trail riding. Inevitably the latter won.

She grabbed Pie's tack from the tack room. The stirrups were disconnected and laid limply on top of her saddle. The rein's bit jingled in rhythm with Micheal's every step. Her excitement built with every step closer to Pie's stall. The Hanoverian nickered when she came into view, a sound that warmed Micheal in spite of the gentle yet cool wind.

A quick brush over Pie's body removed the stray shavings and hay. Pie snorted ready to go when Micheal set the saddle on her back and cinched it tight. She attached the stirrups and pulled the bridle on. Pie took the bit eagerly and danced in place. Micheal walked Pie out of the barn and tightened the cinch again, like almost every horse she had puffed up when the cinch went one. Adjusting the irons to her length Micheal put the bottom of the stirrup in her arm-pit and reached forward checking to see she had the right length. After adjusting it likewise, she mounted up in one swift motion and headed Pie to the yellow trail.

You know perfectly well you're supposed to ride with a buddy. She fought back the annoying voice in her head. "There is no one here and I can't help that. I know Pie and I know myself so leave me alone... you." She wasn't sure what to call it, perhaps her conciense? She wrinkled her face in disgust and tried successfully to enjoy the sounds, smells and sights of nature.

The wind blew the trees softly shaking off the leafs they didn't hold tight. Like a summer snowstorm the leafs were whisked away with the wind. Had it picked up? Giving it not a second thought she continued deeper into the trail, following the signs closely.

[Arya]

Liz had Song all tacked up and ready to go. She planned on going on a trail ride. You love trails don't ya. Well, today we are going on a short one, cause I have a lesson later. Liz smiled and patted Song on the neck. The mare gently nudged her arm, apparently wanting treats. Liz laughed as she buckled her helmet. She quickly checked her stirrups and the girth. I know, you hate this ut I don't want to fall off. Liz placed her left foot in the stirrup and pulled herself up. Song stayed standing still.

[S.tormy]

Amara patted Gallant as she finished buckling up her snaffle bridle, then checked her girth. Then, after the girth was tight, she went over her tack and checked she'd put it on correctly, a habit that had formed due to the importance of healthy, happy and safe horses on her parents ranch. If a horse was happy and healthy, it's tack comfortable and snug, and it's rider calm and experienced, there was no reason for anything to go wrong, her dad had said so many times. Riding a stallion, or a recently gelded stallion, went the safety was extremely important, so Amara was always cautious. Then after she'd tightened ehr martingale trap by a hole, she led Gallant out. Passing Liz she indicated she was going to get on, before taking Gallant Charger outside, doing her hat up and swinging into the saddle. She sighed with pleasure as she sank gently into the saddle, apon his broad back. She felt as safe as houses, even with a slim, rubber snaffle in her mounts mouth.

[Arya]

Liz sat lightly in the saddle. She took a deep breath of the air, and headed eastword on the trail. It won't be good to get lost, she laughed and patted Song's shoulder. The wind was blowing gently, and some of her bangs came loose. Leaves rustled and Song shied here and there. Easy girl, nothing here to be scared of. Liz soothed the mare, making sure she was okay. Along the trail, she spotted someone she had never seen before. Liz waved, Hello! she called. Maybe this will be fun with someone else! she thought. Liz pushed Song into a sitting trot to bring her closer. For a moment, the mare refused before going on. I'm Liz, you are? she questioned.

[S.tormy]

Amara stared as Liz rode straight past her and ahead, her eyes clouded and she almost felt tears come to her eyes. She blinked them back and clucked at Gallant, who strode out with a swinging stride. Unsure of what to do, she just followed the yellow signs, the hoof-prints of Song, and talked sweet nothings to Gallant, enjoying the birds singing, the grass swishing, the sunshine warming her. When the track was softer, she squeezed gently for a trot, touching him lightly and twitching the rein softly. Gallant responded by arching his crested neck and striding out, his powerful hindquarters strung his body forward. Amara smiled and patted his powerful shoulder, before gently clucking for a canter along the turf.

[Bree]

Piceous' ears flicked back at the sound of the oncoming horses. Micheal looked back in time to see a horse trotting up to her. She steadied Pie who tried to whirl around. Piceous' ears shot back as she lunged back with her teeth barred. She caught her by the bit just in time and pulled her to a stop.

Micheal turned her head and glared at the girl who apparently was called Liz. Her eyes spoke words of fury as they narrowed into a steady stare. She was having a hard time keeping Pie's head from lunging again at the horse. The mare's ears were still back flat against her head. Micheal had it clear in her mind to tell her off and also give her a lesson on how to approach a horse, especially one you have no idea about how it may react. Taking a deep breath and opening her mouth she stopped.. You know she didn't mean it. Answering the nagging voice in her head she argued back, Anyone that boards at a stable should know at least the basics of horse care and that includes how to act around a horse. Seething her words through clenched teeth she replied, "My name is Micheal, Liz." She pronounced "Liz" like a dirty word and petted Pie's now moist neck still holding back the reins.

She was sure her eyes had turned from a cool blue to a fiery red and didn't dare look at the intruder for sake of it. She blinked back tears of holding her anger in and signaled Piceous into a walk. The farther away from the other horse the more she could feel the horse become less tense. She knew Pie would have to get used to horses at some point but here wasn't the place or time.


OOC: Okay I'm going to say this now since every time I play a character on a RPG that gets mad at another person's character they think I'm mad at them which is not the case. Keep that in mind!

[Arya]

Ooc: Okay, thanks for letting me know!

