Silvara (for Regulus)

[vas]

Continued from Hands Down.

Vas internally cursed the fact that Regulus could easily hide what he didn’t want her to know. She would get a straight answer out of him one day; he didn’t know it, but there was a new challenge set in place. Luckily he gave her some insight, “You’d think that, wouldn’t you?” Vas wanted to jump up and down out of joyous assumptions – his answer made it seem like he didn’t, and she was all for that. The less he told Indigo the better. Although it did seem sort of odd…wouldn’t he want to tell her everything? Her thoughts seemed to replay themselves, was he really that bad? What had he done? What was he trying to hide? All questions that had formed when he’d told her the ‘worst’ thing he’d done was wreck the classroom. Somehow she didn’t believe him anymore.

“No, not really.” Before she could stop herself, she bluntly asked “No one?” Vas couldn’t imagine having to keep everything to yourself. What happened when you needed someone to fume with you and agree that so-and-so was awful and should die a painful death; what happened when something truly amazing happened and you needed someone to scream and dance around with you; what happened when you just needed someone to listen to you? Unsure whether it was necessary or not, Vas felt a strong wave of pity for Regulus: was he really that alone? When he words caught up with her, she fumbled “I mean, I just thought…” There was no good way to cover up her mistake. Vas sighed, feeling ashamed. “Well, if you ever just want to talk to someone, you could always come find me,” she offered weakly, doubting it helped much.

Surprisingly there seemed to be no hesitation from Regulus, and more surprising, he was holding her hand! Clearly he didn’t need the help, pushing himself up without real effort on her part, but the fact that he simply had touched her was exhilarating – his hand was much larger then hers, rough and firm – a lot different from the silky smooth she was used to. “Let’s get going then before someone spots us.” Needing no more of an invitation then that, Vas towed him along quickly across the grounds. With one hastened sweep around her, they entered the shadows and the cool air engulfed her. Letting her eyes adjust, Vas became hyper aware she was still gripping Regulus’s hand. Embarrassed, she quickly let go in favor of wrapping her arms around herself to keep in heat. It was a lot colder in the Forest. “Excellent,” she grinned, casting a gaze about the trees. After a moment, she said “Alright, come on – this way.” Vas started forward, hoping she’d judged their location correctly.

[brett]

"No one," Regulus repeated letting an edge of irritation slip into his voice. He wasn't really mad at Vas, really she should be questioning him and his lack of a solid friend. The problem was that once again Vas was taking something he thought to be a strength and exposing it as a weakness. But actually as Reg thought more about it he didn't have someone like that, but he did have something like that in his house elf Kreacher. Of course Regulus loved the house elf dearly, like a pet that you could actually talk too...and who cooked meals...and cleaned the house...so Kreacher was sort of like a dog mixed with a housewife...if that makes any sense. But Reg didn't reveal this to Vas. House elves were pretty much required to accept there masters for who they were. Kreacher would never say a bad word against Regulus simply because he couldn't...though Regulus liked to believe that even if Kreacher could he wouldn't.

"Sure," Regulus said with a small unenthusiastic smile, clearly st. What he should have said was 'thanks Vas I really appreciate that' but he was Regulus Black, so all he could manage was a half hearted one syllable answer to a girl who just offered to fill the void in his life. Well in fairness she was a fourth year girl in the same house as Danni Valo and Rita Skeeter which while he loved both girls neither were to be trusted with secrets. Not to mention this was there first time talking at all. "I'll get more open once I'm sure I can trust you," Regulus added deciding he should over Vas a little hope after his lack luster initial answer.

Vas' hand was as smooth as he would have imagined and it made him think about his own rough palms. He felt they were actually rather soft for a guys hands, but that wasn't saying too much, tight grips of hairpin turns on his broom had left there mark on his palms. Most of his other skin was rather soft, though he didn't like admitting to such a thing. Regulus had never pulled his hand away from Vas as she led him into the forest, he rather liked her touch, and to just yank his hand away would probably embarrass her terribly. Anyway she noticed when they stopped and released his hand anyway. "You sure you know where you're going," Regulus asked making the question sound playful though seriousness lurked below the surface as he followed Vas through the cool, dark forest. Well it wasn't dark per say as the sun shone through holes in the trees, but it was certainly darker than it had been, as though the were walking in a huge shadow.

