Chapter 8

"Uh, hello, Hilda," Ashe greeted. "And Mercedes… it's good to see you around."

"Hm?" Mercedes asked. "Oh, it's good to see you too!"

Ashe, unsteady, looked to Hilda. Something was amiss. Hilda was in her everyday attire, while Mercedes was in her loungewear. Could this mean…

"Alright, Hilda, are you ready..? Where are your riding clothes?"

"Actually, Ashe," Hilda affirmed. "Mercedes isn't just here to say hello."

The archer gulped. His fear had proven true.

"Remember that little discussion we had, in the cart ride to our new camp?" Hilda continued, "Mercedes said she'd like to give it a try sometime. Unfortunately for me, I have to help out my brother with training, so I said she could have you."

Thanks for volunteering me, he thought to himself, wishing he had the confidence to share that snark with Hilda. "Mercedes, is that right? You'd like to go for a ride?"

"Would that be alright?" Mercedes asked in earnest.

Ashe's eyes met hers. As she spoke, her tone was light and airy, and it was accompanied by a lovely smile. The archer's fatal weakness had been struck- Mercedes had worked her question right into Ashe's heart. Perhaps even more motivating was the glare Hilda gave him, as he hesitated to respond.

"Yeah, I don't see why not…"

"Great!" Mercedes cheered. "Then let's get started right away!"

R-right now? Ashe paused, antsy about starting this with yet another rider.

"You heard her, Ashe," Hilda complained. "Get down, boy!"

"Oh…okay," the boy responded, as he knelt down onto the ground. His hands found the grass below him, and he steeled himself.

"I'll get you set up, before you go," Hilda said.

The priestess watched Hilda carefully as the Goneril girl produced the usual effects; reins, a bit for Ashe's mouth, stirrups, and a crop she made sure was in the archer's line of sight. Ashe's heartbeat began to pulse as the equipment was set upon him.

I've known Mercedes for much longer than Hilda and Marianne… he thought to himself. This is definitely going to be awkward, isn't it…

"Wow, you sure know what you're doing," Mercedes commented, studying the gear as it was being equipped to the mount. "You're good at this!"

"Oh, what? This is just the setup."

"Yes, but… there's so much to keep track of… And I haven't ridden in a very long time."

Hilda took her cue from Mercedes. "I can answer any questions you've got."

"That'd be swell," she began, picking up the reins that were laid on Ashe's back. "These are the reins, right? I believe I know how to use them."

"Yup," Hilda responded.

"And what is that you're holding?"

"Oh, this?" Hilda said, twirling the instrument. "It's a crop."

"A crop, okay. But what is it for?"

"You can make Ashe go faster with it, if you smack him with it."

The archer tensed up, aware of what may come next… But surely, Mercedes understood them now?

"Smack him?!" Mercedes gasped. "Why, that sounds rather mean."

"Oh, he's fine with it. Isn't that right, boy?"

Thwack!

Ashe nodded, a sharp pain in his back allowing Hilda to choose his response for him.

"Oh! Well, Ashe, I suppose you must be used to it by now, right?"

"He likes it, I think," the warrior said, "It's good for encouragement. Here, give it a try!"

"Um, would that be okay, Ashe?" the priestess consulted.

Feeling Hilda's eyes on him, the archer smiled and nodded. He was unsure how he felt about the idea of being whipped by Mercedes, of all people. The girl stepped forward, and received the crop in her hands.

"Here goes!"

Thwack!

The gentle, caring Mercie, who'd always been a source of comfort to him… had just whipped him on the butt. And next she would sit on him, and ride him as her mount. Ashe recalled the moments he'd spent with her in easier times.

"Any more questions?" Hilda concluded.

"Nope, I'm ready to go!"

"Great. Then go ahead and mount him! I'll watch and make sure you two start off smoothly."

Ashe assumed form as Mercedes stood behind him. She stepped her feet around him, before she squatted down to sit. Ashe felt her pillowy waist rest on top of him. She was… a bit off center, leaning on his left side. The archer looked back to check on her.

"Just a minute, Ashe! Let me get my bearings, and then we'll go, okay?"

He watched her feet kick around a bit before they finally found their way into the stirrups. She bounced up as she adjusted her butt's position, only to overcorrect to the right side. It was here that he developed an appreciation for the noble girls's practiced riding form.

The Goneril girl smiled as she watched this little spectacle from in front of them. "Did you know you're the first commoner to ride Ashe?"

