Aderyn: *hums to herself as she takes the path back to the house*

Trevelian: I suppose it may be... I have not been around horses enough to know.

Yestin: S'alright. That's why we keep a man on the ground. Softer landing. *winks*

Garan: *sees they've both made it up and begins to climb as well* Are you coming, Kedmir?

Tristram: Yes, I suppose. They tend to move further into the swamp during the cold months.

Iola: But you're not winning!

Orrun: *Trots after Aderyn, coming up next to her* I can take him back, if you like.

Rousen: Oh. How do you train them?

Tesmir: *Laughs* So who is the one on the ground just in case?

Kedmir: I'll watch from down here.

Jek: How far into the swamp do you need to go to find more in the winter?

Hakor: *Comes up beside her* True, but we're not there yet.

Aderyn: Oh, if you would like to.

Talidor: *leans out and reaches for Orrun*

Trevelian: The baryonyx must learn as birds do in kettling, but the equirterma learn more easily. They both respond to food, but in ways that need different sorts of handling.

Yestin: *looks over* Garan was, but now we'll have to aim for your brother if we fall.

Garan: *shrugs* If you're sure. *keeps climbing*

Tristram: We never track new animals in the winter. The spring is best, when the younger, more ambitious ones being searching flooded streams for fish, or the equiterma come to graze on the new leaves.

Iola: *grins* Nope.

Orrun: Sure. Talidor can show me all of his hiding places and we can cause all kinds of mischief, aye? *Takes Tal*

Rousen: Are good for very long traveling distances?

Tesmir: You'll catch us if we fall, right Ked?

Kedmir: Only if the fall is not deliberate.

Tesmir: *Glares*

Kedmir: Of course I would try. No promises I'll actually break your fall.

Jek: Is it easy to catch eguiterma or baryonix?

Hakor: *Swoops over and scoops her up* Haha! I have a princess! I claim her as my own!

Aderyn: *grins* The house is down the footpath, there. It isn't very far.

Talidor:

Trevelian: Oh yes. The baryonyx are better at quick bursts of speed, so they cannot run a great distance and are better when paced, but the eguiterma can keep going for longer, even if they are not always so fast.

Garan: *pulls himself up onto the roof* Just aim for him if you fall, then he won't have much choice.

Yestin: But if you must fall, do it from the side... It's a fair fall shorter.

Tristram: With training. A man can't go out and simply grab one, but once the system is understood, it is not difficult.

Iola: But this is a race! And I'm still winning, you know!

Orrun: *Nods and starts down the path*

Rousen: Have they always lived in the swamp?

Kedmir: =_=

Tesmir: *Laughs* Ah, but where would be the fun in falling the shorter way when I have Ked to catch me?

Kedmir: Alright, now I won't catch you at all, if you're going to be malicious about it.

Tesmir: *Stands up on the roof slowly*

Jek: How are they caught?

Hakor: You're still winning?

Talidor: *points down the path* Carrrf.

Trevelian: The baryonyx do more so, the eguiterma are more often on solid earth unless it is cold. They also breed there.

Aderyn: *returns* I usually just let them fall.

Yestin: *when Tesmir stands up* No, don't do that. You're certain to fall.

Tristram: Bravery, fortitude, and no short supply of rope.

Iola: Yes I am.

Orrun: To the house? *Picks up his pace to a jog*

Rousen: Do they only live around this swamp? Or are they in different place around the world?

Kedmir: *Jumps in surprise, but smiles as Aderyn returns* I'm sure it helps them learn to fend for themselves, knowing there's no help below.

Tesmir: I've known that since forever. *Wobbles dangerously and quickly lowers himself* o.o

Kedmir: *Relaxes, his muscles having tensed instinctively*

Jek: *Laughs* They get rather aggressive when caught, or just a desire to escape?

Hakor: How?

Talidor: *nods*

Trevelian: We have only heard of them living near this one. I do not know if they live anywhere else.

Aderyn: Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. *grins and watches her brothers* What has them up the roof this time?

Garan: That's why we spite them by dropping on them anyway.

Yestin: *yawns* Where to next then? We've climbed this wall.