[vas]

Vas attempted a smile at his response, but she could tell she’d gone too far, therefore uncertain whether or not her smile was all that convincing. Giving up on the matter entirely, she concentrated on not getting them lost. “You sure you know where you’re going,” Regulus remarked, his tone etched in good humor but somehow she almost heard it as an accusation. Well, she had told him she’d been coming out into the Forest since her first year – but she had no plans on telling him just how much. “I have a good sense of direction,” she replied smoothly, keeping her voice masked – it was her turn to sidestep real answers.

She continued down the narrow strip of ground unclouded by foliage for a while in silence, reflecting on how incredible lucky she had been today. She’d actually managed to have a somewhat decent conversation with her crush-of-a-lifetime, learned the tiniest bit more about him, and now she was playing hostess of the Forest. All in all, today had been working out nicely – and it wasn’t even over yet. A smile crept over her lips as she kept walking, tucking her hands now into her pockets – maybe she should have worn a heavier jacket. Although, then again, she hadn’t exactly know she’d be venturing into the darkness of the Forest either. It wasn’t exceptionally cold, and there was still an alright amount of filtering sunlight, but she always got cold easily. Balling her hands into fists, Vas paused to glance around again. If her bearings were right, they were somewhere on the Northern end of the woods. “Hmm,” she mused to herself, and cut left, now walking slower.

“Be quiet,” she warned at whisper, careful to keep her footsteps light as she drew her hands out of her pockets. It was becoming darker and light less evident as they went further into darkness – but they were close. It wasn’t much longer before Vas stopped again, placing a finger over her lips to indicate Regulus’s silence. Then she drew her thumb against her index finger and let out a low whistle. Her ears felt strained for a long moment, listening to every sound – suddenly her and Regulus’s breathing even sounded loud. And then she heard what she was listening for: the small padding of hoofs over the forest floor and a small whiny. Her lips spread into a familiarized grin as the light grew around them, Silvara a few yards off to her right. The white was near blinding against the dark background, and his horn glistened gently from his own radiance. Vas let out a small laugh, and then glanced back at Regulus. “Meet Silvara,” she whispered, gesturing towards the unicorn.

[brett]

Reg shouldn't have snapped at Vas, but then again if she so big on animals she should know that you can just poke at a snake and expect it to not bite. Really the faked smile shouldn't have even bother Regulus, but this girl liked him...and he knew what it was like to have someone you like and just want them to like you back. Of course he still felt his actions were justified, he just could have done a better job at hiding his emotions was all. Perhaps it was for the best that Vas see some of his bad side now, the sooner she moved on the better.

Regulus decided not to question Vas 'good sense of direction.' Not wanting to make the same mistake he'd made earlier. Besides, he'd been keeping track of the way they'd come in so even if Vas did wind up lost, they could still make it out fairly easily...Reg had a good sense of direction as well. "Hmm?" Regulus repeated with just a bit of shock. Was that a good hmm, or a bad hmm. "What do y--" he began but was cut off by Vas telling him to be quiet. He was about to snap back at her when bright white light shined out of the corner of his eye.

Regulus followed the brilliant, almost...glowing light to the silvery white unicorn that now stood before them. Silvara? Of course Vas would have named the horse. "Interesting choice of name," Regulus smirked. He hadn't ever really gotten this close to a unicorn before. Most people probably saw that horn as a pretty little accessory for the magestic animal, but all Reg saw were gruesome images of the creature charging and running him through with the horn. It was a weapon, necessary for survival, that was all.


((sorry it's short I may add more if I can get on before you see it ))

[vas]

OOC: Too late.


“I thought it was appropriate,” she grinned back, and then turned back around to the unicorn. Obviously mistrust was going to cloud the creature, unsure why Vas would ever dare let another human being know about him – and a boy at that. She contemplated for a moment, wondering how best to try and let Silvara understand Regulus wouldn’t hurt him, and if he tried, Vas wouldn’t allow it. If it came down to defending her pet of sorts and her crush, well...she had a big heart for animals. Vas kept that bit to herself though, pretty sure Regulus wouldn’t like hearing that.