It's a bit odd to point that out, Ashe thought.

Oh! I wonder if that's why he seems nervous, Mercedes thought. "Is that true, Ashe?" she asked.

"Mhm," he muffled, as he nodded.

"Yup. Marianne and I are both nobles. But Ashe, don't think that means you don't have to give Mercedes your best. You be nice and obedient, okay?"

Ubert avoided eye contact with Hilda, but heard her words well.

"Okay, I think I'm all set," Mercedes began, her body no longer squirming over his back. "Um, Ashe, could you start going now?"

You don't have to ask him, Hilda critiqued, inside her head. Just give him a little signal.

Ashe was also unused to verbal commands, though he'd just been instructed to obey Mercedes; and so he began to trot.

"I should get moving- I can't keep Holst waiting too long." Hilda watched as the two crossed the edge of camp, and added one last note. "Get some practice in- and see if you can control him without talking!" she challenged.

"Okay, Hilda! I'll do my best."

Ashe continued to trot forward, his face turning red. It was impossible to get over the awkwardness of this situation… With Marianne, it felt a bit natural, because he liked seeing her confident. Hilda was very compelling, and prided herself on making him obey her. And the fact that the other girls were nobles made it feel a bit more natural to be underneath them. But Mercedes… was a gentle woman, and an old friend of Ashe's. He'd gotten to know her before all this riding stuff began, and it was just strange to him that she was now jockeying him like the other girls.

Thwack!

Without warning, Mercedes had slapped his butt with the crop. Ashe responded with a startled dash forward.

Hilda, still peeking at them from a distance, smiled as she saw it. Good! she thought to herself. Make him work! Feeling better about letting Mercedes have him today, she turned, and walked out of their sight.

"Wo-oa-h!" Mercedes responded. "Slow down, Ashe!"

The archer, taking a moment, stopped. From his halted position, he realized that Mercedes was barely still on top of him- she's slipped further to the right. As she struggled to balanced he bucked a little, helping to guide her to his middle.

"Oh. Thank you, Ashe!" she said. "Just one second, and then we'll start again. I think this'll be fun!"

You do? Ashe thought, wishing he could add his input.

"Yes, I do! And I can tell that you're a little nervous. Is that right?"

The archer turned his gaze to the ground. "Yesh, I am…"

"Well, don't worry, okay?" Mercedes said, as she stroked his hair. Her gentle fingers were a nice feeling on his head. "It's your old friend Mercie up here, okay? I'll take good care of you."

Ashe turned bright red. When the other girls praised him, it was easier to accept. Their relationship had taken off with this act of riding, and so it felt more natural to be pet by them, as strange as it was to him. But Mercedes's caress, while soft and gentle… didn't quite make him feel like he belonged to her, like the other girls could make him feel.

Alright, Ashe thought to himself. I can't do it. It's too awkward to let Mercedes ride me…

"Let's go!" she said, pointing forward. She was surprised when he remained still.

"Hm? Ashe, is something the matter?" she asked, looking down at him.

Unsure what to say, the archer remained still for a moment. He took a breath. Having made up his mind, there was only one thing to do now; and so he bucked.

Taken by surprise, the priestess fell back into the grass. Mercedes was quite light, and so it had not been difficult to push her off of him. Ashe turned to look quickly- he was relieved to see that Mercie'd landed quite softly.

"Oh, I… I didn't expect that," Mercedes responded, "Let me try again."

Without responding, Ashe allowed himself to be mounted once more. Once he felt her pillowy thighs at his sides again, he pushed up off the ground- sending Mercedes back into the grass again.

"Ashe, what's wrong? Why won't you let me ride you?" she asked, showing concern for her friend.

I… I'm sorry, Mercedes, I just don't want you to, he thought. With the bit in his mouth, it proved easier to keep quiet and avert his eyes from hers.

"Hmm. Okay. Well, if you don't want to go for a ride, how about we head back to camp?" Mercedes responded.

The priestess stood up in front of the untamed mount, and picked up the reins. Ashe, unsure how to feel about rejecting Mercie, remained on his hands and knees, and at least allowed her to lead him by the bit.

Does Ashe not like me? Or am I just not good at riding? She wondered. Oh, this is a shame.

I'm sorry, Mercie, but I have to draw the line. I can't be a mount to everybody… Two noble girls is already more than I can handle, let alone someone I knew before this little routine began…

"Oh, Marianne! Hello there!"

