(Ey two people who can cast speak with animals)

(Ha, yes Rianath is That Kind of barbarian. He can cast Speak with Animals and Beast Sense at will, but only as rituals.)

(i wound up with two fateful moments, and one of them let me cast speak with animals at will)

Looking though the stables, the horses are all well behaved and for some you can sense an eagerness. For those talking to them: You gather that the horses are mainly used for work due to their strong builds but have a natural desire to be free and roam the land. Some are stubborn and wish to remain safe and controlled, while others are more free spirited and adventurous, wishing to see more than this city in their lifetime. After your horse is selected, the dwarf brings over saddles and feed and sets them on a nearby workbench. Looking to Celia and Rianath, "I had some extra saddlebags lying around so I threw 'em in, no charge. I always appreciate the ones that take time to select a proper horse." (He supplies enough saddlebags for the party) At this moment you can hear multiple hooves trotting in your direction accompanied by the sound of a rolling cart. Looking over you can see the medium sized carriage pulling around to the front of the stables.

Running his hands along the neck of one of the adventurous horses, Rianath turns his head to look at the dwarf. "My thanks! It's always best t'start a friendship by introducin' yourself, before ya go climbin' on top of them."

He begins to transfer his riding gear and equipment onto his new horse, keeping up a small conversation with the animal while making sure everything is secure but not too tight or uncomfortable for him and making adjustments as needed.

Tikak runs up to Rianath, and sees him talking to the horse.  "Whatcha doin?  Are we leaving?"

Celia nods in agreement, stroking the neck of her horse, "Yes, you don't want to be too rude." She starts to saddle her, gently speaking about what she's doing, making sure she's comfortable.

"Thank you again." I bow.

I take my horse and excuse myself. I walk my horse to the wooded area for my shrine. I pet it and talk to it. "I appreciate accompanying me on my journey. I promise to take care of you as much as I can."

When I arrive at the site of the soon to be shrine of Pelor, I tie the reigns of my horse to one if the trees. Underneath the biggest tree of the bunch,  with the biggest canopy, I carve out a 6 pointed sun, Pelor's symbol. I place a chest for donations and alms. In front of the chest,  on the ground, I place a big white candle and cast Continual Flame on the wick of the candle.

"Pelor, please guide all those who travel. Let this flame symbolize your eternal light and warmth." I pray on my knees in front of the new shrine.

Rianath looks down at Tikak as he prepares his horse. "We'll be leavin' soon, right now I'm jus' gettin' this ol' boy ready to ride. Don't want t'get the straps too tight, though, or it'd cause discomfort or pain after a while," he answers warmly. He pauses and gestures up at the horse's back. "Ever ridden one before? D'you wanna sit up top while I get the rest of this settled?"

Celia smiles at the Kobold's eagerness, "Ya, you don't want to be too rough."

"I haven't ! But yes! I want to sit up there! It's nice that you are taking care of the big fella. Most people don't think about the critters." 

Tikak climbs up and stands on top of the horse for a second. "Wow! I'm so tall!" Feeling the horse twitch a little bit, he sits down quickly but gently. He tries to reach the stirrups, but they are much to far away. "Oh well" he says. "Worth a shot. This is nice! Have you ridden many horses?"

Celia laughs at the sight, but finishes saddling her horse and goes back to the dwarf, "Thank you very much, have a good day!" She smiles and goes back, getting onto her horse and going to join the the carriage.

Rianath chuckles, settling the last of his gear on the horse before tugging out his cloak and fastening it around his shoulders. "A few times, but not often. Depends on how far a hunt we were plannin' ta take. Sometimes, I'd borrow a horse from the others, but most times I jus' walked."

 He takes the reins in hand, leading the horse in a calm walk over to where the carriage had pulled up while keeping an eye on Tikak to make sure he didn't fall from the movement. "That all of us ready t'go, then?"  He looks around to see if the new arrival were Varic and the rest of the group.

As Af leaves to set up Pelor's shrine and you all finish your equipping and saddling the horses, the carriage stops and Varic climbs out. His familiar cheerful and humble presence is naturally calming and the horses don't mind while he walks up and begins petting Rianath's horse. "Lovely creatures. Beasts of burden yet so free spirited. Well, are you all ready to go? I notice we're one short, did you have any issues with Thaldohr? I know he can be a grumpy dwarf but he breeds very well mannered horses." At the mention of his name the dwarf bows his head slightly and says in a slightly trembling voice, "No sir, no trouble at all."

Af, after saying your silent prayer you look at the carving and the endlessly flickering flame, you look up at the tree and notice it begin to change slightly. The usual green and brown leaves begin to glow with a soft yellowish light, and the within the carving you see tiny elaborate runes begin to glow as well. It' a beautiful sight.

Celia furrows her brow, "Where... I think he went somewhere to do something... that's odd."

I smile broadly. I get up and say, "My first established shrine. This is for you, Pelor. Hopefully you can ease the whispers."

I untie the reins and walk with my horse, petting it as I head back to the group.

Tikak wobbles back and forth as he gets used to the movement. Luckily his balance is pretty good. The large beast seems friendly but it's still big!

"This is great. I like riding on things. I'm fast but it could be fun to ride around and have someone carry me. Do they have birds this size? OOH A lizard! No! A cat. I don't know. Maybe. I don't know. Do you want to ride your horse for now ? Thanks for letting me ride!"

"Ah, there's plenty o'room for both of us if ya want t'stay up there. Ya don't take up much space. Or ya can ride with someone else or in th'carriage."  Rianath shrugs, ready to offer assistance if his small new friend needed it. "I've heard the Kryn ride cats this big, an' there's always flying things like griffons. Jus' not wild ones, o'course." He cuts a sly look up at Tikak. "Maybe one day, we'll ride a dragon. Now that would be excitin'!"

He lifts an arm to hail the returning Af.

I see Rianath raises his arm to greet me. I see the carriage and it seems like we are about to go. I raise my arm in response.

As I arrive, I make sure check saddle is on correctly and the feed is secure for the horse. "Ready!" I exclaimed.  "Tikak? Did you still want to ride with me?"

"OH YEAH I promised to ride with him.  Don't worry, I'll run back and forth and between you too.  Thanks for letting me ride on your friend!"  Tikak runs to Af's horse.  

(I am running too many very serious characters, and I just finished reading Tom Sawyer.  Tikak is basically an 8 year old boy. hahah)