“Stay here,” she mouthed to the Slytherin, and took one step forward. Silvara’s ears fell back in a reproachful manner – not a very good sign. Vas stepped backward to where she was, her eyes carefully trained on the unicorn. The last thing she needed was to be charged by him; she’d be too sensitive to actually hurting him that she’d allow herself to be hurt instead. Staying stationary, Vas let out a low kissing noise to him, relaxing as his ears swiveled to the sound. Silvara pawed the ground nervously and bobbed his head, eyes wide in wonder. Vas kissed to him again – and he pawed the ground again.

Becoming irritated, Vas took another step forward. This time Silvara took a step back. Vas let out a sigh and stayed still, only moving out her hand to hang before her. Silvara took one more step backwards before tossing his head back and trotting forward. At first Vas feared she really was about to be rammed down by his horn, but instead Silvara shoved his soft muzzle into her open palm. Vas let out a sigh of relief, holding perfectly still for the unicorn. After a moment he retracted his head and bobbed it again, nostrils flaring. “Shh,” Vas tried to calm him, not wanting to try and explain to the school nurse how Regulus had come to be charged by a unicorn. Silvara snorted and pawed the ground again, and then swished his mane and arched his neck, making it clear he felt much more powerful them the pair of them. “Silvara,” she scowled, his eyes flickering to her. He didn’t lower his head, but she saw his muscles relax. Vas smiled, happy with her work. “He’s okay now,” she informed Regulus without looking at him. “Come here…slowly,” she empathized.

[brett]

"Seems to fit him," Regulus shrugged thinking he would have gone more towards something more towards ancient Greece, but perhaps that came with being a Black. Almost everyone of the blacks was named after a constellation, who had been named for a character in Greek or Roman mythology. Names were repeated a lot too. For example he was maybe the 3rd Regulus within the past 5 or so generations of Blacks. "It is a him, right?" Regulus asked not sure if he had jumped to an incorrect conclusion about the creature before him. He really hadn't looked at the area that would have told him. His eyes tended to fixate around the sharp tip of the horn cluing in the eyes to make sure the animal wasn't getting any ideas.

Regulus nodded to Vas, his hand falling almost unconsciously to the wand in his back pocket. The unicorn didn't look pleased when Vas stepped forward and Reg had the feeling Vas wouldn't have the will to counter attack if the creature charged. Regulus, however, could have the creature down in an instant. He only intended to use a stunning spell in any case, you never know what kinda thing may come out of your mouth if you see a friend about to get run through with a silvery spike. Had he just referred to Vas as a friend? Well he supposed the term was fitting. He just simply hadn't thought about it that way until this moment.

Regulus watched the creature back away and then start trotting forward Regulus tightened the grip on his wand about to strike, but something told him not to draw the wand, that second of hesitation had been to long and now he would be a second do late. Reg could only do minor healing and there wouldn't be enough time to get Vas to the nurse before. His thoughts stopped as he realized that Vas hadn't been attacked. Regulus loosened the grip on his wand. 3 seconds was all he would need to draw and cast, would he have that much time. Reg tried to stay relaxed as the creature flared it's nostrils, but this time it was himself he was worried about. Vas had proven she was a friend but the unicorn was still undecided about the stranger. "Are you sure? 'Cause Vas if he acts up again I'm drawing my wand and I can't be responsible for what comes out," Regulus said keeping his voice steady, not sure if he was more concerned for his own safety or for what Vas would think if he killed the beast.

[vas]

It was rather silly of her to think such things when she had more pressing matters to worry about, but she couldn’t help in thinking he’s so cute when he’s frightened – and she didn’t mean the unicorn. Regulus indeed almost looked worried, for whose safety she couldn’t exactly be sure, she he still looked pretty comical. “It’s okay Reg,” she confirmed, stretching her hand out further to rub Silvara behind the ears. He finally dropped his head a little in response, not exactly submitting but close enough as a wild animal would ever get.