Tristram: Both. The baryonyx do try to lash out when snared. The eguiterma try very hard to pull away, but they have the strength to pull you with them.

Iola: Because we're racing to the house, and you don't know where it is 'cause I ran the wrong way.

Orrun: *Grins* Is it fun living here?

Rousen: *Nods* *Wanders over to a different stall and reaches his hand out to a baryonix* They're so... different. But they're beautiful, too.

Kedmir: It's alright. *Grins* I believe they are teaching Tesmir the art of wall climbing.

Tesmir: *Laughs, and nearly loses his balance* Higher!

Jek: *Smiles at the image* How many people does it take to catch them?

Hakor: *Stops running, mouth open* I... =_= You little imp. *Sets her down, then starts running back the way they came*

Talidor: *fingers the edge of Orrun's cloak* Beffhun?

Trevelian: Just move slowly and keep your fingers together. They can nip if they get a notion of any fish-like movements. *nods* Aye, they are.

Aderyn: *stands beside Kedmir and watches* Ah, there is a classic.

Yestin: It's the peak of a roof, it doesn't particularly go higher.

Garan: We could try the trees though. It just isn't the same as wall climbing.

Tristram: For the very small, it may on the take three or four, but the larger they are, the more it takes to hold them still.

Iola: *giggles and watches him run back* *turns and runs another different way*

Orrun: *Smiles* It is fun? I'll bet your brothers and sisters make sure you have a good time.

Rousen: *Does so, trying to keep his hand from shaking nervously when he learns they nip* It makes me wonder what other wonders there are that we even even discovered yet. For all we know, we've only scratched the surface...

Kedmir: *Smiles* Now we won't be able to get him down from walls.

Tesmir: Oh... *Shakes his hair from his face* What about a harder way up the wall? I've climbed trees before.

Jek: After you catch them, what happens next? Do you just lead them away back here?

Hakor: *Glances behind him* Wha-- *Skids to a stop, turns, and charges after Iola*

Talidor: *pets the edge of Orrun's cloak*

Trevelian: *reaches into the stall decisively and rubs the creature's snout with his knuckles* There are stories enough of strange things. I imagine each has some element of truth, in which case, we have very much to learn indeed.

Aderyn: We can let you borrow some rope if you need.

Yestin: Or learn climbing down. That's more difficult and there isn't always a soft or low landing to depend on. *slides down the roof and falls, catching himself on his hands, feet, and knees, before rolling to lighten the impact*

Garan: He'll be the spot. I'll advice from up here.

Tristram: Not quite. They need to be worn down first, or they can become destructive. Once they can be exhausted, they are brought into the barn so that they can think of it as safe. Then they must be broken as horses are.

Iola: *collects the edge of her dress as she runs so she can go faster* *goes as fast as she can and reaches the house* Ha! *drops on the ground, panting*

Orrun: *Smiles and cuddles Talidor* *Looks around* Want to ride on it? The cloak? Tilmere would do that with Tesmir and me sometimes.

Rousen: *Nods* *Pets the Baryonix, gaining confidence* And even all the myths and things we're told as children, things from only the imagination. Those must have come from somewhere, too.

Kedmir: *Laughs* We just might. We'll have to keep him penned in like a dog.

Tesmir: =_= *Watches Yestin, then tentatively begins sliding down*

Jek: *Nods* Are there any differences between males and females? Do you use one more than the other, or is one easier to tame or train more than another?

Hakor: *Emits a loud groan/yell of defeat, collapsing to his knees* I have been bested by the fair damsel! *Collapses, spies Orrun dragging his cloak across the ground, Talidir safely in the middle* What....

Talidor: *hugs Orrun back* ...? *is put down on the cloak and pulled along*

Trevelian: *nods*

Aderyn: Do you want to go riding again?

Garan: Are you sure you don't want to practice climbing down?

Tristram: The male baryonyx can be temperamental with each other, so we only keep a few of those. The female eguiterma are the easiest to work with.

Iola: *still a bit winded* If you want we can go to the well and get some water before we go inside.

Orrun:

Rousen: *Rubs the top of the baryonix's head* These go beyond any of our myths... Did the baryonix or eguiterma have myths before they were discovered?