Liz was surprised by her sudden out break. She pulled gently on the reins, asking for Song to back up. Micheal's horse was apparently angry, and Liz didn't know where to go. I'm...I'm sorry, I can leave if you want me to. I didn't mean to do any harm. she was close to tears, but realized this horse wasn't used to other horses. When Song had taken 10 steps back, Liz asked her to stop, and loosend her reins. The mare stood calmly, chewing on the bit. Liz turned Song around and started heading back. I didn't even do anything wrong. Why does she have to act that way? Liz thought. The wind was gently blowing now, and the leaves rustled. Nothing anyone said or did would change her mind about heading back. There was no way.

[S.tormy]

Amara was cantering along, a smile on her face, the breeze lifting her braided hair off her back, standing up in her stirrups and leaning forward into a cross country position. As the grass verge started to narrow, Amara reluctantly sat back and squeezed Gallant back into a bouncy, striding trot. Another squeeze and a murmur and he walked. Giving him a long rein, she rubbed his neck. When Gallant tossed his head, pricked his ears and took a big breath, Amara murmured quietly and shorterned her reins. Liz whipped round the corner, and Amara looked at her, her eyes bright, curious, then she remembered how Liz had rode off without her.

Something scary up ahread?

She joked lightly, trying to ease the situation as she gently halted Gallant.

[Arya]

Ooc: short post, sorry

No, just Micheal. She got angry, at me and I'm not sure why. Liz realized that she had left Amara alone when she said she would go on the trail with her. I guess we could go on together now. I'm also really sorry about leaving you like that. I guess I just forgot. I hope you arn't mad at me. Liz patted Song on the shoulder, for she was standing there, not flinching at the leaves rustiling in the wind.

[S.tormy]

Amara wrapped a lock of silky, almost white flazen mane around her gloved fingers. She listened. Who was Michael? But she smiled and nodded her head when she got a apology. She needed it and now she'd heard it, her heart felt easier, as if it wasn't her fault. She smiled abit wider and looked Liz in the face.
Don't worry, everybody forgets.

She said. Then she looked round the corner, before sitting back into her saddle, slowly so not to startle Gallant, who was easy to startle in new places.

sure, could we go that way though, back from where you came? Michael isn't there, plus I'd like to see the whole trail.

Amara asked, before swatting at her knee, where a horse-fly had landed.

[Arya]

Sure! About my party, can you come? Liz laughed and she asked Song to walk. even though it was cool out, the mare was sweating and Liz didn't want to push her to much to soon. They kept getting deeper in the trail and it was a littler darker. Song spooked here and there, but Liz kept her calm. Take it easy girl, nothing is coming to get you. Liz spoke calmly. She looked up a Amara, making sure Gallant and herself where okay. would you like to canter know, there is a log up ahead we can jump. I kinda need to work Song with that more. Liz wanted to make sure it was okay with Amara, because she didn't want to hurt her any more.

[S.tormy]

Amara clucked Gallant into a walk, and he stepped forward hesitantly, before a futher nudge told him it was okay. He strode out, taking the lead easily, authoritive even without being a stallion. Amara twitched the rein and collected him to walk beside song.

sure, if it's here at the barn I can come. It won't be a dress up affair though, maybe a pair of nice jeans and a funky top, but I don't own any dresses (except the one I wore as a flower girl when I was 7 years old, that I keep as a happy memory). And as soon as the grass starts, I'll canter yes.


---

OOC; sorry it's so short - and bree, shall we catch you up when we canter?

[Bree]

A small stream was ahead as Piceous and Micheal slowly ambled down the trail. She sighed appreciatively at the wonderful breeze. Pie had relaxed so much on the trail that Micheal figured she should do it more often. She let Pie whuffle the water that flowed gently across the path and pushed the horse forward making sure she knew it was okay. The mare followed orders reluctantly at first but soon calmed down sighing herself. The air around them was so silent the Micheal felt inclined to whisper. I'm glad your letting me relax, for once. A snicker echoed loudly in the ever closing silence. Darkness would soon cover the sky and Micheal wasn't sure Pie was quite ready for that. She continued on a steady but slow clip ever practicing her and Pie's form.

[Arya]

Liz laughed at the idea of dresses. No dresses! I can't stand wearing one. Since it's here, I don't think anyone would wear a dress to the barn. Looking ahead, Liz saw the grass getting nearer, and she felt Song tense up. Easy girl. Soon. Liz whisperd to the mare. Song loved to gallop, but hated racing. Jumping was her thing, and she would one day prove it. You know, I don't think I even have a dress. That shows how much I can't stand them! Liz rememberd that her mum never bought her one, and Liz was 100% okay with that.

[S.tormy]

phew - thats good

Amara said. Then she looked at the grass and stared meanifully at Liz with a nod of her head and Gallant started to prance, but he didn't go, not till Amara touched his sides with her boots. Then cantered down the grass, Gallant took the lead easily with a long, flowing stride, head up, eyes bright and ears alertly pricked. Leaning forward into the wind that the movement caused, Amara smiled. Seeing a small stream ahead, with a firm bank on either side, and no others around, she sat down and Gallant lengthened his stride. They cleared it, then circled back to a walk. Gallant sipped nosily at the water, then lifted his dripping muzzle, let out a loud whinny. Amara heard a reply futher up the trail, and asked Liz if she'd like to trot for a while.

Soon, Gallant started to toss his head, a sure sign a mare was ahead. Slowing Gallant to a brisk walk, they rounded the corner. Ahead, about 40 meters, was a dark gray, almost black mare, ridded by a girl. Gallant quickened his stride and whinnied. Then Amara called out, softly but clearly,

hi! I'm Amara. This is Liz, and this is my Galllant. Could we ride with you?

not realising who the girl was.