Snippet #2505560

"Well, sort of. It depends on what you classify as riding, to be honest."

Caelan returns Sarai's smile before handing the reigns over to her. "Just stay in the saddle, and you'll be fine." He pointed out were to put her foot on the saddle and gently helped her into her saddle. When he was certain Sarai was stable in her saddle, Caelan mounted his own horse, tangling his hands in Raiden's mane, digging his heel into the horse's side to make it go. Caelan kept looking back to make sure that Sarai was keeping up with Raiden's steady trot. Caelan settled into the rhythm Raiden set, listening to the dull sound of hoof on grass. The lush greenery of the forest gradually gave way to the fields. Some of the fields still smoldered from the last attack, ugly scars on the landscape. Winter was going to be harsh this year.

"Sarai, pay attention. This is what we're up against," He indicated to the fields either side of him, "A single creature did this," As far as the eye could see on both sides, there were blackened fields, "It took us a week to douse the flames in their entirety." A solitary house stood in the midst of the fields with no signs that anyone was home. The town was roughly another half mile away. Many of his fellow Mamoru chose residence in the town. Caelan preferred the isolation of his forest dwelling. There was less idiots in the forest, though duty required him to stay in the town, often for days at a time. They came to the town gates and the guard yelled down, "Who goes there?"

Caelan looked up, "I, Caelan Macarra, and my apprentice, Sarai Nadir, will you let us pass?" He asked, as was the custom of the town. The guard nodded to his colleagues and the gates opened to Caelan and Sarai. Caelan dismounted Raiden, leading him through the streets, indicating for Sarai to dismount from her own horse, "The horse is yours to name, you know," He told her when she had dismounted, "This is Cedaroot Town, most of our business is here, so we'll be spending a great deal of our time here," He had lead Sarai to the town stables, looping a rope into the saddle to tie Raiden, "We're only staying for the day, to acquaint yourself with the town."

"Maester Macarra?"

Caelan sighed, his shoulders dropping, "Master Cardan," He turned to face the great brute who went by the name Master Cardan, "Pleasure as always," Caelan greeted him tightly.

Master Cardan seemed to be looking straight through Caelan, to Sarai, "And who might this be?"

Caelan frowned, picking up on Cardan's tone, "That would be Sika Nadir, she is apprenticed to me. So I ask that you treat her with respect."

"Bit young isn't she?"

"No younger than I was."

"Wonder why Master Darain bothered taking you on. I should probably ask him wh- oh wait I can't can I?"

Caelan tightened his hands into fists, "No, sadly not, now if you'll excuse me. Sarai, let's go. Master Cardan," he bowed his head stiffly before quickly leaving the stables, casting only the most cursory of glances over his shoulder to make sure Sarai was falling, "That," he began to explain, "Is Master Cardan. He's a good warrior but he was last in line when they were handing out intelligence and decency."