Ashe, hearing the familiar name, perked his head up from the ground. Just as Mercedes had said, the Edmund girl was waiting at the gate… in her loungewear?

What?

"Hello, Mercedes, hello, Ashe," Marianne said, "I'm just here to, um…"

"Whad ish it?" the archer asked, hoping she'd continue.

"I was, um… watching. I hope that's not strange."

Mercedes turned to look at Ashe. It seems to have caught her off guard, but the archer felt that perhaps he shouldn't be upset that his friend was watching over him.

"Thadsh ogay," Ashe said, looking to both of the girls. "Ish thad all?"

"Oh, um… Mercedes, you looked like you were struggling to learn, is all. And Ashe, you bucked her off. Is everything going alright between you two?"

Ashe's face hid it, but he was beaming inside. It felt good for his struggles to be seen for once… Marianne was kind to him.

"I'm not quite sure," Martritz responded, "He bucked me off, and he didn't tell me why."

The mount looked to the ground. He hoped Marianne wouldn't be upset with him.

"Oh, I know why. You haven't broken him in yet," the noble girl responded.

"Broken… him in..?"

"Well, Ashe doesn't let you ride him for long until you show some dominance. That's right, isn't it, Ashe?"

Well, you're right, but… he thought, as he nodded to affirm the gentle Edmund girl.

"Oh!" Mercedes exclaimed. "I need to be more… dominant?"

"That's right. Would you like me to give a demonstration?" Marianne asked, her tone giving away her eagerness to do so.

Ah, so that's why she's wearing her riding clothes… Ashe thought.

"Sure! That sounds like fun," Mercedes agreed. "Take the reins, I'll watch."

"Okay, let's go back to where you were," Marianne said, wasting no time. She received the crop from Martritz, and bestrode the ever-ready Ashe. "Giddyup," she followed, cracking the reins.

Surprised by the turn of events, but glad to have a familiar jockey atop him, the mount turned back the direction they'd come. It was a surprise that Marianne had seen their failed ride attempt… but what was in store? She wanted to demonstrate… breaking him in?

Alright, Ashe, the Edmund girl thought to herself. I just hope this is helpful for you two.

"I'm sorry it didn't go very well, Mercedes."

"It's okay- to be honest, I'm not sure if I know what I'm doing yet."

"You'll learn. Ashe is a lovely mount once you've got control of him," Marianne responded. Ashe liked hearing her enthused, even if it wasn't helpful for the current predicament. "After this, you should give it another try, and maybe it'll go better. I can show you what I know, if it'd help…"

Mercedes liked seeing the noble girl smile. "That'd be wonderful, if you could show me! Then, yes, I'll try again."

Ashe considered the situation. He still was unsure about letting Mercedes ride him… So perhaps it'd be best to contest them on this. Sorry, Marianne, but today, I can't quite be on your team.

The mount stopped as his reins were pulled, and the trio came to a halt.

"Okay, Ashe," Marianne said. "Truth be told, I've been thinking it could be fun to challenge you to a little game, lately… but… um…"

Ashe turned back, and looked at her legs- the closest he could comfortably get to looking at her. "A ghame? Whad kynd?"

"A little… competition. If you were trying to stop me from riding you, and I was trying to get control. Sort of like what happens between you and Hilda sometimes…"
He wondered how often the two noble girls spoke about him.

"Breaking him in, right?" Mercedes added.

"Yes, that's it," Marianne accepted. "So, Ashe, if you're at all frustrated right now, maybe this would be a good time to use it?"

Frustrated? Ashe thought. Is that what she thinks I feel?

"So… dry do bug you oph?"

"Yes, that's correct. Can you do that?"

He paused for a moment, and looked forward. Then he nodded.

The two stared ahead, intensely focused. Ashe's arms were well engaged, and Marianne tightened the grip of her thighs to his sides. Mercedes studied them as they did, watching for the jockey's tactics.

"On my count," Marianne began, "1… 2… 3!"

Just as the number 3 was spoken, Ashe pushed up off the ground, bringing himself upright. To his surprise, Marianne held herself up quite easily by placing her hands on his shoulders. He felt a thrust from her waist, which pushed him forward. He landed on his hands and knees.

So far, I'm winning, aren't I, Ashe? Marianne thought, a giddy smile showing up on her face.

