Oct 03 16:07:22 106 PA - A riding lesson and a newcomer
From Chronicles
The Public Stables is a facility that is perhaps one of the largest in Kingsdale. When one hears the word 'stable' they typically think of horses, maybe cows and pigs and the like? Whilst this place has them, it is so much more than that. Exotic beasts from all over North America are cared and looked after here -- special facilities existing to seperate them when required. For example, in the heavily guarded South West of the Stables one can find heavy renforced MDC structures that are meant to hold beasts such as Fury Beetles and the like as well as smaller stalls for horses and the like in other places. Trained handlers ensure that for a fee, each beast is well fed and well exercized. Armed KDM guards keep an eye on them as well.
Near the entry to the stables is a small shop where one can buy tack and feed for almost anything as well as to 'check' your creatures in.
The current game time is: Mon Oct 03 16:07:22 106 PA.
With the weather being so nice, Alistair has decided to make good on an old promise - though he hasn't told Cali what it is he wanted to see her about, rather he just tried to make sure it would look like she has time when he called her over. He's currently in Dhauzimmer's stall, equipping the saddle on the beast.
Caliopa finally made it, changed out of work clothes into casual jeans and a vest top. Her hair is loosely pulled from her face into a ponytail that allows it to swing behind her as she walks casually into the stable. She keeps to the other side from the horses, moving warily past them. "Ali?" She calls, softly to avoid scaring them, as she moves towards the stall he is in.
Alistair leans back a little and smiles at her, "Hi!" he greets her, while the stallion tracks her motion, his whole head turning towards her as he snorts. Alistair pats the horse on the neck, and moves on to reach for one of her hands. "How are you feeling today?" he asks, motioning towards the stall with his other hand, "I thought" he blushes, "I'd make good on an old promise."
Caliopa's smile brightens into the sunny one that is so familiar to him at the greeting but she keeps her distance, wary of the snorting horse. "I'm feelin' fine..." She comments softly, taking his hand, her gaze flickering to the horse. "What promise is that, Ali? That thing gonna do anythin' sudden?"
"You asked me if I'd teach you to ride" Alistair explains, lifting her hand now, giving it a kiss; He smiles at her again and then continues, "His name is Dhauzimmer, and he isn't going to hurt you. He is a good boy usually, very manageable."
Her face softens, despite the nervous glances towards the stallion. "Dhauzimmer..." She repeats slowly, resisting the urge to step back when the horse huffs at her. "You sure over this? He seems real big, Ali... Maybe we oughta do this later, when there ain't so much gettin' on..." The excuses reveal nerves and the sunny smile fades.
"I think now is a good time ... sunny and all; and don't worry, I'll be here with you" Alistair squeezes her hand, "Would you like to pet him? I don't think he will mind" he glances at the stallion, and have to Cali, "He is a warhorse, so he kinda has to be big. Give it a try and I think you will like it pretty quick."
Caliopa steps forward a little, doubt in her face but she glances at Alistair, going with the plan. "Ain't sure like is the real word for it..." She comments softly, reaching out despite the words to offer a hand to the horse, her palm open. "Warhorse?" She questions, tilting her head, her closeness to the stallion making her seem smaller.
Alistair smiles at her and stays by her to encourage; meantime the horse turns his head to sniff at the offered hand - hot, humid air. "You can pet him on the nose gently, it's a bit wet, just so you know. Oh yes. He is a warhorse; fast, strong, and he can go far."
Caliopa turns her hand slowly to pet him on the nose, prepared to yank her hand away at the least movement. Indeed, when he tosses his head, she yanks it back with a yelp. A moment later, she blushes deeply, shaking her head. "Ain't normally this jumpy." She mutters, embarrassed, glancing at Alistair. "You had him long?"
Alistair blinks his eyes, looking a little amused at the jumpy reaction. "A couple years. I go to the farms with him ... here ... " he lifts up a piece of rock salt, preseting it to her, "Hold that out for him, he likes to lick it. But see, he likes you" and indeed the horse continues to watch her, snorting a little now and then.
The blush deepens at the amused look and she ducks her head, watching the horse through her lashes. The rock salt gets a dubious look and she holds it out, between her fingers and thumb, extending her arm to keep it a distance away. "Ain't sure over that..."
"Open your palm, careful..." says Alistair, nodding to her as he watches. Dhauzimmer leans in a little, sniffs at the offered salt and then starts to lick at it with that big wet tongue!
