Once the male was sure that the straps were of the appropriate tightness and Cosette’s rider in place, he looked up once more at Lai. The Russian’s voice cut through the silence in the gym and echoed gently in the cavernous room. Abel couldn’t help but feel slightly bad at making the Russian hold one sided conversations. Even if there was a listener, getting no vocal feedback was always just the slightest depressing. He had followed Lai’s gaze earlier to the track and there were no apparent obstacles. Even if there were, Cosette was exceptionally nimble footed and had yet to trip under Abel’s ownership. Gently slapping the mare on her rump he sent her off on a slow walk.

Luckily for Lai, Abel had taken the time to teach Cosette to respond to various whistles. Since well… obviously he didn’t speak much or at all for that matter. In any case, it was a rather smart move as Abel could stay where he was and still guide Lai. He would wait until she had made a full lap before telling her to speed up. The walk was not only a warm up for Cosette but a chance for Lai to get into a more comfortable seating. The prospect of being a man was sometimes not all that gratifying when on horse back unless one was in an exceptionally comfortable position.

Cosette had already felt the difference in weight between this rider and her usual. It meant it was someone different. Yet, the gentle slap on her rump had told her that there was nothing to fear as it was an acquaintance of her master. Abel had always taken the time to reassure her when the rider was different. It was an act of sensibility that not only put the horse at ease but also the rider. Yet this person was not Juliette, her other usual rider. This person was much too heavy, even heavier than her master. Yet, the difference was negligible. Taking slowly stead steps the mare began walking around the track line.

Clock. Clock. Clock. The rhythmical beating of hooves filled the halls once more. While she might not be as aesthetically pleasing as other horses, her legs were of perfect proportion. They allowed her to take the longest strides possible while providing the smoothest ride for the person on her back. She was in effect, the perfect mount for any novice rider. This rider, like Juliette apparently had excess strength, much to her distaste. He was pulling on the reins for his life. No room for movement what so ever. The mare could only hope that this grip was not an indicator for his personality. If it was her master would be in some serious trouble later. If there was one type of person her master could not rebel from, it was one with a predilection for control. Abel was too passive for his own good.

Abel watched with an amused look as Cosette bore Lai with grace. Cosette seemed to be enjoying it, sort of. She hadn’t been exposed to another rider aside from Juliette. This was a good start for something new. In this way, at least the Frenchman would have something else to offer the compound he now called home.

As the mare rounded the first bend on the track he picked up his sketchbook and let his hand have its way.