Kedmir: Sure.

Tesmir: Oh, sure. *Scoots backward up to Garan* Where do I start?

Jek: So you use females more often?

Tilmere: What does that say about us men?

Hakor: Alright. *Pushes himself up* Which way?

Talidor: *sits and watches as Orrun pulls him along*

Trevelian: I am not certain... They are in the older lore songs that center on animals, so I believe we have always known of them.

Aderyn: *nods him toward the barn's entrance*

Garan: Get a good grip on the edge of the rooftop before you lower yourself down. I can give you a hand there if you want. Then you have to find good footholds before you even think about moving your hands down.

Tristram: Aye. *laughs* I'd say man is a bit different than the reptiles, but you may be on to something.

Iola: It's over here. *takes his hand and drags him around the house to the well*

Orrun: *Arrives at the house* *Scoops Talidor up, cloak and all, flipping part of it over Tal's head and in front of his face*

Rousen: *Nods* Are there other kind of reptiles like these?

Kedmir: *Glances up at Tesmir before heading to the barn entrance*

Tesmir: *Maneuvers himself to the edge and lowers himself down, feeling around for footholds* Got it. *Slowly relaxes his hold on the edges* Now I find handholds?

Tilmere: Sometimes I do wonder if we are any different. Rune can be quite a dragon if he wakes up too early.

Jek: But that's only because Tesmir is responsible.

Tilmere: *nods* True. He is usually the one to awaken the dragon. But I remember when you and Hakor brought down his wrath upon you two.

Hakor: *Smiles and follows* So, do we have a bucket, or do we send you down to bring up water by handfuls?

Talidor: *giggles and presses his hand to his face, feeling the cloak against both*

Sulwyn: *was playing by the door but hops up when she sees Orrun* Is everybody coming?

Trevelian: No other kinds than the eguiterma and baryonyx. Not that we've heard of. But the world is a vast place... There is still room enough for more.

Aderyn: *to Yestin* Keep an eye out for him.

Yestin: Aye. *stands below the wall, should Tesmir come to trouble*

Aderyn: Would you like to try eguiterma or baryonyx?

Trevelian: Off riding again?

Aderyn: But of course!

Garan: Yes, but do not look down. Feel for your holds. If you look down, it pulls you to far away from the wall. Oh, and don't try to move if it makes you more unstable. Just be patient about it.

Tristram: *chuckles at the conversation*

Iola: Don't be ridiculous. We sing a special song to the frogs, and they come up and spit water at you.

Orrun: *Smiles and tickles him* *To Sulwyn* I don't know. Hakor is around here, I think. Everyone else is still at the barn.

Rousen: *Nods, straightening* Which are your favorite?

Kedmir: *To Tesmir* Don't give them trouble on purpose.

Tesmir: Now why would I do that?

Kedmir: *Considers* A baryonix.

Rousen: Losing once wasn't enough for you?

Kedmir: I was doing just fine, thank you. =_=

Rousen: Mmhmm.

Tesmir: *Nods, feeling around until he finds handholds* *Takes one foot off of its hold and lowers it, trying to find another.* Kind of scary, not being able to see and look for places to put my feet or hands.

Jek: For the record, that wasn't entirely my idea.

Tilmere: *Chuckles* Now that I will believe.

Jek: It was Kedmir's.

Tilmere:

Jek: *Grins a little* *To Tristram* Are baryonix or eguiterma the easier to ride?

Hakor: You do? *Peers down the well*

Talidor: *giggles and squirms under the cloak*

Sulwyn: Oh. They should all come back so we can eat.

Trevelian: My personal mount is an eguiterma. She does not need the strong handling of the baryonyx, and gives a more peaceful ride for it.

Aderyn: *nods to a man who goes and begins saddling one of the animals* No, you did well. It just takes some time to adjust to the odd gait of a reptile. *takes a bridle and slides it over Stone's nose*

Trevelian: *to Rousen* Would you care to try for yourself?

Garan: Yes. It comes with practice. Take it slowly and it should go well. If not, fall on Yestin.

Yestin: *laughs*

Tristram: *watches the exchange and laughs* The eguiterma are managed more easily, that is why we use them more readily for hauling carts. The baryonyx are better mannered when they have a rider on their backs.