Caliopa moves it to the palm of her hand, repressing the slight jump as the horse bends his head and licks, a muffled squeak from her. "Got a real big mouth." She mutters, blushing more. "You sure over this? I mean, ain't he goin' to mind someone else riding him?"
Alistair nods his head a little, and squeezes her hand again. Dhauzimmer continues to lick until he's had enough salt. He turns his head more towards Caliopa, producing a motion that might look like a nod. "Oh, I hope he minds people other than you riding him" he smiles, tilting his head little. "Do you want to try? I'll be on him with you if you want."
Caliopa gives the horse a doubtful look, before she nods slowly. "I said I'd try it sometime, didn't I? Ain't no good goin' back on your word..." She nods more firmly, turning to look at Alistair. "Do I need to change or do you reckon jean'll do it?" The practical question is spoken firmly, but the doubt hasn't entirely faded from her eyes.
"You'll do fine with what you're wearing" says Alistair, smiling. He moves next to the saddle, takig a hold of it, and then pointing to the parts of it as necessary. "Put your foot in here to climb up, and, your hand up there, there's a hold for you on the saddle. Then just swing the other leg up over the saddle and you'll be right on it" he says encouragingly. Dhauzimmer turns his head to watch the pair with one eye.
Caliopa turns, watching him demonstrate the movements. "Seems real high to jus' climb up on." The doubt lies heavy in her voice, and she shakes her head, more to clear it seemingly. Then, she turns, putting her hand up where he demonstrated, barely able to reach. "Put my foot there..." She repeats, slowly, before trying, hopping a little to manage it.
Alistair moves closer to her, placing his hands on her waist to help her up a little, knowing that at first these things are intimidating and seem difficult. Dhauzeimmer snorts a bit, but he doesn't move, good boy that he is. "You're doing good" says Alistair, watching her.
The snort makes her jump, with a nervous glance over her shoulder at Alistair before she tries to rise, to place her leg into the foothold. His hands on her waist help with balance, but she is just too short. The toe of her boot just reaches it and she grasps the other side of the saddle with her spare hand. "Gonna pull up?"
"Yeah, hop up on it if you have to. Just like climbing a rock - nothing to it" says Alistair, nodding, and he'll give her a boost up if needed as well. There's a quick pat on the stallion's side, and then Ali continues paying attention to Cali, making certain she doesn't fall, and he's ready to climb in right behind her when she's sat up there.
"Ain't never climbed a rock neither..." She takes the boost up, finally getting up there. Her hands tighten on the saddle before her, clinging to it as if her life depended on it. "Real high up here." She observes softly, trying to avoid looking down at all. As the stallion shifts, she makes a small noise, nervousness showing in the tensing of her muscles.
Alistair climbs up with practiced ease, naturally, and moments later he is sat behind her, her back now against him. "It can be a little scary" he agrees, while Dhauzimmer shifts again and whinnies. Alistair's arms come around her waist, hugging her briefly, and then moving onto the reigns. "Ready for a little stroll?"
"Ain't so sure about that...." She twists her head to look back at him, the death grip on the saddle not releasing one bit. "He is bigger up here, than when you are standin' next to him..." She leans back into Alistair, without releasing her grip.
Alistair leans his chin on her shoulder lightly, "I wouldn't do this if I thought you'd her hurt" he says softly, "But if you want we can stop; I think we're just about there though ... you got all the way up there and everything."
She leans back into him, keeping the grip on the saddle. "Alright." She speaks softly, her gaze flickering down towards the floor for only an instant before she aims it right up near the horse's ears, with a blink. "Still, a real way to fall."
"Yeah, but you're not gonna" Alistair reassures, smiling and turning his head to kiss near her ear; then he looks ahead, and reaches with one hand to release the stall door. "Hop!" he lashes the reigns lightly, and Dhauzimmer starts to step out of the stall, with the 'clop clop' of hooves on pavement. Alistair tugs on one side of the reigns, and the horse turns with a snort to head in the nwely indicated direction, towards the field ouside the stable. "Relax a little, if you want you can hold the reigns Cali. Its real easy."
The first movement is met with a tensing of the woman in his arms, and a soft yelp of surprise. "Real easy, you say?" She repeats, her fingers tightening, if possible, on the saddle in front of her. "I ain't lettin' go of this here saddle." Anxious, her accent worsens and she shakes her head.
"Okay" Alistair keeps the reigns in one hand for a moment, using the free one to touch hers, then he wraps that arm about her waist. "You won't fall" he promises, guiding the horse around the field at a slow pace. He starts to explain how to maintain control with the reigns as well, showing how to stop, go again, and turn.
