9 Chocobo license

So yeah, I got my chocobo riding license. All the respectable types have them so I had to be one of the cool kids and get one too. That and lets face it, I'm a girly girl and what girly girl doesn't love giant pets that you can ride around on at high speeds hair blowing in the wind?

As soon as I traded my gil for the reins of a chocobo I felt a surge of excitement like never before. I wanted to explore all the places I could never go before because it simply wasn't safe. This would be freedom for me.

I put my boot in the stirrup and swung myself up. Oh yeah did it feel good. The saddle was deep and thickly padded with a large hand hold across the cantle.

"Don't take your hand off the grip." The Elvaan woman said as she slapped the bird on the hindquarters.

The chocobo jumped forward with such force that I couldn't help but laugh because honestly it scared the crap out of me. I was not at all ready. Thank goodness I was holding on or I would have been left in the dirt at the stables where I'm sure they would have taken my license back.

We were moving at incredible speeds. The chocobo flew between strides with springy bounding steps that ensured that my hand would not for any reason leave that grip.

I started to get the rhythm of its long gait and got down to the business of going somewhere. Now I don't know where that somewhere was but I was having a really good time. Every beastman I passed got a not so lady like shout and every adventure I saw I gave a friendly wave. I was feeling pretty good about myself.

I was somewhere in Jugnar Forest admiring the gorgeous black tigers there when all of the sudden the chocobo started to shake its head.

"What's wrong boy?" I asked.

Then the bird started to pull at the reins and back up. I was totally baffled. I had no idea what was wrong with the crazy animal.

I guess it had lost patience with me. It started to crow hop around until it bucked me off into the bushes.

I think I was completely justified in using words unfitting of a dignified Elvaan woman. I tried to toss a rock at the stupid beast but it was long gone.

I turned on my linkpearl. "What the heck?! That worthless bird just left me in the middle of nowhere."

"…You know you have a time limit on your rentals don't you?" Willowkarr said.

The linkshell let out a unified laugh.

"Well now I do." I grumbled. "Thanks for the NO warning."

Well at least I was prepared this time. I scrambled through my bag and pulled out some silent oils and prism powders and made my way back to Jeuno.

At least I didn't die this time. That is a definite improvement. All in all though I have to give the chocobo riding an enthusiastic thumbs up.