Iola: No, we have a bucket. *starts pulling at the rope that hangs down into the well*

Orrun: *Sets Talidor down by Sulwyn and sits down with them* Oh? I didn't know we were eating.

Rousen: That makes sense.

Kedmir: *Grins* I know. I enjoyed trying to ride her.

Rousen: *Looks up in surprise* Riding one? Um...

Kedmir: Come on, little brother.

Rousen: Alright.

Tesmir: *laughs* *almost loses his balance, but clings to the wall* o.o *continues working his way down* How far am I?

Jek: Have you ever tried using baryonix to haul wagons when they have a rider?

Hakor: Oh. *watches, then goes behind Iola and helps her pull*

Talidor: *squirms around in the cloak and falls over, giggling*

Sulwyn: We will sometime, if everyone comes.

Aderyn: *throws herself into Stone's saddle with practiced ease and nudges him up*

*a man brings another baryonyx to Kedmir*

Trevelian: *mounts his eguiterma and has a man leave Rits saddled for Rousen*

Yestin: About two inches from where you began.

Garan: *laughs*

Yestin: Alright, perhaps a foot, but don't hurry, just take your time.

Tristram: Minimally, but there have always been eguiterma to take that place and they seem to enjoy the work.

Iola: *gets the bucket up* There.

Orrun: *tickles Talidor, coming from different sides each time* What do you think we'll have?

Kedmir: *nods his thanks and mounts the baryonix, but with less ease and Grace as Aderyn* Should we charge our climbing brothers? See how fast they can climb?

Rousen: *watches Kedmir, Aderyn, and Trevelian mount the dinosaurs, then awkwardly mounts the eguiterma* o.o

Tesmir: Two inch- =_= *continues his descent* *almost slips on a foothold, but gets a firmer grip*

Jek: *nods* I know you said it's difficult with pregnant ones, but what happens if a baryonix and eguiterma mate?

Hakor: *lifts bucket* Lead the way, m'lady.

Talidor: *wiggles a little under the cloak and laughs quietly*

Sulwyn: I dunno, Braith said I was in the way, so I came out to play instead.

Aderyn: I thought we might take the path to the south fields. There are some pleasant trails in that direction.

Trevelian: *rides his mount out of the barn, touching the coat of arms that hangs over the doorway as he rides through*

Aderyn: *gets Stone up and follows Trevelian, also brushing her hand along the shield as she goes beneath it*

Yestin: Steady. I'll let you know when you're safely down.

Tristram: They could not anymore than a dog could mix with a cat. They may share scales, but they are as different as any two creatures.

Iola: *gets the little, long handled cup from beside the well, scoops water from the bucket and has a drink before handing the cup to Hakor*

Orrun: Ah. Do you like to help in the kitchen? *lifts part of the cloak from Talidor's face* Ha!

Kedmir: *gets the baryonix up and follows them* *hesitates by the door and compact of arms, but passes under*

Rousen: *follows, pausing a little longer to gaze at the coat of arms before joining Trevelian* *looks a little stiff in the saddle, trying to get used to the feel*

Tesmir: *nods* *continues his descent, his face a bit red with effort and concentration*

Jek: Oh. *watches his brothers, Aderyn, and Trevelian exit the barn* Are there other creatures like them?

Tilmere: Your brothers? Aye Jek, you have four others around here somewhere. The Scalestrides also.

Jek: Go tease Tesmir.

Tilmere: Oh, but I'm finding you're more fun than he is.

Hakor: *drinks also* Mmm, Scalestride water is among the best I have tasted.

Sulwyn: Sometimes, most of all with Nain. She teaches me and lets me help when Mama needs to be with Tal.

Talidor: *peeks out with bright eyes from beneath the cloak and grins*

*Kedmir's mount gets a bit annoyed when he hesitates*

Aderyn: *begins leading the way down toward the house*

Trevelian:

Yestin: Mind that one to your left. It's loose. Try the one beneath it.

Tristram: Unless he refers to my daughters, in which case I would answer, no. There are not. *winks at Aderyn as she rides past* *laughs* Like our mount creatures? I have not heard so, but the world is broader than my mind, so one can never be certain.