The archer, unsure how to proceed as Marianne remained comfortably mounted atop him, tried the same strategy again. Though it cost him quite a bit of stamina the second time around, he managed to become upright again. As his jockey held on, he twisted to the right, then swiveled to the left. Marianne's headdress fell off while her hair blew through the wind, but she remained on him all the same. Losing his balance from the swivel with extra weight on his back, Ashe fell forward, right back on his hands and knees, Marianne mounted just as comfortably as she had been when they started.

"This is quite exciting," Marianne giggled, "Ashe, you have more fight in you, right? Keep going!"

The archer smiled to himself, and obliged her with a jump from his knees to his feet. Marianne leaned back to counterbalance, which worked surprisingly well.

She's using the stirrups to maintain balance! Mercedes realized. That's really smart… She wondered if she should have brought a pen and parchment.

Ashe lifted higher, but he couldn't stand on two legs with Marianne still atop him. Seeing as this tactic brought him to a standstill, he lowered himself back down to the ground. Marianne rested atop him, preparing for his next move. She was surprised when he jerked upwards- causing her body to bounce up, then land back down.

"Hehe!"

Ashe's chest became warm when he heard that sweet little laugh of hers. It compelled him to try the same tactic again.

"Ashe, what are you do-" Marianne asked, interrupted by another bump, "ing? This isn't working out for you, hehe. I wouldn't try that again."

He did it again.

"Haha, stop, Ashe!"

Eager to hear more from her, he pushed up and down, shaking himself to become a trampoline for her butt. Perhaps this might even work, if he did it quickly enough.

"Hahahah, Ashe!" she called out, bouncing, "What are you- oh!"

This was it- the graceful girl had finally lost her balance. Ashe stopped, and with careful timing, gave his all to one final rebound. Marianne fought desperately to keep her feet within the stirrups- she'd now gained more air than she had before.

I got you now, Marianne!

The wind was quickly knocked out of the mount's lungs when her rear once again met his ribcage, this time with gravity behind it. If "breaking him in" was her goal, she'd just done it. He stood still, and panted, for it was all he could do with sore muscles and a lost breath.

Marianne giggled to herself as she watched him. She'd tired him out, hadn't she? But this liveliness between them, as they each battled for control… it was such a delight!

"Are you giving up, boy?"

There it is again… "boy." Hilda's rubbing off on you, isn't she? Ashe thought. Oh! Imagine she's Hilda, then…

The noble girl bared a confident smile as Ashe tried to perform his first move once more, only to barely leave the ground. She watched him regain himself, and saw him look back at her again.

"I won, didn't I?" The sweet, shy Edmund girl boasted.

With a crack of the reins, Marianne now gracefully commanded Ashe. First, she turned him back towards her headdress. The jockey leaned down to pick it up. Then, with steady form, she turned the two towards Mercedes.

"See? Now that I've established dominance, he's nice and obedient. Isn't that right, Ashe?" His face turned red as she petted his head.

"Wow, Marianne, you're amazing!" Mercedes applauded. "I couldn't stay on after he only bucked, but you remained through all of that with ease!"

"You'll learn quickly with Ashe," Marianne affirmed, as she dismounted.

It was a bit odd to him that he missed her presence on top of him. But this game had been fun, even if he'd lost quite badly.

Marianne gestured for Mercedes to take the reins once more.

"Are you ready, Ashe? I may not be as skilled as Marianne, but I can put up more of a fight than earlier, if that's what you need!"

He was impressed at Mercedes's new confidence as she mounted him quickly. Marianne was shy, normally, but when she was passionate like this, she really inspired people.

"Agshaully, Im dired," Ashe mustered, through the bit.

"Oh, I suppose he would be, wouldn't he?" Mercedes asked. "You gave that your all, didn't you, Ashe?"

The Edmund girl nodded, happy with her work today. "Then I think he should obey you- at least for today. Could you do that, Ashe? And save the 'breaking in' for next time?"

He considered the thought. Mercedes was on top of him now, and Marianne was asking politely… I'm not getting out of this one, even if it's awkward. So he nodded.

Mercedes slipped her feet into the stirrups. "I feel a bit more confident, now that he's tired, but… I still am not sure if I know what I'm doing, Marianne."

"Oh? That's unfortunate..." Marianne said. Ashe could hear that she was blaming herself.

"But I learned so much from watching you two- do you think we could try one more thing?"

The blue-haired girl brightened up. "Of course! What is it?"