With her spirits lightened by the good reaction, Vas added bristly “See, watch…and leave that wand of yours alone. You’re making me nervous.” She smirked before walking around to Silvara’s side, placing one hand behind his neck and the other closer to his tail. One brief moment of preparation and Vas pushed herself up and swung one leg other his side. Silvara side stepped a few paces and then stood still, tossing his head again. “Oh relax,” she told him calmly. Vas reached forward and rubbed the light coat under his mane. He had a big horse-like habit – Silvara got sleepy when he pet him along his neck, right by the roots of his hair. Beaming in her success, she looked back over to Regulus, who looked a lot shorter now. “See, he’s fine,” Vas assured him.

Vas could feel the unicorn’s muscles ripping underneath her thighs, clearly not wanting to stay stand still for much longer. With her lips in a smile, she pressed her legs against his side to push Silvara a few steps forward, and then leaned her weight back to get him to stop where he had started. Satisfied and eager, she glanced back over at Regulus, “Isn’t he sweet?” She couldn’t really just leave him here though, so regrettably hopped back down to Silvara’s side. “Come on, you’ll never get to ride him if you first don’t say hi. Just come forward and hold out your hand. It’s not that hard,” she encouraged, only slightly teasing.

[brett]

"Just trying to even the odds, he's got a horn to protect himself I've got a wand to protect myself," Regulus explained cooly still hoping to convince Vas he wasn't, nor had he been afraid of a unicorn. In any case though he relaxed his muscles letting his hands fall casually to the sides. He could still make a pretty quick grab for the wand if he needed to, but he tried to force thoughts like that from his mind. The general rule around wild animals seemed to be that if you stayed calm they'd stay calm. And now that Silvara did look rather calm Regulus didn't want to upset him.

"Vas what are you..." Reg tried to object, but Vas had already mounted Silvara. The creature stepped around and tossed it's head forcing Regulus to step back his hand falling to his wand again. Then Bella told the horse to relax, but she may as well have been addressing Reg as well as he once again relaxed his muscle daring to move a few steps closer to the Unicorn, cautious, but relaxed. The sad thing was Regulus probably now trusted this creature more than a few kids back at the school. He'd always liked animals but he wasn't naive and didn't underestimate, the danger of not respecting wild animals.

"Sweet isn't quite the word I was thinking," Regulus smirked. Though he had to admit the animal was almost 'sweet' as it had calmed and their was certainly a majestic beauty to the creature. But that beauty only served to hide the raw muscle the hid beneath the gleaming white coat. "I'm sorry did you just say 'ride him'?" Regulus asked a small shocked smile curling his lips. Riding a wild animal didn't seem like a great idea, yet all the same and intriguing proposition. Regulus took a few, hopefully casual looking, steps towards Vas and Silvara and held out his hand. It was Reg's wand hand too a gesture of peaceful alliance. With his hand out he could block the unicorns horn, should Silvara decided not to play nice, but he was too close for the animal to get a decent charge. Hands he could heal. Tissue damage was a quick fix, vital organs, not so much.

[vas]

OOC: "Then Bella told the horse to relax..." lol. Very nice. ;]


“And both just measly forms of sticks – what has this world come to?” Vas chuckled, unable to help herself. She would never go against the power of a wand, but she’d often contemplated the idea over how easily wizards let themselves be ruled by a piece of wood. After all, without their wands, they’d be nothing: they’d all just be Muggles, weak human beings just trying to make it through life. She pushed those thoughts away and added in a more serious tone, “It’s really is alright though.” She smiled lightly and patted Silvara’s neck again, making him shift his weight closer towards her – Vas didn’t care what anyone told her: deep down, the unicorn was a softy.

“Sweet isn't quite the word I was thinking.” The hesitancy in Regulus’s voice was enough to make her quietly laugh again, shaking her head. “Come on, I know he looks really intimidating up close and all…I mean look at that thing,” she added dramatically, pointedly glancing at his horn, “But he’s a big sweetie. Looks aren’t everything you know; I mean, you look pretty mean but you’ve been fairly nice to me.” Vas grinned a tight smile, trying to remain laugh-free. “Silvara will be fine…now, come here.” Maybe Regulus just didn’t like being bossed around, but if he wanted to keep all his limbs he was just going to have to take her word for it. Vas prided herself in knowing what she was doing – riding included.

