IC Voicemail Vatheon

[shippingmath]

This is Dirk Strider's SFC. It seems I'm not available right now, so leave a message. I'll get back to you. In the meantime, try to contain your disappointment over my absence.

Comments

[shippingmath]

[Dirk nods, and takes a handful of the horse's halter to lead Chance behind him as he heads for the gate. It shouldn't be difficult, if the horse is following him with the expectation of treats.]

Anywhere in particular we're headed?

[stayb100ponyboy]

[Equius opens the gate so they can get out, then follows them. He carefully shuts and latches the gate behind him, to prevent other chocobos or ponies from escaping, then STRONG jumps onto Darkleer's back.]

There's a trail I usually take when I'm exercising them, but really, we can go just about anywhere in the bubble.

[shippingmath]

Fine with me. [If they're used to going along it it'll mean Dirk has to do less steering. And as much as he's researched horses he still doesn't have experience riding them. Which is probably the slightest bit obvious, considering the hesitation before he actually mounts up on Chance.]

[stayb100ponyboy]

[Unfortunately, Equius didn't notice, because Darkleer chose that moment to wark and flap his stubby wings and make a fuss. It takes him a moment to get the bird back under control, and by then, Dirk is comfortably seated on Chance's back.]

All right. I'm going to need to run this guy a little [he pats Darkleer's neck], so if he takes off, you can gallop to keep up or just meet me further down the trail.

[With that ominous warning, he wheels Darkleer around and the bird starts trotting towards the trail in the woods.]

[shippingmath]

Be right behind you.

[Ominous or not, Dirk's going to make every effort to keep up. It's a challenge, after all, and Striders are never ones to back down.]

[stayb100ponyboy]

[For the time being, Darkleer is behaving--mostly because he knows Equius will rein him in if he starts misbehaving while they're still in town--and walks along quietly, occasionally warking when he sees someone he knows. Or someone he doesn't know. Darkleer likes to wark.]

Is Chance treating you right back there?

[Equius looks over his shoulder to see how Dirk is doing.]

You can bring him up beside us, if you like. He's ridden with Darkleer before.

[shippingmath]

Great.

[He'll just nudge his heels into Chance's sides lightly. That is how you tell a horse to go faster, isn't it?]

[stayb100ponyboy]

[Chance is used to Darkleer, and trots a few steps to catch up. Equius shoots a quick little smile to Dirk as he catches up.]

Darkleer's showing off for you.

[shippingmath]

Damn straight he should.

[Dirk should rein in that ego, though mostly he does mean it as a joke.]

[stayb100ponyboy]

I meant the bird, not my ancestor.

[Equius says that with love, Dirk, he really does. Darkleer the bird is showing off, fluffling out his feathers and craning his long neck up and down. Chance, used to his stable mate's shenanigans, ignores him.]

[shippingmath]

Well, your ancestor can too.

[The chocobo and Dirk are probably a good match at the moment.]

[stayb100ponyboy]

He won't. He doesn't seem to like you very much.

[The issue of the awesomeness of Striders is one where Equius and Darkleer the ancestor just have to agree to disagree.]

[Equius notices Dirk's growing confidence, and gives Darkleer a gentle nudge with his heels. The bird begins to pick up speed, pulling slightly ahead of Chance.]

[shippingmath]

His loss.

[This time, Dirk doesn't need Equius to say anything for him to speed up, nudging Chance into a faster gait once more.]

[stayb100ponyboy]

Yeah. His loss.

[Chance catching up just awakens Darkleer's competitive streak, and the bird kwehs in challenge, his legs starting to churn faster.]