3

"That's the spirit, Pedro, that's the spirit," Gonzalez proclaims, and promptly falls asleep.

The carriage rumbles onward. Soon, the warm pinpricks of light from Gallatin College come into view, and you see the shadows of the entrance buildings, against the moonlit sky. The horses' hooves slow, and the carriage jolts to a stop. As you climb to the ground, you spot Karson striding across the quad. For a moment, your eyes lock; then, with a furtive look, he darts away.

Naturally, people with common interests will congregate; such is the way of the world. Problems arise when one attempts to socialize where one is unwelcome, or when one makes inappropriate decisions about who to spend one's time with. Life is finite; one should not choose unwisely.

-From the Philosophical Considerations of Lady Françoise Renaldt

"Race you to the stream!" Max calls out at the head of the group, nudging his horse's flanks with his heels.

"I'll make Anise bite you!" Gonzalez yells, laughing.

The air is clear and cool, and it is the beginning of your first Gallatin riding lesson. The Gallatin grounds are behind you; before you, the hills and mountains stretch out. The sky is so wide here; you're at a higher elevation than you've ever lived before, and it's almost dizzying.

Your mare, Tarragon, snorts and strolls without much interest in the other horses or the world around you. Karson is talking quietly to Freddie, who looks absolutely terrified to be on horseback; Hartmann's stance is perfect; Delacroix holds the reins loosely, and their horse seems used to such treatment, following Hartmann stolidly.

"No—no, I think I'm all right, now," Freddie says uncertainly, and Karson guides his own horse to your side.

"Are you used to horses, Master .? Do you require assistance?"

Tarragon responds smoothly when you give her more complicated commands, treading in a figure-of-eight pattern along your path. Even Hartmann glances over with a small smile, and Karson calls out as you reach the stream.

"Good work, Master .. Impressive."

You Ascend The Hill

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