Despite the calm front, she was curious how Silvara would take to Regulus. Vas was careful to keep her breathing normal and her heartbeat in pace, not needing to encourage the unicorn to stress. Luckily Silvara was going to behave, and after perking his head up nice and tall to prove he was a big animal, he tossed his muzzle downward and thrust it at Regulus’s palm – not to bite, but to be petted. Vas’s smile grew genuine, “He’s going to keep doing that until to pet him.” Silvara was still poking at Regulus’s hand. “It’s okay, he doesn’t bite.” Or at least, he won’t.

[brett]

OOC: sorry. I was tired.

Regulus managed a small smirk Vas made a good point, both weapons really were nothing more than glorified sticks. Of course Regs stick had the advantage of being able to attack from a long distance. Which was probably why he was being so hesitant about approaching Silvara. A close up encounter gave Silvara a weapons advantage rendering Reg's 'stick' all but useless. Never giving up an advantage was another of the lessons Orion Black was sure to instill in his son. But Slivara didn't have to be an enemy, and if Vas trusted the creature, perhaps he should as well.

Regulus was indeed looking at the thing. How could he not look at it? Silvara was the lone bright spot in the dark shadows of the forest. It's unnaturally bright white coat with thick silver blood flowing through the veins beneath. Reg began to wonder if the muggle horses had silver blood as well. Or did they have red blood like the centaurs? He supposed it could be either. Perhaps the brown horses had red blood while the white had silver and the blood color was responsible for the color of the coat. That certainly made sense, but was actually most likely wrong. Horses were not magical and the thick silver blood of Unicorns had magical properties there for all horses must have ordinary non magical, red blood.

Regulus held firm as Silvara lowered his muzzle to Reg's hand nudging at it. At first Regulus thought that meant he was trying to be polite as he pushed Regulus away, until Vas explained what the creature really wanted. Reg gently raised his hand to pet down the long face of the unicorn before moving to the soft hair of the neck running his hand across the smooth white surface. Silvara's coat was so sleek that the young wizards had moved quite easily across. "Good boy," Regulus said softly a smile working its way across his face as he continued to stroke the animals soft coat. He smiled at Vas as if to show her she had been right.

[vas]

OOC:


To put it bluntly, there were two ways this could turn out: the first option was the happy fairy tale ending, the one that which Silvara would take so kindly to Regulus it would be like they’d known each other for years and everything would work out simply perfect; the section option was much more morbid, the one that included a few unexplained injuries and a terrified unicorn rampaging all around as they tried to figure out what to do. Both were possible, but neither highly probable. Indeed, something of middle ground was executed: Silvara was willing to place aside his evident pride and satisfaction of being able to take Regulus on, and Regulus was able to similarly set aside his pride for a moment and admit that perhaps just maybe Silvara wasn’t all that bad of a creature. Besides, of all the things in the Forest, Silvara was probably the tamest. There were much worst things they could run into out here.

Vas was able to slow her heartbeat back down to normal pace as Regulus got brave, his smile genuine, carefully running his fingertips over the addicting touch of the fur. Even after years Vas had yet to really pinpoint what was so special about their fur, how they kept it so soft and smooth, sleek but durable. Placing those thoughts aside – for she was likely to go on a complete rant over that matte if she didn’t – Vas simply nodded once, figuring it was the best approach. No need to push her luck. “He’ll behave,” she said casually, patting Silvara’s back. That said – now it was just a matter of trying to explain to someone how to successfully ride a unicorn without falling off. Bareback was what Vas was used to, having never need to use one with Rein, but for an inexperience and uneducated Slytherin… Vas thought for a moment, working things through.