"Says you." Says Caliopa doubtfully, giving him a glance over her shoulder, the movement itself cautious. But as they move, her body relaxes slightly, as she continues to not fall off. She focuses on the lesson, her body relaxing a little more against the man behind her. The grip on the saddle lessens...
Alistair grins, blushing a little, looking back at her. "I do, I do ..." he continues walking the horse a little farther. "If you stop him at the right spot, he'll start grazing. Would you like to try? You just have to guide him to a patch of tall grass" he explains, but he keeps his arm around her even though it feels like she is relaxing more.
The blushing is catching and her cheeks darken, as she risks removing one hand from the saddle. "Reckon I'd best..." She reaches for the reins, finally releasing the other hand and holding them. She mimics his movement, pulling a little too hard at first, then releasing the grip too much.
Alistair leans back just a little, but continue to hold her. Dhauzimmer turns sharply in one direction, then back ahead - causing the riders to get jerked around just a little. He whinnies, while Alistair explains, putting his other hand on her shoulder, "A little more gentle; he can handle sudden things, but for now, a little more gentle, like a steering wheel in your truck. Just pull slowly, and then release slowly, you'll get the hang of it" he encourages. Caliopa tenses again as the horse jerks them around, and her hand slips from the reins to the saddle, getting a firm grip. "Steerin' wheels ain't high up 'n' they ain't a piece unpredictable." She is almost grumbling, but good natured, and she steers the horse more gently, turning him with caution. "Like that?" Her body pressed against his, she only has to tilt her head back to look up at him.
As she grabs the saddle, Alistair makes certain the reigns don't get tossed away and guards them until she wants to guide again. He looks down at her when she looks up; he smiles, "Yeah" he replies softly, waiting a moment, then leaning to place a quick kiss on her lips. That arm is still about her; though the swaying is slight from the stallion's walk.
She risks a kiss, leaning back into him as she practices turning the horse, her forehead wrinkled, the concentration showing. "Ain't that bad. Still, real high..." She comments softly, glancing up at him, her expression thoughtful. "Ain't he like to get tired, carryin' both of us?"
Alistair mms softly, "Mint mouthwash?" he inquires, looking ahead for a moment, then back to her. "Oh, I think we weight less together and me and my armor and his armor ... he can carry me for hours" comes the explanation along with a sage nod. "Try to guide him over there, if you want, and then pull the reins back lightly to make him stop. He likes it when you pat him on the neck too, then he knows you care."
Caliopa's forehead creases more, her confusion showing on her face as she shakes her head, dismissing it. Her attention is on the horse the pair are riding, a large war horse. The woman is in jeans, sitting in front of the man, his arm around her waist. "Over there. Right." A rueful humour in her voice as she tries to turn the horse's steps, her actions obviously those of a novice. The horse does respond to the movements though, tossing his head as she pulls a little too sharply to stop him.
It is probably a stressful lesson for the woman in front of him, but patience makes perfect; he reaches for one of her hands after that toss, and pulls on her hand back - along with the rein - slowly, "Woah" to demonstrate how to bring the stallion to a halt. "Try it again, a bit more gentle" he encourages her. Yes, he's still got the arm about her waist.
Meanwhile has no trouble cantering around, or galloping, or any number of things... Then again, she has no trouble mainly because the horse she's 'riding' is attached at the waist. Coming out of the feed store, a small bag (that makes clinking sounds) tied to her belt, she notes the riding lesson,"Loosen your legs up? I know it hurts to have too much squeezing right in that area."
Margun meanwhile has no trouble cantering around, or galloping, or any number of things... Then again, she has no trouble mainly because the horse she's 'riding' is attached at the waist. Coming out of the feed store, a small bag (that makes clinking sounds) tied to her belt, she notes the riding lesson,"Loosen your legs up? I know it hurts to have too much squeezing right in that area."
Caliopa lets Alistair adjust her hand, biting her lower lip as she copiesthe movement, drawing the horse back. "Ain't too bad. The jeans ain't helpin'." She comments, giving the other woman a sunny smile, her expression open and friendly, "Rubbin' in places that ain't ought to be rubbed." The glance up at the man holding her brings on a deep blush, spreading from the woman's cheekbones, across to the tips of her ears. "Gentle..." She repeats softly, reminding herself.