Iola: *laughs* It comes from a swamp!

Orrun: *smiles* That must be nice. Good practice, too, so you can amaze your family with delicious meals. *tickles Talidor's neck*

Kedmir: *glances at the baryonix* Easy... *follows Aderyn*

Rousen: *glances on both sides of the eguiterma* Am I doing alright?

Tesmir: *nods* *reaches further down and feels for the hold* You made the jumping off look easier.

Jek: *face turns a bit red*

Tilmere: *laughs*

Jek: *nods* I wonder if we have similar creatures...

Hakor: Well, 'tis the best swamp water I have ever tasted.

Sulwyn: What d'you like t'do?

Talidor: *hunches his shoulders and giggles*

Aderyn: Just give the lead a little jerk so she knows not the question you.

Trevelian: *smiles* Just fine. It's alright if you have to take it a pace more slowly if it helps to keep you on form.

Yestin: It often is, assuming that it is an option. If not, it is more important to learn climbing.

Tristram: *laughs* *nods* That, I am curious to know.

Iola: *laughs* That's a joke. The well doesn't mix with the swamp. What's your water taste like then?

Orrun: I enjoy horses most. Reading about different subjects... I've been helping the local blacksmith sometimes, and he's been teaching me a little, which has been very interesting to learn. *stares at Talidor in mock horror* My fingers are stuck! *wiggles them*

Kedmir: *nods*

Rousen: *nods* *leads the eguiterma in an easy circle*

Tesmir: Better to climb down a cliff face than jump. *continues down*

Jek: *thinks* Well... there are dragons... but they aren't used like baryonix and eguiterma are.

Tilmere: *watches Rousen, an eyebrow lifted slightly* *turns to Jek and Tristram* Perhaps Luminne or Ainran have similar creatures.

Hakor: Oh. *looks slightly relieved* Well... I don't know, like water, I guess. We get ours from a pump, and the pump brings it up from underground springs, or from the river. I think, anyway.

Sulwyn: What're horses like? Who writes the subjects? Is the blacksmith's all hot? Garan says it is.

Talidor:

Aderyn: *pushes Stone from an amble to a trot*

Trevelian: *hangs back near Rousen*

Yestin: Very true.

Garan: Unless it is over familiar water that you know to be deep, thought water can be deceptive...

Tristram: *nods* Strange, is it not, that what we may call normal, others see as foreign, and the same in turn?

Iola: What's a pump like?

Orrun: *thinks* Horses are tall. We ride them like you do the eguiterma and baryonix, but they aren't as thick-bodied. They have long, wide faces and a long face, and can run faster than anything. *pulls fingers frees and taps Talidor's nose.* The subjects are written by lots of people. They know all about them, so they can write about them and understand what they're talking about. *smiles* Aye, a blacksmith's forge is hot. Especially in summer. You have to be careful and drink plenty of water. I forgot to once.

Kedmir: *copies Aderyn to urge his baryonix on*

Rousen: *does one more circle* I think I've got it.

Tesmir: *nods, straining for a foothold* I've always wanted to try jumping into water from high up, but we don't have any places nearby deep enough. I've heard of a little point by a forest village, but it has creatures in it that will try to attack you if you so much as -- *nearly slips and adjusts himself* --as touch the water.

Jek: *nods* The things we might take for granted become something very new to others, and we have to look at them differently.

Hakor: A pump is like a long, thin tube water comes out of. But don't ask me how it works, because I've never been able to understand.

Sulwyn: What's it like riding one? How come all of the people wrote things to you?

Talidor: *blinks and grins sleepily*

*the baryonyx takes a few quick steps, then goes back to its ambling pace*

Trevelian: Excellent.

Yestin: There are places enough in the Cubbadryt, but whether they allow you to come up again...

Garan: What sorts of creatures?

Tristram: *nods* Indeed.

Iola: *grins* How does it work?