“Well,” she decided importantly, “I could just let you hop on and go at it, but somehow I don’t think that would go over very well.” Vas smiled in apology – it was just the facts. “So the way I see it, we’ve got two options: we could either a.) have you watch me ride around in a few circles about the trees and then try so yourself, or b.) you could get on behind me and I’ll worry about controlling the unicorn.” A small smirk lined her lips, one Regulus would never understand – Leon had told her the exact same words when he’d brought her out here the first time, being incredibly mean to her as he’d never actually ridden any unicorn nor had he advised Vas to do so. He’d managed to get her hopes up and then killed them as suddenly as they had come. He had underestimated her, thinking she wouldn’t come back and try after he’d suggested it. And now look, here she was teaching someone else. If he only knew.

[brett]

"Good," Regulus nodded. Behaving was definitely a good thing. Oddly though Reg didn't need Vas to tell him that Silvara would be have. Reg could almost feel the animal becoming more comfortable with his presence. Or perhaps it was just Regulus becoming more comfortable with Silvara's presence. Either way the tension between the two was melting away slowly as Regulus continued to run his fingertips over Silvara's silky, soft, white coat.

Regulus raised an eyebrow. Surely Vas wasn't thinking he was going to ride the unicorn? He was feeling comfortable around the animal, but to ride it, was a completely different matter. Regulus wondered if he could just hop up on the Unicorns back and go. "Isn't there supposed to be a saddle?" Reg questioned, that was how it seemed to be done, but maybe unicorns were different. Regulus was actually never really sure what saddles were for he just knew that when you rode an animal you were supposed to use one.

"I guess if those are the options I'll take B," Regulus said somehow knowing Vas wasn't going to allow something like saddles stop her. Besides hadn't she said she'd ridden him before? If that was the case Reg would be content to take a back seat as she steered the Unicorn. He figured that might also get them out of the forest faster. Plus he didn't want Vas to have the chance to take off on him and leave him in the middle of the forest. He still knew the way out, but that didn't mean he liked the idea of getting ditched, especially for a horse with a 'stick' on it's head.

[vas]

Vas tried really hard not to laugh, but she failed completely. In embarrassment she covered her mouth with one hand, letting her eyes show her sincerest apologies. But honestly, did he not listen at all? She’d grown up around horses, and aside from the abnormal white coat and shiny gold horn, unicorns weren’t all that different. He thought something as small as the matter of a saddle was going to keep her from riding? Laughable indeed. Squashing the urge to crack some wise joke, she answered calmly (withdrawing her hand): “Reg, you don’t need a saddle to ride a unicorn.” You didn’t really need one to ride a horse either – really it was just a contraption to make the rider feel like they were safer; in all reality it only created a space for your feet to stay. What was so wrong about having them at the sides? Like her own pet, she’d never understood the need for saddle and reins.

Her answer though, it didn’t really solve his question. But Vas was still having a hard time controlling her facial expressions. Everyone she’d ever been around when a horse was involved already knew how to ride. Trying to teach it to someone who had no experience was a completely separate feat entirely. Heck, she could lie her way through lessons and he’d just have to take her word for it – not that she would ever consider doing such an awful to deed to the one and only Regulus Black. That would not get her on his good side in the least. “To be perfectly honest, riding without is a lot easier – in my opinion at least. There isn’t room for miscommunication because it’s simply you and the animal. Any mistake is strictly your fault, not because the saddle was too tight. Not that I make mistakes,” she added proudly, smirking only slightly.

After a moment of contemplation, Vas nodded at his choice – it probably would be easier in the end. “Alright, one second then. You might want to step back,” she added without much time to action on his part – Vas swing herself back up onto Silvara quickly thereafter. He got so fidgety sometimes, sidestepping as Vas adjusted on his back. “Oh relax,” she shushed the unicorn, and then looked down at Regulus again. Now to get him up. “Okay, best way to do this is by placing one hand here,” she indicated towards Silvara’s spine right behind her, “and the other there,” pointing to the beginnings of his tail. “Push yourself up and when you’ve got your right leg up by your right hand, take that hand move it up to your left to get your leg all the way over.” It made complete sense to her, but how much Regulus comprehended of that was yet to be seen. “One swift movement – going to slow will make you loose your balance.” She smiled encouragingly, “You can do it,” teasing just slightly.