Alistair looks up to the other ... person who just spoke, blinking at her for a moment. "Hello ... " and then Cali draws his attention; he blushes as well, looking at Cali, "If its getting bad I can take care of it for you later -um" a couple more blinks, a deeper blush, and then he nods, "Gentle" a smile, glancing to the other woman for a moment. "Pardon me, I've not seen anyone ... centaur-like yet, I've heard, but not seen. This is Cali, and I'm Alistair."
Margun canters forward after the introduction, shaking out her hair a little more,"And I haven't met anyone... Alistair-like before, so I guess that puts us on even hooving." She reaches out, to pat the horse on the nose almost absently before offering her hand to each in turn,"Margun. But call me Margie..." She looks at Caliopa, then,"First time on a hourse? Or just kind of new?"
"Caliopa but only my pa called me that, 'n' I ain't been anywhere near one before. Reckon I'd be best stickin' to my truck." She shakes the other woman's hand, the sunny smile undimed by the blush, her grip calloused and firm. "Reckon it ain't somethin' I'll be gettin' the hang of real easy." The slight hint of amusement at her own clumsy movements shows in expressive brown eyes. "You new in town? I ain't seen you before, I reckon."
"Hello Miss Margun" says Alistair, shaking her hand after Cali; "I suppose so, though these aren't mine" he chuckles, then pats Cali's thigh lightly. "You're doing just fine" he murmurs, letting the girls talk for the moment.
Margun chuckles at Alistair,"Little bit of centaur humor, there... Sorry. Equal footing. Whatnot." After a good firm shake, she offers,"Nice to meet you sugar. And if you're having trouble sitting your horse, you probably just have the wrong mount. You should try sitting something easier. You need practice, you just find me. I'm a lot more tractable than most of these beasts. And unlike them, I /can/ tell you what's annoying me." She pats the horses nose one more time, then goes on,"Don't suppose you all know the name of a gentle farrier? I need to get changed out of my work-shoes."
"Horse is Alistair's. not mine. I ain't really..." The suggestion brings a perplexed look to Caliopa's face, the etiquette of riding another being that could talk making her think, and she opens her mouth with the first thought through her head. "I ain't sure it is real proper to ride strangers." A moment and the implications of her comment bring a flare of red to her cheeks, and she stammers, "I ain't familiar with farriers, but if you ain't able to find one, it ain't got to be too hard to bend metal..."
The stallion snorts, but otherwise he remains fairly amicable. Alistair seems to be at a bit of a loss when the suggestion is made, looking at Cali for a moment. The blush must be contagious, he catches it too, and exhales, waiting a moment before saying, "There's Bob and Anna. They do that sort of work, and they seem to be fairly good at it."
Margun raises an eyebrow, and smiles in an odd sort of way, before she notes,"Well... not unless you pay first, but I doubt I'm your type, hun." A laugh follows, and then she offers,"Most centaurs'd probably take offense, but it's not like you little guys are really heavy, anyway." A shrug follows, and then she goes on,"It's not so much the bending of the metal I'm looking for... It's just... I've I'm going to have something nailed to my hooves, I don't want some idiot who'll drive the nails right into the sensitive bits. Bob and Anna?"
Caliopa's blush doesn't fade easily and she concentrates on the stallion for the moment, ducking her head to hide the colour of her cheeks. "Ain't got a clue over sensitive pieces of horse feets..." She mumbles, the wash of red not receding. "Reckon it ain't fair on this one, holdin' both of us up." She tries to steer the conversation at least to stable ground.
"I take Dhauzimmer to them. He wouldn't like going back if they hurt him" Alistair explains, also trying to avoid the other conversation. "I don't think he minds much, you're pretty light" he replies to Cali. Dhauzimmer meantime decides that since he's standing there, he'll graze on the spot, and dips his head with a little whinney.
Margun chuckles to Caliopa,"Trust me, sugar... they stand all day long. I actually enjoy laying down a bit, myself, but... Those legs are strong. I doubt he much notices either of you. And they like company, you know?" She stretches, though, bending her upper half back as she does so,"Been on the road a long time... Know any good bars or saloons hiring help around here?"
Caliopa risks a tentative pat on the horse's neck, giving Margun a smile that is half shy, "Ali said that, he reckons I weigh less than his armour 'n' all, so..." She shrugs lightly, glancing up at the man, her face softening as she does so. "Depends on what you like. There is a couple of bars down in the Dregs, Desmond and his lady got one, 'n' there is the Nut, which is full of folks like me, 'n' that place over at the hotel..."
