"So, did you finish all of your chores for today?" Mikhail pulled out a small chair for Lillian to sit in. She sat down and looked behind her.

"Yeah, I just wanted to get everything done in one fellow swoop. Besides, I wanted to spend the day with you, seeing that it's your birthday." She didn't even think about telling Mikhail that she forgot. Instead, she crossed her legs and laced her fingers together to rest on top of her knees.

"Well, I really appreciate it. I've never really celebrated my birthday, so this makes it even more special for me!" He sat down on his bed across from where Lillian was sitting. "So, how are you feeling from yesterday? Still sad at all?"

"No, not anymore. When I was walking here, Kana stopped me and apologized. He knows about us dating, and he seemed okay with it. I'm just glad there's no tension now. I hate feeling like I made someone mad, you know what I mean?"

"Yeah, I do. It's no fun feeling like that. Say, do you feel like taking a little trip with me to the city? I need to get maintenance done on my violin."

"I'd love to go! I have some extra money I'm dying to spend!"

"Great! Do you think we can take your horse?"

"Yeah, I mean we could, but it would be a tight squeeze. Oh I know! We could rent one from Kana's shop!"

"Do you think he would mind? I mean, I really don't want you to spend your money on that."

"It's not a problem. Come on!" She jumped up and took his hand while leading him to Kana's farm. As they approached, they saw all of Kana's horses outside, grazing on the fresh green grass. Lillian let go of Mikhail's hand and opened the door to Kana's shop. They walked up to the counter and Lillian rang the bell. Within moments, Kana came out from the back room.

"Hey you two, can I help you with anything today?" Kana walked up to the register, wondering what Lillian and Mikhail were up to.

"We'd like to rent a horse! You see, it's Mikhail's birthday and we need to go to the city for a few things."

"Certainly. And since it's his birthday, it's on the house this time." Kana smiled and walked out from behind the counter.

"Wow, thank you, Kana, I really appreciate this!" Mikhail shook his hand firmly and smiled softly. He felt like he was being treated like a king! He couldn't wait to see what else was in store for him.

"Not a problem. Now, follow me you two." Kana led both of them out the door and into Kana's barn. The two of them looked around at the different horses. Mikhail noticed that Lillian's eyes lit up when she saw all of them. Just as he thought, she was an animal lover.

"Kana, they're all beautiful! Which one will we be taking?" Lillian said brightly as she looked around.

"You will be taking Maple. She loves to hike through the mountains." He opened a stall and out came a tan and white spotted horse with a dark tan mane. Lillian ran up to her and began to pet her nose.

"She's beautiful! Thank you Kana!"

"You're both very welcome. Now, return her to me when you are done, and take good care of her! I'm trusting you two.."

"Oh, we'll take good care of her." Lillian took ahold of her reins and led her out of the barn. Kana and Mikhail followed. When Lillian was far enough away, Kana looked over to Mikhail and gave him a pat on the back.

"Have a good birthday. And remember what I told you before."

"Thanks, and I remember. Trust me I don't ever plan on making her cry." Mikhail smiled and shook Kana's hand again. Kana felt his heart sink a little, but shook it off as he walked back into his shop. As Lillian, Maple and Mikhail walked back to her farm, Mikhail looked up to the sky. 'Chances are we might not make it back before dark. Maybe we shouldn't go."

"I'm so excited, Mikhail! I haven't been to the city in awhile!"

'On second thought, I don't want to disappoint her..' He cleared his throat and smiled at Lillian. "Yeah, I am too."

Lillian handed him the reins and walked into her barn. She walked out with Kitsu, and swiftly pulled herself on Kitsu's back. She grabbed his reins and trotted over to Mikhail. He looked up to her, a sheepish grin and light blush across his cheeks.

"I've.. never ridden a horse before." He rubbed the back of his neck and watched Lillian smile.

"It's easy! All you do is put one foot in the stirrup and pull yourself up. You just bounce as you're riding, it helps make it smoother. If it makes you feel any better, I learned how to ride by myself a year ago."

"Yeah, it kinda does." He tried to pull himself up, but struggled to lift himself up. "I'm a musician, not a body builder." He chuckled to himself and finally lifted himself up after the second try.

"Good job, Mikhail! I knew you could do it!"

Mikhail blushed and tried to balance himself on Maple. After a few moments, he felt like he had the hang of it. Lillian led Kitsu in front of Maple and Mikhail, and began to trot up the mountain. Mikhail watched as she gently bobbed up and down on Kitsu and he shook his head. 'So that's why they call it cowgirl..' he laughed to himself, not daring to repeat what he just said in fear of making Lillian think he was a perv. They rode down a mountain path, and up and down a few hills on the way. When they were getting close to the city, Lillian could smell the difference in the air.

"We're getting close, Mikhail!" Lillian snapped Kitsu's reins and made him gallop.

"Wait for me, Lillian!" Mikhail tried to snap his reins, but ended up making Maple pissed. After a few moments of coaxing her, she finally began to pick up speed. A bit later, and he caught up to Lillian. Before long they were in the entrance to the city. Lillian stopped Kitsu and looked around in awe.

"Its.. beautiful. I've never been to this city!"

"Then how did you know how to get here?" Mikhail slowed to a stop and looked over at Lillian.

"Well, I mean I've been through this city, it's right after my old city. But I've never really paid attention, or shopped here for that matter." She got down slowly from Kitsu and held tightly onto his reins. Mikhail followed her movement and grabbed her hand, and Maple's reins in the other.

"Careful, this city's pretty busy. I don't want you getting lost."

"You're so sweet, thank you for caring Mikhail. Now, let's get your violin worked on! Show me the way!"

"Alright, here we go." Mikhail began to lead Lillian and the two horses towards the violin shop.