"Do you think you and I could both ride him back to the gate? If you do that, I could study the finer details for riding!"

Ashe grunted. Two girls, again? At least Mercedes is much lighter than Hilda… And it might be nice to have Marianne in control for a moment..?

"Oh. Last time we tried that, it went poorly," Marianne responded. "But the gate isn't too far. Ashe, would you let me ride you too?"

"Yesh, bud… whad if jusht you rode mi? Mershedees coud shtill watge thad."

Marianne seemed disappointed at his response.

"It's just a little ways, Ashe. I'm sure you can do it! I'll cheer you on if you need it!" Mercedes encouraged.

Ashe didn't want to listen to Mercedes, but… the way Marianne looked at him, he couldn't help himself from saying-

"Ogay, thadsh fine..."

"Great!" Marianne said. She walked over to them, and remounted Ashe, sitting in front of Mercedes. The blue-haired girl pulled the strawberry blonde's hands forward, holding her midsection for balance.

Fwip!

Two riders, again… Even though Hilda was not present, the weight was considerable.

"Watch closely," Marianne instructed.

I… insisted on us both riding. Is Ashe okay? Marianne thought to herself. He's got to be tired after I broke him in… but he said he's okay with it, so he must still have a lot of energy!

"Good boy, Ashe," the noble girl said.

Ashe felt a bit degraded when Hilda called her "boy", but this time, with Marianne… somehow, it was alright. Perhaps the fingers running through his hair were making him think that… but he was fond of when she sat right up on his upper back, so he could see her knees at his sides.

"It's a lot of work to be ridden, Mercedes, so you should reward him. Please- give him a pet."

It was a bit hard to focus with two soft hands running through his hair… He ceased to think in words for a moment, resuming his trotting, but enjoying the sensation. When they lifted, he came back to reality. The embarrassment of enjoying being treated like their pet rushed in- Marianne was fairly secretive about it, but Mercedes he'd known for so long… and he never had pictured that one day she'd make him her mount.

"Hold this, Mercedes," the noble girl said, placing the crop in the commoner's hands. "Do you know how to use this?"

"I just have to give him a good smack with it, right? And then he'll go faster."

"Yes, that's correct…"

Marianne's really pushing me today… But I'll do it for her.

"On my count, Mercie. 1, 2, 3!"

Thwack!

Ashe was grateful that Mercedes truly was treating him well; the swat he'd just received was nothing compared to Hilda and Marianne's blows. Still, it was enough to make him run forward.

Mercedes held tightly to Marianne's midsection as their pace increased.

"Wow, even with both of us, he can run! You're good at this, Ashe!"

That's what everybody seems to say…

They came to a halt. Ashe watched the Edmund girl's knees vanish from beside them, leaving only Martritz atop him. He felt her soft thighs against his sides as she scooted forward, taking place in front.

"Was that helpful, Mercie?"

"I think so! Thank you for helping me out with this, Marianne! I've learned a lot today!"

Ashe saw a smile creep up on Marianne's face, and couldn't help but join in. "Thang you, Mareyan!"

"You two are so sweet. That little dominance exercise- er, breaking you in, Ashe… that was a lot of fun!"

Though his breathing was still spotty because of that very exercise, he loved how close he and Marianne had become. "Letsh do id agen!"

It was a nice sight, her face turning red. "Y-yes! After all, I'm sure you want to get another chance at winning, don't you?"

He nodded eagerly.

"Then you're on for another match against me. But I should warn you- I won't lose," Marianne boasted. "Good luck today, Mercie!"

Ashe smiled wide, even with a mouthful of his bit. Mercedes waved.

"It's been a pleasure riding with you! I think I can do this now!"

Fwip!

Mercedes had learned how to crack the reins, at least. She considered her options. Ashe was currently steering to the right. If this kept up, they'd be off road. Non-verbal, right, Hilda? So… this?

Ashe turned to the left as Mercedes tugged.

"Oh!" she said. "This isn't so hard."

Thwack!

Already trying that, Mercedes?

Though he was reluctant, he darted forward. To his surprise, Mercedes only slipped back a little, before pulling him to a complete stop.

"This is making sense!"
Ashe groaned. At least she was having fun, but… now that Marianne wasn't here, he felt awkward again.

"Ah, lovely! And how are you doing, Ashe?" she asked, "How's my form? Are you enjoying the ride?"

"Um… yesh," he groaned.