Orrun: A little bumpy sometimes, especially when you first start out. You're up high, and when they start running, you feel like you're flying. *laughs* They didn't write them just to me. They wrote them for anyone to read in books. *smiles and pats Talidor's belly gently* Getting sleepy? *spreads part of the cloak over him like a blanket*

Kedmir: Oi. =_= *gives the lead a slight jerk and tries again to go faster* I think all of these creatures have it out for me.

Rousen: Where should we go?

Tesmir: They don't let you come up?! *thinks* I think they look like fish? Well, no... I think they have legs. But they swim and live underwater like fish. They have a long spiked whip on the top of their heads, and the spikes are poisonous. That's what the book I saw in the shop said, anyway. I've never seen them.

Tilmere: *looks as if he's just realized something* Where did Rune get off to?

Hakor: *gives her a playful glare* You... I think it's still kind of a mystery to some people. I'm actually not even sure where the water comes from, so it might not be as complicated as I think.

Sulwyn: Do you have a lot of books?

Talidor: *blinks and rubs his eye with his fist*

Aderyn: I don't think she believes you mean it.

*his baryonyx picks up the pace a little*

Trevelian: I had intended to follow my sister and your brother, but we may explore elsewhere if you like.

Yestin: That's right. The mud or the weeds can keep you down without a chance. Streams are more forgiving, if you know where the rocks are... Sounds to me like the book was telling a tale.

Tristram: Rune... Which was he? *looks around*

Iola: *giggles* The well is easy. There's water under the ground, so you dig a big hole. Then the bucket goes down, but it's heavy, so it tips over and fills up. Then you just have to pull it back.

Orrun: I used to, I think... I only have a few now. We had to sell some things for money, and food. But I'm starting to buy more when I have the money for them. *hand moves in a slow, circular motion over Talidor's belly*

Kedmir: Mean what? *urges the baryonix faster to catch up*

Rousen: No, we can follow them.

Tesmir: They just... pull you under? *tries to glance at him, but almost loses his balance and instead finds another handhold* What makes you say that?

Tilmere: Taller, short dark hair...

Rune: *wandering the barn out of sight, looking at each dinosaur*

Hakor: *nods* That sounds pretty easy. But since we live in the city, having a well might be a bad idea. So we have a pump. But Tilmere, Rune, and Kedmir take care of however it works. I think they sometimes bring in water for it...

Sulwyn: You must be rich if you have books. Tada has some, but mostly Nain has them because she lived in town and she was rich.

Talidor: *yawns and rolls himself over, a little tangled in the cloak, then lays his head down*

Sulwyn: *straightens the cloak a little so Tal is covered and not tangled* He always sleeps face down like that...

Aderyn: Mean your commands. *pulls Stone to a sudden and sharp stop beside Kedmir* You have to be forceful, but not too rough, so they know you mean what you say when you tell them what to do.

Trevelian: *nods and follows after Aderyn and Kedmir*

Yestin: Well, if you get into the mud, it can be impossible to get back out... The ground there is rather treacherous. *shrugs* Seems a bit outlandish, don't you think?

Tristram: Did he go down to the house perhaps?

Iola: So it's like a well without a bucket that you have to put water in? *cocks head* Why can't you have a well in the city? Etana has wells.

Orrun: We used to be, I think. But we're not rich now. Tilmere lets us keep the books that let us learn about things. *smiles, rubbing Tal's back* I think Jek slept like that when he was little. But he would curl up into a ball.

Kedmir: *pulls his baryonix to a sharp stop* *nods* A bit more force than with a horse.

Rousen: *follows Trevelian, waving to Tilmere and Jek as he goes*

Tilmere: *smiles and waves back*

Jek: *waves briefly*

Tesmir: That sounds terrifying. *pauses* Maybe. People who are huge and taller than a house sound outlandish, but they exist. My father saw one once when he was overseas, Tilmere said.

Tilmere: He may have...

Rune: *comes out of the barn! watching the four riders*

Tilmere: *grins* Or he is right there.

Rune: Was that Rousen I saw? Riding?

Tilmere: *chuckles and nods* He's doing very well in capable hands, I'm sure.

Hakor: *thinks, then nods* I think that's as close to it as I'll ever get to explaining it. I think it's because the city can get so dirty. We can't afford to have a well get dirty and have to try and make it drinkable again.

Sulwyn: Ta says books are expensive.