"Do you entertain Miss Margun?" Alistair asks, his brows hiking up a little bit in curiosity. He relaxes his hold on Cali for the moment as the conversation continues and places of possible employment are pointed out. "Depending on what sort of work you would wish to do, there are other things as well."
Margun lifts a shoulder a bit,"Even me, I'm probably sturdy enough to carry a whole load more. I think it's in the structure an' less than in the strength, truth be told." Still, as she listens, she gets a thoughtful look,"I like the loose and rowdy joints, myself... Places where you can get a real party goin'. Either way, I DO entertain. Sing, serve drinks... dance, even, if you can believe that." this cues up a wink.
"I ain't sure what other..." Caliopa starts and then blushes deeply, giving Alistair a look with widened eyes. "Ain't sure them places are some place a person oughta be ..." She trails off, shaking her head, "I ain't sure that is the type of place she meant." She pats the horse again, almost absently, her forehead wrinkling. "There is two real clubs like that, Desmond's 'n' that hotel one.
"Uh ... " Alistair appears to pause for a moment, then continues, "Mr. Desmond keeps order in the Alibi ... I think we're probably the wrong ones to ask for something rowdier" he smiles sheepishly. Dhauzimmer lifts his head a little to look back at the pair, perhaps a delayed reaction to the pat. There's a snort as he dips back down and continues to graze.
Margun smiles at Caliopa almost charitably,"Oh, don't look so scandalized. It's not like I've never done that before. Most patrons just generally don't like to do much more than look since I'm not exactly... easily compatible with most of them." Oh yeah. She doesn't even hide it. "What's the Alibi like?"
Caliopa's blush deepens and she focuses on the horse, petting it as she tries to find a reply. "It ain't some place I spend a lot of time. Spend most of my time workin', see, or with Ali..." She glances over her shoulder at the man, half twisting to meet his eyes. "Uh, speakin' of that, I ought to be gettin' back. We're real busy, 'n' I got them bills for you to sort out."
"It isn't ... right" says Alistair, looking at Cali just at the right moment - he smiles at her, and nods, "Do you want to do the honors, or should I?" he inquires, since they're still mounted. Dhauzimmer raises his head again to look at the pair on his back, perhaps sensing their shyness or intent to go - or maybe it's just because he's being petted. Who knows.
Margun offers a little twist of a wave, and then takes a posture reminescent of someone who's cocking their hips slightly, and then says,"Well, go ahead. I'll find my way around easily enough. Noone can sling drinks like I can." A sunny smile breaks out on her face shortly after.
"Ali ain't got to come with me. He does my books for me, to help out a piece." Caliopa glances down, reminded that the floor is an awful long way away. "I'm down a member of staff, ain't sure where she got to." She hesitates, uncertain how to dismount without falling becoming involved at some point. "You need anythin', Margie, you come find me over at the garage, over by the landin' strip."
Alistair smiles at Margun, and then he looks to Cali. A moment later he slides down before her, and then holds up his hands. "I'll help you - just hold onto the saddle and let your foot drop to the hold" he offers, looking up at her. "Oh - and tie the reins to the saddle ... just a couple times around the hold."
Margun shakes her head a little bit,"Unless I buy a hovercraft and need it modified, it probably won't come up. I'm a big girl." She peers at Caliopa,"Especially compared to some." Still, she holds out her hands as well as if to offer Cali a little bit of an easier time dismounting.
Caliopa hesitates, before tying the reins to the saddle, and swinging her leg over the horse. Then she takes both hands offered, sliding inelegantly from the creature, her height made even more obvious as it dwarfs her. "Even so, reckon a new town is a real lonely place, 'n' sometimes..." She hesitates and shrugs. "I'd best get back, keepin' thin's real shiny there ain't gonna happen without work." She lifts her face, offering Alistair a kiss, her face softening.
"Drop by if you'd like a glass of something" Alistair explains, nodding his head; he smiles sheepishly, helping to bring Cali down. "I can come help you soon, I just have to let Dhauzimmer walk around a little, and then put him back in." When she offers the kiss he faces her prolerly, his arms wrapping about her waist as he leans in to kiss her, lingering a little.
Margun nods to Caliopa, chuckling,"I've got some bourbon I've been saving. We'll sit down and have some, sometime. It'll clean the grease off a compost-sorter." Grinning effusively, she turns to look at Dhauzimmer,"He's a handsome beast, you know. Where is he from?"
Caliopa returns the kiss, leaving reluctantly, but she does go. Her strides take her off towards the landing strip, her ponytail bobbing. Her mind is already at the garage, thinking about machines, work and parts...
