∞ 94: The basics [written/action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[written]Welcome to all the New Feathers of this cycle. I am sure that residents, especially the volunteers working in the Welcome Center, have been helpful as you adjust to your surroundings

Comments

[action]

[mydearapple]

[Caesar has been trying to keep himself busy lately, even if it hasn't been terribly obvious. Checking on Kogoro is a part of his daily routine now, though, and as a result, he happens to be out anyway. When he finishes up with him, he decides to stop by the less empty stables. He should see Astrid even if Albert isn't there, so he quietly wanders in and looks around.]

[action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Until you stop looking like a scared deer. [Albert's voice is dry as he continues watching, still holding the rest of Astrid's tack.] Once you have somewhat relaxed, we'll introduce the reins.

[action]

[mydearapple]

How am I supposed to relax like this?

[Caesar sighs, hanging his head a little. He's past the point of just wanting to shut his eyes, if only because this posture thing makes him feel even more uncomfortable.]

[action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[If he was the type to roll his eyes, he would be rolling them right now.] Talk about what is it that makes you so uncomfortable up there.

[action]

[mydearapple]

[He frowns. He knew it'd probably help, but he didn't even know how to explain it properly.]

I don't know. I guess it's just... [...this is going to sound so silly.] It's really high. And on the battlefield, they move really fast, too. I know I won't fall, but it's still a possibility, so I keep thinking about it.

[action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Because it's a possibility, and as a strategist you are always thinking about possibilities. [Well, that's a very kind way of looking at it. He knows it's more of a personal fear.] But you've been uncomfortable since you were a child.

[action]

[mydearapple]

[Caesar nods.]

That's right. But even thinking, "I won't fall." doesn't make it go away. [So he couldn't just stop worrying. He tilts his head a bit.] When I was little, I really wanted to learn. Heh. It was a lot scarier back then. And then I didn't want to learn anymore.

[action]

[chikaidestroyer]

No? What caused the change? A bad experience on one of the manor horses?

[action]

[mydearapple]

N-not quite. I just wasn't interested anymore. [Which isn't untrue, but he can't say that it was because he had changed that he lost interest.] I guess I forgot how exciting it looked.

[action]

[chikaidestroyer]

And yet you decided that you want to ride now. [It's not quite an accusatory tone, but it's stern. He's trying to understand Caesar's thinking.]

[action]

[mydearapple]

It could be a useful skill, don't you think? I won't be able to ride much here, but who knows? Maybe I'll get to the next time I'm drafted or something. [...not that he'd be doing it for fun then, of course.] The last time we rode together, it was, uh... kind of nice. And besides that, I guess I kind of wondered why you do it so much.

[action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert clicks his tongue, and Astrid slows down until she comes to a complete stop. He looks at Caesar on his perch.] You could have stopped at "It could be a useful skill."

[action]

[mydearapple]

[Caesar takes a breath before he responds, though he realizes it's not one he needs to relax. He feels a lot better now.]

Would you have believed that was it?

[Because he doubted it, so he might as well be honest.]

[action]

[chikaidestroyer]

No. But you wouldn't be giving me more reason to consider you overly sentimental. [He moves in front of Astrid, setting up her bridle quietly.]

[action]

[mydearapple]

Who said anything about being overly sentimental? You have quite the imagination!

[But he watches carefully as Albert does this. He might need to be able to do this himself someday.]

[action]

[chikaidestroyer]

I'm sure you are pleased I have any imagination left at all. [He finishes with the bridle, offering it to Caesar to hold.]