"Are you sure? You still seem a bit… uncomfortable, with me riding you. Is that something that'll change over some experience?"

She's seeing right through me, isn't she?

"Um… meybe."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

Ashe ignored her- and continued trotting along, doing his best to stay focused. Mercedes wasted his efforts when she pulled him to a stop.

I guess I can't hide anything from you, huh?

"Take the bit out, Ashe. Talk to me. I'm someone you can rely on, right?"

Mercedes was… very considerate. He wondered if it had anything to do with the fact that the other girls were nobles. Or was it about personality? With Marianne, she was a bit socially awkward, and he was a bit afraid of making her upset… Hilda was unashamedly bossy- she was something else entirely.

"Um… It's just, a bit, awkward…" he said.

"Why's that?" Mercedes asked, looking down at him. "You looked comfortable with Marianne."

"Er, that's, because," Ashe continued, looking down at the dirt.

"Do you prefer it when noble girls ride you?"

"The thought has crossed my mind, but… I don't think that's it." Ashe turned red. "I think it's because I've known you for longer."

"Oh. But that's a good thing, isn't it?" Mercedes questioned.

"Y-yes, it is… but, well… With Hilda and Marianne, I'm more used to this kind of thing…" he stammered. It was hard to say it without feeling embarrassed, but the presence of Mercedes sitting on him did help him find his words. "And with you, I'm not…"

"Oh!" Mercedes brainstormed. "So, in other words, your relationship to them is you're their mount, but your relationship to me is that we're friends?"

That's a weird way to put it, but… close enough. "I think so."

"Well, why don't we just ride it out?" she said. "I'm happy- you're quite enjoyable as a mount, Ashe. I wish we'd tried something like this back in our academy days!"

She's in love with this already, too, huh? "That's another thing, I've been wondering…"

"Hm? Our academy days?" she interrupted. "Oh, is this about the time you told me you think you-"

"S-stop right there!" Ashe said, beet red. "Maybe it's got a little to do with that, but… I was wanting to ask something else."

"Oh," Mercedes said, the tension Ashe felt not reaching her. "What is it?"

"Why does everyone who rides me enjoy it so much?" he asked.

"Oh. Um, good question. Do you not enjoy it?" she asked.

"Um…" Ashe thought. This was a difficult question. He decided to give her the bright side. "I do- I like putting smiles on people's faces. And yes, it can be pleasant, when it's not too difficult. And I will say that I'm feeling stronger because of it."

"But you do have a lot of people riding you now, don't you?" Mercedes inquired.

He nodded. "Marianne, then Hilda, and now… you. Sometimes I wonder… am I just a mount to them? Them I can handle, but you, Mercedes… I don't know. Do you want me to be a mount to you too?"

"Oh," Mercedes said, sinking. "I'm sad to hear you feel that way."

"But…" Ashe said. "I don't mind it. I'm just sort of embarrassed about it, still."

"Then, would you let me take you for a ride today?" Mercedes asked. "It's nice to get some time with you, Ashe- it's been a while since we've spoken. It's nice to work in tandem with somebody like this- you're outstanding at following your cues. The noble girls like to talk about 'dominance', and I think it's very sweet of you to let them have their fun, but… I think there is a little more to it than just that." She gave his butt a playful tap with the crop.

Ashe's face got warmer. She was always a comforting presence… she never stopped showing care to those around her.

"If you let me ride you, I'll take good care of you, Ashe," she said, stroking the back of his hair. "I promise. You can stop and talk if you need to. And I hope you know that whether you're a mount or not, you are our friend, okay? And we're your friends. Just because they like to ride you a lot doesn't mean they don't like you as a person."

"O…okay," Ashe said. Mercedes's calming nature made the awkwardness he was facing not matter so much. He was already here, after all- and he was glad that he was spending time with her. I'll think more about this later, but at least for today, I can do this. "Sure. Ride me, Mercedes."

"Alright, put your bit back in!" she cheered, showing her giddiness to trek again. "Let's do this, together."

The archer had barely finished putting the bit back in his mouth when he heard a fwip beside his ears. He marched forwards. Mercedes could tell from his form that he'd become more comfortable with her as a jockey.

You're so cute like this, Ashe, she thought to herself. It's no wonder Marianne and Hilda are always wanting to spend time mounting you. It's because you're fun to mess with!

"Why don't we find some nice places near the new camp? I bet we can find a nice trail for next time."

Thwack!