[D4 EM] A Different Hunt

[Kaliya Redding]

In her riding dress, Kaliya had allowed Perlera to stretch her slender legs, working out some of the Sand Steed's energy before she rode to the edge of the Ashford Woods to meet with Ferris once again. The sky was overcast, but as long as it didn't rain, she didn't mind. In fact, the hunting might be better in the subdued sunshine, even if the air was cool.

[Ferris Cafferen]

The huntsman had woken early and was now in sight of the dornish rider and her mare. He was riding his own horse and gave a salutation from afar as Kaliya came in sight.

Instead of waiting for her, however, his horse moved a little further everytime she approached. The message was a clear 'Catch me if you can'

How would the Southern lady react?

[Kaliya Redding]

A Sand Steed was born to run, and Kaliya gleefully put her heels to Perlera's sides, the mare breaking eagerly into a canter, mane and tail streaming. The flowing 3|4 gait could easily match any northern horse at full gallop, and already the pair were closing the distance.

[Ferris Cafferen]

With a grin Ferris did the same. After seeing Kaliya's steed acceleration he figured that he could be outran but wondered if Lily could be outlasted. Since he was the one being chased he also had the opportunity to chose the race track.

His horse made a quick turn towards a forest road he knew contained a number of curves, hoping to limit the speed factor

[Kaliya Redding]

Two things were quickly apparent: Kaliya was holding in Perlera's head, not giving the mare free rein to run all out, that would save some energy for the Sand Steed, though it was unlikely to be enough to match the sturdier horse's endurance; and Perlera was nimble, her long and slender legs picking easily over the terrain with the agility of a dancer.

Kaliya had braided her hair, but the fine silken locks were pulling free as she rode, low over the steed's head, laughing and whispering words of encouragement.

[Ferris Cafferen]

Ferris patted Lily's neck in similar encouragement. They made a jump over a fallen tree then quickly darted left towards the river. He turned once to look at his lovely pursuer.

----
Forest chase: ride! Best out of 3! (round 1) 11

[Kaliya Redding]

Kaliya was no great horsewoman, considering herself out of practice as best. Approaching the fallen tree that Ferris and Lily had vaulted, she gave Perlera a little more freedom, concentrating of keeping her seat and letting the Sand Steed worry about the log. While Perlera's leap was perfectly graceful, her rider didn't look quite as at home in the saddle as the huntsman. But she was pleased nonetheless, laughing and spurring Perlera on after him.


---
Forest Chase, obstacle 1: 9

[Ferris Cafferen]

The river came soon in sight of the riders. This branch was fairly shallow but still could prove difficult enough to slow down a horse...and could get a rider a little wet.

---
Forest chase: ride! Best out of 3 (part 2) 15

[Kaliya Redding]

Perlera plunges into the cold water fearlessly, but a riding dress can be a hinderance for even the best of riders, which Kaliya is not, and her skirts are quickly soaked up to the knee. Though, if she is particularly concerned by the turn of events, it doesn't show in her grin.


---
Forest Chase, Obstacle 2: 7

[Ferris Cafferen]

Ferris smiled, he was quite sure he'd win in the last tretch but he would not allow his overconfidance to cloud his judgment. The final part of the race was a straight line headind towards a small clearing.

Forest chase: ride! Best out of 3 (part 3) 12

[Kaliya Redding]

This was Perlera's moment to shine, all Kaliya needed to do was give the mare her head, and let her do what she did best. Leaning deeply into Perlera's neck, Kaliya kicked the Sand Steed to a full gallop. The pair raced up quickly on Ferris and Lily's hocks but, between the head start he'd taken and the obstacles, it was a close thing. They caught up, that was for certain, but as she reined in her mount, laughing and trying to catch her breath, she wasn't actually certain if she had pulled ahead.


---
Forest Chase, Home Straight: 5

[Ferris Cafferen]

Lily and her rider slowed down as they had arrived to the clearing. He certainly heard the sand steed approaching from behind but it was unclear if it had caught up in the end

He turned around and approached

''Are you allright Lady Kaliya?''

[Kaliya Redding]

"Verry," she answered, "my drress not so much, I fearr," and she indicated to the wet fabric that clung insistently to her calves. "I hope it drries by tomorrow." Kaliya's cheeks were lit with a flush that darkened her golden skin, and her hair was working free of her braid to tumble about her cheeks.

[Ferris Cafferen]

''Perhaps if we ride some more the wind might help it dry?'' he offered while looking at the wet fabric and to what it clung to

''There is a natural shooting range not far''

[Kaliya Redding]

"It cannot hurrt. Lead on, good huntsman, it was a merry chase and I look forrwarrd to what else may be in storre."

[Ferris Cafferen]

''I am glad you enjoyed it'' he replied with a light bow before turning around to lead her to their destination.

I light bark was heard before he continued on

''I must say, you have a quite elegant mount milady''

[Kaliya Redding]

Chuckling, "I would not say that so loudly, she is a prrideful thing, it will go to herr head. Perrlerra is a Sand Steed from the deserrts of Dorrne. They arre brred forr speed, and the metallic sheen of theirr coats prrotects them frrom the harrsh sun."

[Ferris Cafferen]

''Very interesting, it is the first time seem oneof them...and I'll keep in mind not to flatter her too much''.

The ride was not too long but the breeze was pleasant and the greenery was still gleaming from the morning's dew. The small clearing overlooked by a small stony cliff on the western side. It was not too high but enough to allow a straw target to stand before it.

''There''

[Kaliya Redding]

"My motherr's family rraises Sand Steeds. Most Dorrnish people rride the same palfrreys and courrserrs as the rrest of Westerros." She approached the clearing with interest, wondering if the forest held other secrets like this one.

[Ferris Cafferen]

He gives a slow nod as he listens

"Is Perrlerra one of your mother's then?"

With that he began slowing to a halt before unmounting

"I think that this is a good distance"

[Kaliya Redding]

"She is," taking the lead from Ferris, Kaliya also dismounted. Once she was on the ground, she plucked at the skirts of her riding dress so that the fabric was at least not stuck to her. "The estate wherre motherr grew up is close to wherre I was borrn. I spent a lot of time therre as a child."

[Ferris Cafferen]

''That would seem like a pleasant place to grow up, if you don't mind me saying. I do not know how far the sea was but from what you already told me it must have been fairly close as well.''

He reached inside one of his bag to let loose a ball of fur on the world once more before reaching for the saddle bags for a bow and a dozen arrows.

[Kaliya Redding]

"The town was rright by the water. Seperrated by a stretch of grass and a swathe of golden sand. Ourr estate was a little furrtherr back, but morre than close enough to the waterr forr a young girrl to rrun to the shorre as soon as the Septa had rreleased herr frrom herr lessons."

[Ferris Cafferen]

Has she spoke he finished stringing the hunting bow and replies ''Sand beaches are rare in the Stormlands, sadly.'' as Dusty rampages throught a few ladybugs.

''Ready for your archery lesson?''

[Kaliya Redding]

Kaliya examined the bow, she hadn't held one in a very long time. She understood the principles well enough, but putting that into action was another matter. "As rready as I shall everr be."