101 100th Chapter Special: Promises… (2/2)
Steven: ”Serious? Wasn't there an Autumn Festival too?”
Kanna: ”There's one for every season.”
Steven: ”Let's go check it out after.”
We finished our dessert and enjoyed a bit of conversation before heading out to the festival area.
Kanna: ”You're not trying to wrestle again, are you?”
Steven: ”Oh no, I learned my lesson last time.”
We ambled throughout the festival, trying each stand whether it be us trying a new food or playing a simple game.
When we got to the last of the stands, we came across a stable with 3 beautiful horses all of which were saddled up. I was curious and walked up to the people in charge.
Steven: ”I love the horses, ma'am.”
Stable Girl: ”Thank you, sir. Would you like to ride one of them?”
Steven: ”Serious? I won't get bucked off, will I?”
Stable Girl: ”Not if I'm riding with you. They're loyal and smart.”
This is different from the other stands.
Stable Master: ”Sure is, we might close up soon because nobody wants to ride when it's getting dark.”
Kanna has never ridden a horse before, so this could be the opportunity to have her earn a new experience.
Steven: ”Could my girlfriend ride with me?”
Stable Girl: ”Of course she can. Pick a horse you'd like to ride.”
Stable Master: ”Assuming they don't buck you off, heh…”
Stable Girl: ”Dad..!”
Well…
I do hope I don't get bucked.
From the 3 horses, the one on the left piqued my interest the most.
A fierce-looking blue roan Corian Breed.
As intimidating as he looked, I wanted to ride him. So, I slowly walked up to him and when I was within reaching distance, I held my hand out and patted him. The horse never took his eye off me and we stared at each other until I felt comfortable enough to get closer.
Steven: ”You must've been through a lot of, haven't you? It'll be okay boy, you want to help me show my girl how amazing it is to ride a horse?”
He tosses his head up and looks away from me.
I took it as a sign of acceptance and placed one foot on his stirrups and mounted him.
He didn't react and I leaned to pat him again.
Steven: ”Good, good. Thank you.”
Stable Master: ”He's not getting bucked off yet. Heh. Heh.”
Stable Girl: ”Oh, that's surprising. Steven doesn't let anybody ride him.”
Steven: ”His name is Steven?”
Stable Girl: ”Yes sir, he's also a warhorse.”
Steven: ”Well, shit… I also happen to be named Steven.”
The stable master fell into a chair and started laughing before quickly composing himself.
Stable Master: ”Sorry, I shouldn't've laughed. It just happened to be a funny coincidence.”
I helped Kanna mount and she sat behind me, wrapping her arms around me as she seemed to be in awe with the horse.
Kanna: ”This is so… awesome~ I'm on a horse!”
Stable Girl: ”We can only take them a mile out before we turn back. Is that fine?”
Steven: ”Yeah, it'll be enough.”
We trotted down the road, west onto the less developed and open part of the city. I stuck close to the Stable Girl as I'm only discovering this part of the city.
Kanna: ”Wow…”
Steven: ”You've never ridden a horse, Kanna?”
Kanna: ”No, I never knew how much fun this was!”
Steven: ”You want to do this again someday? With just the 2 of us?”
Kanna: ”I'd like that. Where would we go?”
Steven: ”Anywhere you'd like.”
Stable Girl: ”Hey, now that we have to turn back… why don't we have a race?”
I'd be down for a race, but with Kanna, I don't want to risk her falling off.
Steven: ”Probably not the best idea if my girl's riding with me.”
Stable Girl: ”Then we'll do a canter. Is that fine?”
Steven: ”Yeah, it's perfect.”
Kanna: ”What are you going to do?”
Steven: ”Kanna… I want you to wrap your arms around me and hold on tight.”
Kanna: ”O-Okay… what are you going to do?”
Steven: ”We're gonna move a little faster.”
She moves her hands from my sides and wraps her arms around me.
Kanna: ”Okay, I'm ready!”
Steven: ”Let's go.”
When 'Steven' started moving faster, I was worried about how he might start causing us to bounce, but his gait was surprisingly smooth.
Smoother than the horses I rode in Hei'an.
It also didn't take long to get back to the Stable Master. He was sitting in his chair, patiently waiting for our return.
Stable Master: ”Welcome back.”
I rode the horse back into his stall and helped Kanna off. She was smiling brightly the whole time.
Steven: ”How do you feel Kanna?”
Kanna: ”Can we do that again, sometime? That was awesome!”
Steven: ”We sure can.”
I patted the horse as the Stable Girl fed him treats.
Steven: ”Thank you for helping me, Steven.”
Stable Master: ”Well, I have to admit… I never thought you'd make it far with Steven. That old horse has some fire to him and he doesn't like a lot of people.”
Steven: ”Maybe he understands me. How much do I owe you for horse riding?”
Stable Master: ”20 Coin.”
I gave the man the money and Kanna and I went back to the center of the festival where it really died down.