Talidor: *begins blinking more and more slowly*

Aderyn: Pretend you are leading a battalion of knights.

*his mount stops, but shuffles impatiently*

Trevelian: *pushes his mount into a trot to catch up with the others*

Garan: *shouts from the roof* Dear brother, you of all men should know that it is the precise definition of outlandish.

Yestin: A single slip of the tongue... You understood my intended meaning.

Garan:

Tilmere: Your brother does not often ride?

Iola: *nods* Ta says big cities are dirty. You should live in the country.

Orrun: *glances at Talidor with a small smile* Aye, they can be expensive. That's why we sold most of our books, because they brought in a fair amount of money. Maybe one day we can buy new ones.

Kedmir: *nods* *frowns and sharply urges the baryonix onward*

Rousen: *copies Trevelian* *stiffens a bit at the faster pace, but makes himself relax*

Tesmir: What? *is confused* *tests his weight on a foothold and then rests his foot on it* How much farther? *tries to carefully look*

Tilmere: He does, but he was thrown off his horse a few months ago. He was unhurt, but it shook him up. He was able to get back on a horse since then then, but riding makes him a little nervous.

Rune: *smiles* I'm glad the boy's riding one of these. Maybe it will help him with riding horses.

Hakor: *nods* Cities can get very dirty, but we try to keep our house and yard clean. *grins* That would be quite the adventure.

Sulwyn: Do you have books to write in? Ta has some of those. He showed Trevelian and Aderyn and Yestin and Garan who to put business in them.

Talidor: *falls asleep completely*

*the mount gives a grumbling sound but obeys*

Aderyn: *turns Stone wiht a slight movement and begins trotting again*

Trevelian: *to Rousen* You seem to have her well managed.

Yestin: Well, you are from another land, so it does stand to reason that everything there, including yourself, is outlandish. Only a few feet lower. If you can hold on by your arms and straighten out, you can drop the last foot, just mind you don't scrape on the wall.

Tristram: Aah. Better is is on the eguiterma then...

Iola: What's your house like?

Orrun: *nods* Tilmere does. He uses it to keep track of how much money we have and what we need to buy. Sometimes a Rune uses it, too. *smiles and stops rubbing Talidor's back*

Kedmir: *pats the baryonix* See? I'm not all bad. *urges her after Aderyn and Stone*

Rousen: *grins, pleased* Or she's managing me and just lets me think I'm in charge.

Tesmir: Ohhhh. I get it now. *nods and cautiously hangs by his arms* *drops, but clip his chin and loses balance on the landing and falls on his butt* Oww... *winces and rolls to his feet* How did I do? *chin is bleeding, but he doesn't seem to notice*

Tilmere: *nods* He seems to be enjoying himself.

Rune: He's riding a creature that doesn't exist in our world. Even if I was deathly afraid of horses, I think I might enjoy myself on an eguiterma too.

Hakor: My house? It's small. There are three bedrooms, but we only use two. It's in the city, but kind of far from the square. It has two levels, and a small yard. But it's a strong house, and it hasn't started creaking during storms, which is good. *chuckles* We have a grouchy neighbor, though. His house is smaller than ours, since only he lives there. But he knew our father, and he didn't like him much, so he doesn't like us. We try to stay out of his way, but Tesmir always tries to annoy him.

Sulwyn: Mama says I have to learn when I get big... but I don't wanna. >.<

*baryonyx begins to stray off when he relaxes, but obeys when he commands her*

Trevelian: *chuckles* So long as you are in agreement.

Yestin: Rather decent for a first go, but I would practice before you use it as a means of escape.

Garan: *climbs down and jumps the last bit*

Tristram: *laughs* Indeed. I have very often received offers to sell and export them.

Iola: How come he didn't like your Ta?

Orrun: Why not?

Kedmir: *gives her sharp commands whenever she begins to stray* We can be friends, you know. =_=

Rousen: I think we are. *pats the eguiterma*

Tesmir: *nods* That was fun. Can I try jumping off?

Tilmere: Are they easy to export?

Hakor: I think it was because my father didn't like the king and thought he had done some bad things. Our neighbor disagreed with him, and got angry when our father tried to fight the king... we haven't done anything yet, but our neighbor is still a grouchy old man.

