Horsing Around

[not_a_prize]

[It was a while after the inspector's announcement and much of the information was still sinking in. For some it was a time to plan for the future, for others it was a time to discuss the new information that may or may not have rocked views on the very world itself. For Peola and a few security staff and mechanics? It was a time to try manually open a hatch on the giant robot horse.]

Okay! I think we've almost got it! Just one more pull-!

[There was a loud mechanical thunk as they let go of the hatch and quickly move back as it falls. There was silence for a while before the sound of something heavy meeting metal in a steady rhythm made its way outwards to the hangar. Lo and behold a truly titanic horse made its way out with a mighty neigh before cantering over to Peola and snorting loudly, letting a breath all over her.]

Ah! I know I shouldn't have been reckless, but what was I supposed to do? One of her friends was going to get hurt!

[A nicker and another snort and the horse was soon gumming at her hair.]

Quit it! Ack! Somebody help me out here!

[The people assembled in front of the hatch glanced at each other... and then figured it was far too much trouble to get involved and dispersed.]

[So... the giant robot horse had a huge horse in it... huh.]

Comments

[whats_a_good_end]

[But someone would rise to the occasion!]

Hey!

[Expert hands rose up to the horse's mane, fingers lacing through the hair in a strong but gentle grip. As much as Ana didn't want to fall back on lessons and skills from her time with her family, she at least had learned a thing or two about handling horses back then.]

She's not exactly enjoying that. And if you think this is bad, what you're doing probably feels even worse!

[not_a_prize]

[The horse ceases its gumming of Peola's hair and nickers once more, one of its front hooves kicking at the hangar floor lightly. Guess it is true, you don't unlearn what you've learned. Either way Peola cringes a little as she runs her finger along the parts of her hair laden with horse spit.]

Eeeergh....

[There was another snort from the horse before it simply moves to nudge Ana.]

[whats_a_good_end]

[Yeah yeah, Fuun Saiki. She can take a hint.]

Here. Maybe this'll help with drying off.

[Towels were nowhere to be seen, but Ana still offers Peola her SSR jacket. What with how her conversation with Lee went... yeah.]

Is he always like this?

[not_a_prize]

[Peola couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at using the jacket... but hey, if Ana doesn't mind...]

Honestly? Yes. Might be because he's glad to finally be with people who pay him more attention than Phannuhel did.

[There was a proud snort as the horse held its head up like it smelled something horrible at the mention of the name.]

[whats_a_good_end]

Well, he helped save both of our lives out there. He definitely deserves a big bucket of carrots or... well whatever he likes to eat.

[Her hand goes across his mane again, easy there big boy. Phannuhel's nowhere nearby.]

[not_a_prize]

Apples mostly. You wouldn't think it from how fierce he looks but he really likes the sweet ones.

[The steed's head lowers, placated by the gentle brushing of his mane.]

...I'm sorry if I worried you too much out there.

[totallyhonest]

So do you ever fed the robot horse? And what happens with the horse poop?

[not_a_prize]

Uh... a few times? My friends help out a lot with taking care of him and the rest of the animals Rani left with me and-

[Peola suddenly has a grimace.]

I don't know. Why would you want to know.

[totallyhonest]

Well, I wouldn't want to suddenly find that a part of the hangar is actually full of horse poo or something.

[not_a_prize]

That's disturbing, disgusting and I'm.... pretty sure that's not what happens. I think. Maybe if the Mechanics that help me really don't like someone....

Nah. They're not that petty.

[armowrpiercing]

*A cat is standing right in front of the big creature*

Horse.

[not_a_prize]

[The horse neighs before lowering its head to look at the cat curiously. There's a light snort before it pushes Archie lightly with its snout.]

O...kay?

[Peola's just looking at the interaction with confusion.]

[armowrpiercing]

You're a big horse.

*Archie starts to walk around the horse and in-between its legs, as if investigating it.

[not_a_prize]

[The horse nickers and carefully moves its legs as if trying to avoid stepping on Archie while trying to observe the cat as best as it was able.]

Yeah, he is. Pure bred Plainsrunner. I'm... kinda surprised horses on Earth aren't as big.