675-12-27 - Learning to Stay in the Saddle
| Learning to Stay in the Saddle | |||||||
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| Summary: Domitianus tries to learn how to ride a horse, as Aeryn stops by for a chat on her way to a hunt. | |||||||
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Near the stables along the edge of the courtyard of castle Mergorand is a sight many would view to be amusing if not comedic. There is a bit of an audible thud as a tall man's body impacts the earth. Principe Domitianus of Family Valeria rolls to the side and climbs to his feet without missing a beat after falling out of the saddle of a horse. He is silent and doesn't look to be embarrassed or hesitant as he attempts to climb into the saddle once again. Nearby a riding instructor is shouting at the Principe, pointing out what he did wrong. One of the handmaidens of Princess, now Patrizia Barbeta Brais, by the name of Esther stands a safe distance away from Domitianus and translates the instructor's words into the Ningo language.
Aeryn wears a white dress with white overcoat, and white scarves. She has a longbow slung over her shoulder, and a shortbow and quiver of arrows slung over the other shoulder. She watches the scene after she walks into the courtyard. She holds up a hand as she has a little soft smirky smile. "Whoa there...what's going on? Are yae' having trouble with the horse?"
Domitianus gets back up into the saddle, though looks clearly unsteady. Esther looks at Aeryn and gives the proper greeting before saying, "Principe Domitianus doesn't know how to ride yet and is learning. The Ningo don't have mounts so its difficult for most of them to learn very well." She then looks to Domitianus who gives her a look and says something in Ningo. There is a bit of an exchange and Esther translates, "The Principe thanks you for your concern, he said he'll be fine. No one learns anything with only a few tries."
Aeryn continues her approach "Well you have tae' make sure the horse is at ease with you first. If you have never ridden, there is a rigidity that will put th' horse ill at ease. Mannerisms and movements matter very much." She runs her fingers through the horse's maine on it's head, whispering softly to it, clucking softly a few times as she tries to reassure the animal.
The trainer says, "We have accounted for that Lady Aeryn. This horse is close to retirement and accustom to calvary riders. Seeing how strict and disciplined the Prince is, I thought teaching him to ride how our knights and solders do would be best. He is a soldier himself after all." Esther nods and says, "He is a Decanus, one commands a contubernium, which is a squad of ten. They were all present for the feast to welcome Princess Luanda home."
Aeryn nods softly "Well, that is a good way to begin. I prefer walking myself but having a horse is simply a necessity. Though..if you did this in the stable it might provide additional cushion to falls?" she runs her fingers through the maine one more time before retracting her hand.
Esther says, "Domitianus doesn't mind some bumps and bruises, and this gives more space for the horse." Domi still looks to be a bit unstable on the saddle, but he seems to give up on trying to move on the horse, seemingly focusing more on getting his balance.
Aeryn nods as she watches. "Well..have you given him advice on how to sit?" She points upwards towards Domitianus with a finger "I've seen a few men on thier first attempts rather injure thier family jewels so to speak. Or at least become very sore because they didn't take them into account in thier sitting position."
The instructor nods and says, "I am the best instructor in the kingdom Lady Aeryn, I know how to handle such matters. From what I can see its more a case of uncertainty about horses, not the saddle or fear. From what Esther says, I think it might be a cultural thing." Esther nods and says, "The closest thing they have to horses they call 'eohippus', they are animals that resemble horses, only they have toes instead of hooves and they are about the size of cats. They are kept as pets."
Aeryn smiles softly "Oh? That sounds rather cute. Eohippus huh? Ah' suppose I should have some sitdowns with you at some point Ms. Ester. I'm told your the best translator, and th' King has shown an intrest in having me learn th' language. That is if you can spare the time, being the best translator must put a significant strain on your time I imagine."
Esther says, "I was the first to learn their language, but there are others who can speak both languages now as well, at least mostly. I am still handmaiden to Patrizia Barbetta, if time permits I may be able to help you."
Aeryn nods "That would be most appreciated, thank yae'. How is Patreezia..Barbetta? Ah' haven't seen her in a while, and ah' heard she was with child. Will you give her mae' congratulations, in case you see her before I do?"
Esther nods and says, "She is fine, simply typical pregnancy problems. I will tell her."
Aeryn looks up to Domitianus and reaches over to pat his leg lightly. "I wish you well with the training. I'm going hunting..would you like me to bring you anything back to eat?"
Domitianus looks down at the hand on his leg as though it were a very personal thing. Looking back to Esther she says something in Ningo, he responds and Esther says, "Principe Domitianus is a hunter like his father, he says he might even be better. He could join you if you wish, though I believe he simply wants to get out of his riding lesson." smiling softly.
Aeryn grins a little "Oh? Well he's welcome tae' come along with me if he so wishes. I've an extra bow with me unless he has personal preferences. That is if it doesn't inconvience you, Ms Ester?"
Esther says, "I will need to speak with the Patrizia first." simply.