Kanna: ”20 Coin seems like a little for something like that.”
Steven: ”Considering that we're restricted inside a city, it doesn't sound so bad. Besides, 20 Coin can go really far if you know what you're doing and it could add up.”
Kanna: ”And the horse's name was Steven.”
Steven: ”I'm surprised you didn't say anything about it.”
Kanna: ”I was biting my cheeks trying not to laugh.”
This girl...
Steven: ”Oh? At least you could finally tell Cynthia you rode Steven.”
She quickly jabs her index into my sides.
Steven: ”…Hey… that hurts.”
Kanna: ”Never ever say that again.”
Steven: ”Okay, then. What do you want to do now?”
Kanna: ”I don't know, what do you want to do?”
Steven: ”Let's walk around and see if something catches our eye. If not, I guess we can take the long way home.”
In the end, we couldn't find anything that interested us and Kanna started to look like she was ready to pass out from exhaustion.
We slowly headed back to a quiet house with the shop closed and everyone relaxing in the living room.
Madelyn: ”Oh, welcome back, you guys. How was your date?”
Kanna: ”I got to ride a horse for the first time!”
Yuuna: ”That's great, kitten. Was it fun?”
Kanna: ”Yes, I want to do it again.”
Joan looked at me nervously and quickly away when our eyes crossed.
Steven: ”Hey, Joan… what're ya up to?”
I got closer and noticed a sketchbook on the coffee table. The page it was on was a detailed pencil drawing of Elinila Island and the castle.
I know Kanna likes being creative, but she never went outside the castle; I sure as heck can't draw; Madelyn can't at this kind of skill, and neither could Yuuna.
Joan? No, she's way too young.
But why does she look so nervous?
Who could it belong to?
Steven: ”Who's sketchbook?”
Madelyn: ”It's Joan's.”
What?!
Steven: ”Joan..? What the… that's amazing… I didn't know my little girl was an artist.”
Madelyn: ”I just found out too. Apparently, she had a hidden sketchbook under the couch. She was worried you wouldn't approve.”
Yuuna: ”Something like this is truly amazing for her age.”
Steven: ”Do you like to draw?”
Joan: (SL) ”I can speak my feelings through art.”
That was unexpectedly poetic…
If art is her way of expressing herself then I can't find myself forcing her to stop.
Steven: ”You don't have to hide it anymore. If you love making art then you can keep doing it… As long as you keep up with your studies, of course. Now get ready for bed.”
She smiles brightly and scurries off to the room.
Yuuna: ”That's very supportive of you.”
Steven: ”I don't want her resenting me, Yuuna. I can't stop her if she wants to be an artist.”
Just as we finished talking about her, she comes back out of the room and already in her pajamas.
Steven: ”That was quick...”
Kanna: ”Steven, could I ask you for another thing?”
Steven: ”Go ahead.”
Kanna: ”Do—do you want to stay in my room tonight? I know my bed won't fit us both, but we can sleep on the floor using a futon.”
Steven: ”In your room? I'd love to.”
Madelyn: ”Wait. Where is Joan sleeping? She can't sleep on her own.”
Steven: ”Can you stay with her in my room tonight?”
Madelyn: ”Sure, I don't mind.”
Steven: ”Does that sound good, Joan?”
She nods happily.
Joan: (SL) ”I like Madelyn.”
With the day nearing the end, I went around the house finishing up the last of the chores while everyone bathed.
After it was my turn to use the bath, I cleaned myself up and finally went to Kanna's room for the night.
She had already set out the futon and laid in it in her night clothes.
Kanna: ”You coming?”
Steven: ”Well, yeah…”
I get under the covers with her.
We were both a little nervous sleeping together, but I know this new dynamic could work.
Kanna: ”We did a lot of walking today… I'm glad today is over.”
Steven: ”As am I…”
Kanna: ”What do you think now that we're sleeping in the same bed?”
Steven: ”This is a nice change. Is this something you want to do from now on?”
Kanna: ”Maybe.”
Steven: ”Maybe?”
I get her to lay on her side and spoon her.
Steven: ”Maybe… this is what you've wanted.”
Kanna: ”Mm~ down boy. Did I give you permission to touch me?”
Steven: ”You're the one that's starting to push your hips into mine.”
Kanna: ”I'm just reacting to you having your hands on me.”
As she slowly grinds me, I reach in the blankets and grasp her tail firmly.
Kanna: ”Mngh~ oh… don't grab my tail~! It... will make me all hot 'n heavy…”
Steven: ”You sound like you're enjoying it though.”
Kanna: ”Still... don't grab it.”
She holds my hand and interlocks our fingers.
Kanna: ”I love you…”
Steven: ”I love you too, Kanna…”
Kanna: ”Do you… you know? Want to?”
Steven: ”Want to what?”
Kanna: ”You know…”
Steven: ”Oh... Are you serious?”
Her grip slightly tightens on my hand.
Kanna: ”…Only if you promise to be gentle.”
Steven: ”I promise…”