[brett]

Regulus couldn't stop a slightly cross expression from sneaking over his features as Vas laughed at him. He had thought it was a perfectly feasible question...even if it was partially just him looking for an excuse not to ride. He was beginning to like the creature, but riding it so soon after they met...it seemed like they were going a bit fast. Eventually Reg let his scowl fade into a small at how 'silly' his joke had been.

"Careful Vas your beginning to sound like me," Reg smirked as she informed him she didn't make mistakes. It was nice to know that even the sweet little Ravenclaw could be arrogant about some things. It was alittle ironic actually. Regulus had become a little more reclusive and cautious around Silvara while Vas seemed totally within her element...he wasn't sure he liked it. Well actually he enjoyed seeing this side of Vas, but it was his own behavior he wasn't particularly proud of.

Regulus listened as Vas tried to explain and he sort of felt like he understood. Basically he just had to hope up onto Silvara's back...somehow he thought that may end up being a little more difficult than it sounded. But, he had just watched Vas do it, and it didn't look too hard. Regulus placed his hands as Vas had instructed took a breath while mentally preparing himself before hoping up tossing his leg as far over Silvara's back as he could moving his right hand up by his left and then adjusting his position and hoping he didn't fall.

Reg took hold of Vas' waist in need of something to hold onto and release his fear of falling. Even in his adjusted position Reg still wasn't sure he was sitting right, but he was reasonably comfortable...though there were still a few areas of discomfort.

[vas]

Now, now, Vas mentally scowled herself, It isn’t his fault he doesn’t know the first thing about riding. Even that thought sounded vain, but no matter how she tried to rework it she always sounded a bit full of herself. Well, was it so wrong to feel good about knowing what you were doing? Or maybe she just liked having him at her mercy… Oh God Vas, you’re turning into one of them. Unable to help herself she glanced at Regulus – the Serpentine Prince as he was going by these days; a full-hearted Slytherin. After a quick sweep at her own appearance she felt slightly better, forcing her brain to picture herself in her Ravenclaw robes. She remembered quite clearly the small dispute that had echoed in her own head from that weird hat of Dumbledore’s. You’d do great things in Slytherin, it had told her, You’d meet great people… But she hadn’t bought it, urging it to favor with the Ravenclaw side of her. Obviously Vas had won, but she couldn’t help the wondering thought: what if I had been placed in Slytherin? It wouldn’t have been so bad if she could have been in Regulus’s House.

“Careful Vas your beginning to sound like me,” Regulus chuckled, literally shocking her back into reality. Oh God, could he read minds too? Letting herself getting fidgety while trying to ride wasn’t the best of ideas, but he had literally echoed her thoughts. Wouldn’t that just be great…now she wouldn’t be the only one hearing her own gushing thoughts over him. Juuust what she needed. As if it wasn’t obvious enough. “Yeah, well, company does tend to have an effect on how one acts,” she improvised weakly, trying to make herself sound sure. Her ploy might not work so well on a seasoned liar like him, but it was worth a try. Maybe a pitiful hope, but…

Silvara shifted eagerly underneath her, pawing the ground with anxiety. Vas laughed lightly and smoothed down his glowing mane to steady him as Regulus finally pulled himself up. She had to commend him, able to easily enough follow her complicated instructions. Perhaps she should have given him more credit. “See, not so hard,” she grinned instead, somewhat complimenting him though not right out with it. Her pride was just a little too big to allow her to do that outwardly, even if she thought he was the greatest thing in the world silently all the time. That in mind, you can only imagine how much it thrilled her to have him close to her…holding her! Who cares if it was merely for security purpose only? She wanted to shriek, but knew that’d probably not only scare him enough into falling off but crush any hopes she may or may not have with him. Taking a steady breath to calm herself, she squeezed her legs tight and sent Silvara trotting through the trees. The easy movements helped her heart beat, lulling her into the familiar motions. Her smile grew, “We’ll have to find a clearer somewhere or something,” she said conversationally, knowing the chance of finding any less dense areas in the Forest would be difficult, “You’ve got to see just how fast he can go.” There was no use hiding the excitement in her voice. Plus, Vas loved showing off.