A New Horse

Campaign: The Princess's Party

Chapter 9 / 4-2.5 (Interlude)

A New Horse

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A Triumphant Return

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The Eventide Game

Summary

As children, Chelle would often site atop the prince's back and ride him like a horse—and she now seeks to do the same with his allies! Though the group is surprised, Chelle explains the trick to building a bond of trust using the relationship between a person and a horse.

Dialogue

Chanzelia So these are the Chanzelian outskirts, eh? They are quite beautiful. Right? Funny how it was nothin' but sand and wasteland gettin' here. This would be the perfect place for a long ride on a good steed. Now THAT'S an idea I can get behind! ...Okay, maybe I'm crazy but I think I actually HEAR a horse coming. Well met, my new friends! Are you enjoying your stroll? Hello, Chelle. Are you on a patrol, or just riding out to see your people? I do not mingle with the commonfolk! This is merely a ride for my own pleasure. I often canter about upon my white steed while taking in the Chanzelian breeze. Oh, and of course my royal guard is always there to accompany me. It's rather become a part of my daily routine. But ever since my beloved old horse Euden gave me the boot, I've no choice but to ride a real one. Please don't bring that up again. Although, if I could get someone to be my horsey in your place, I could finally return to riding about the royal court itself! That would be very nice indeed. ...Well? What say you? Which of you lot wants the honor of being my new steed? How about you, my sylvan friend? I assure you, I pay MOST handsomely. No amount of money can compel me into such a childish game. A pity. Anyone else? If there's one thing a merc like me knows, it's that ya NEVER turn down a payin' job. Hop on, Princess! I got muscles to spare, so I can carry ya around all day! I would not be caught dead riding a horse with a back as hard and uncomfortable as yours so clearly would be. I seek a more supple, refined steed. So this wild stallion's too much for ya? Can't say I agree, but yer the boss. Any other candidates...? ...... Ugh. I am certain you would be a MOST unruly equine companion. Who are you calling an unruly equine?! I am an unruly DRAGON! That's not the part of that statement I thought she'd object to... Pick me, pick me! I've got mad wings, which means I can be a FLYING horse! You are far too small, faerie. Were I to try to get on your back, we'd both go crashing to the ground. Oh yeah. That WOULD suck, huh? I require a smart, swift, and tenacious steed—and none of you yet fit the bill. Yes, I must have a horse that is both refined and graceful, just as I am... ...... Ah! Princess, you cannot seriously think to— Ah, but I DO think, Paladyn. You will be PERFECT! P-pray reconsider! I would make a terrible playmate. I'm miserable with idle banter, and I most certainly cannot act in place of a horse! Protest to your loyal heart's content; you will heed my order in the end. That said, you'd likely still disappoint, despite giving your all. The shame of that failure will linger and fester, your nights spent locked in guilt-ridden fever dreams... Is that not the kind of person you are? Buh... I m-mean... Of course not! Then I am wrong? P-please, surely you have teased me enough... That's enough, Sister. You're embarrassing her. Ah, my dear, naive brother. You really don't understand, do you? Your dear Paladyn may LOOK upset, but she is actually quite happy to have me prod at her in this fashion. It doesn't look that way... There are many types of horses, Brother. Some like to be left alone, while others crave attention. And you cannot trust that their words reflect the truth. Many horses struggle to express themselves. You must SENSE what they wish for, take their reins, and treat them in the way best-suited to their particular nature. By doing this over and over again, a bond of trust is cultivated between horse and rider. Do you understand now? I'm not certain that applies here... Eee hee hee! Oh, but you are still SUCH a child in so many ways. Just bear in mind the lesson I have given you this day. Try to understand each horse's feelings as an individual. Only by doing so can you hope to run any distance with them.