Sulwyn: Because it looks like no fun.

Aderyn: *grins and laughs*

Trevelian:

Yestin: Be my guest.

Garan: You have some blood just there. *points to his own chin*

Tristram: Oh, I have never sold them. I do not think it would be good for the creatures or those attempting to lead them. Nor would it be particularly good for business.

Iola: Well it's alright because I don't like the king either.

Orrun: *nods* Maybe. But it might be useful, too. Maybe some day they won't be able to do it, and they need someone who can. It's probably an important job.

Kedmir: How am I doing with her?

Rousen: Was it easy for you to learn how to ride these, Trevelian? Or a baryonix?

Tesmir: *touches his chin experimentally* *winces slightly, but shrugs* it's not too bad. *turns and starts climbing back up* *hooks his arm around the beam and pulls himself to the top of the roof*

Tilmere: Why?

Hakor: *grins* Aye, I don't either. He's an emperor now, but that just makes me hate him more.

Sulwyn: That's what Ta says too, but I don't want to.

Aderyn: You're doing well. *smiles* She'll be better behaved when you're more comfortable in your seat.

Trevelian: I always preferred the eguiterma. They are a more pleasant ride and allow one to better enjoy the ride if one wishes to see the scenery. The baryonyx are more exciting, certainly, but that means much more focus.

Garan: *calls up* Just don't bring any of the roof down with you or Ta will have your hide.

Tristram: *scratches the side of his neck* Well, there are a number of reasons. To begin with, the animals have only been found in the Cubbadryt, and must be caught from the wild and tamed. That commitment of time means they would have a greater price if I traded them, but is not as valuable as selling their service to the mines. That is also the time they learn to trust my men, and some of them only work well with specific handlers. Those are men that will not leave their families to follow a sold animal, nor would I like to lose them since they work well and would be even more difficult to replace than the animals. Neither have I had any of my animals in another climate. I do not know how they would manage, and it would not do to receive payment for a valuable beast that is soon dead.

Iola: Why is he emperor?

Orrun: *nods* But you know the best part about learning something? You get to have people who want to help you if you ever get stuck. Your Ta won't leave you to the books without teaching you and showing you how they work, and you have your brothers and sister to help you if you get confused.

Kedmir: Comfortable? *tries to relax*

Rousen: *nods* Ked and Aderyn are riding baryonix, right? What makes them exciting?

Tesmir: I'll make sure. o.o *begins to slide down*

( I almost want to see what Tristram would do. )

Tilmere: *nods* That makes sense. Would it help if buyers learned what kind of handlers the creatures needed, and brought their own to apprentice under yours? They pay for the tutelage and any help in taming or transporting the creatures.

Hakor: Because he wants power. He says he's doing it for everyone, to make our lives better and without secrets, but he hurt people to get where he is now...

Sulwyn: But it won't be very fun.

*baryonyx begins to pull off and shake its head again*

Aderyn: Sorry! Maybe confident is a better way to explain it...

Trevelian: Aye. They are more difficult to ride, certainly, but that makes for an interesting challenge in itself, being in competition with the animal. They are more spirited as well, so it is a much more lively ride.

Yestin: Roll before you land on your feet so you don't break an ankle.

Tristram: That is still a great deal of time for any of us to be away from our duties, and it could hurt the business to have others using or hiring out these animals.

Iola: But secrets are important. Otherwise what would happen to secret engagements and private chambers and surprise presents? Surprise presents are lovely.

Orrun: Maybe you can find a way to make it fun. *thinks* It is a very important quest. The numbers you put in will one day give you a secret message to find treasure of unbelievable size and worth.

Kedmir: *sharply pulls the baryonix back into place* Ah.

Rousen: *nods* Can you race with them?

Tesmir: *nods* *drops and rolls* *pushes to his hands and knees* Did I take any of the roof off? Something felt... loose, right before I dropped. o.o

Tilmere: *nods* True. How often are they hired out?

Hakor: Good point... but he thinks there are some secrets that shouldn't be secrets. *smiles* What kind of surprise presents do you like to get?