1X1 with ChemicalWinter

[ChemicalWinter]

Brendon had followed Alex as she motioned for him to follow. He obeyed. She seemed kind and gentle, but he still had good reason to fear her. He sat beside her, but made sure to keep his distance. Brendon stayed clear out of Alex's space, not even daring to touch her clothes. He kept his mouth shut and listened to every word Alex said. And when she told him not to be afraid, it did make a him somewhat tense, yet simultaneously relaxed somehow. Brendon nodded a little bit and choked down a nervous breath. "Y-yes, ma'am." He stammered out, trying to appear relaxed, although he was far from it.

[Pool of the Moon]

Alex sighed and watched him with a little bit of a frown not out of anger or dissapointment but out of worry for the young man "Brendon…" she sighed trying to think of what to say or do "Have you ever been around horses before?" She asked trying to think of a way to start a conversation

[ChemicalWinter]

Brendon frantically nodded and gulped. "Yes." He squeaked. He had been experienced with horses, he was raised by a master who owned horses. Sometimes his duties would include taking care of the horses. Washing, feeding, tacking them up and whatnot. Horses were no stranger thing to Brendon. However, being owned by a royal was.

[Pool of the Moon]

Alex smiled "Good…" she said and stood turning to the stall next to them and went into the stall leading out a black mare "Here this is Athena she is one of mine… why don't you tack her up? Her things are labeled in the tack room all the sets should be labeled with their names" she said and walked across the isle leading out a bay stallion,Adahy, and she tied him and went to go get his tack

[ChemicalWinter]

Brendon immediately stood up and nodded, non verbally acknowledging the princess's request. He lead Athena over to the cross ties, tying her up and going to retrieve the tack. He immediately went to work, brushing off the mare where he was to put on the tack, then he skillfully put on the pad and saddle, adjusting the girth. After that, Brendon put on the mare's bridle, the chest straps, and then he untied her. He held onto the horse's bridle as he awaited further orders.

[Pool of the Moon]

Alex quickly brushed Adahy and then put his tack on humming softly she glanced over and smiled a little as she climbed onto Adahy "Go on she is gentle she won't throw you off" she said motioning for him to get on she had purposfully chosen her gentlest horse for him to ride although Alex did like to run her quite a bit the horse had always been quite gentle and never been one to kick or bite "She will enjoy ate hung her legs a bit she hasent gotten to go out of the pasture for a while"

[ChemicalWinter]

Brendon shyly nodded and climbed up onto the mare in one swift motion, as he was experienced in this aspect also. He adjusted himself a bit in the seat and thought to himself, the horse was probably worth more than he was. The horse seemed comfortable enough, and so did the tack. Brendon made a mental note to shine the tack later. Maybe wash both horses too while he'd be at it.

[Pool of the Moon]

Alex started forwards towards the trail that lead through the orchard and she glanced back at him with a sigh "Brendon can I ask you something?" She asked wondering why he was so terrified of her she would never hurt him and hated the idea that he was bought and sold like an animal or a possession

[ChemicalWinter]

Brendon had followed along on the horse, admiring the orchard and the scenery, never having seen anything so grand in all his life. But he was suddenly snapped back into reality as Alex spoke to him. He clenched up and was immediately terrified, he held the reins in his hands with tension, wondering what the princess would possibly have to ask him. Still, Brendon softly cleared his throat and nodded. "Of coarse, anything, m'lady." He choked out, shuddering a bit.

[Pool of the Moon]

Alex sighed seeing him tense up and saw Athena sense that and the mare started to prance a bit worried "Why are you so scared of me? Is it something I or my father has done?" She asked softly she had experienced the new workers being nervous but never this scared of her and if she was honest it kind of hurt… she felt as if she had done something cruel to this young man even though she didn't she knew someone must have an she wondered if he had a family… and who and made him this terrified of everyone? She was not a very threatening person… unless she wanted to be