[Amanaduial the archer]

Atharen swivelled around to dismount smoothly on the other side of the horse, the side Crystal was not standing on. Coming around the front of the horse, he gestured towards the horse. "If you get on first...I will sit in front, if that is alright with you? It allows me to ride more easily..."

Crystal nodded quickly, apparently relieved then, after a moment's hesitation, she put one foot in the stirrup. The horse was obviously a few hands larger than she was used to though so, with utmost carefullness, Atharen put his hands on her waist. She gasped very quietly, and Atharen counted to three very carefully before boosting her jump. She mounted smoothly, and turned to the other side, fiddling with one stirrup, meaning Atharen was unable to see her face. As she gave him no indication that she was or was not ready, the ranger gave her a moment, then placed both gloved hands on the saddle in front of Crystal and one foot in the stirrup, and swung up carefully. The saddle was of one of the more old-fashioned and less fancy designs, and so had virtually no pommel, making it easier for him to slide back until he was just in front of Crystal.

Taking a deep breath and pretending he could not feel her prescence quite so accutely, he gathered the reigns in one hand and turned his head slightly over his shoulder. "Ready?"

A nod came in reply - Crystal seemed mute. Atharen set the horse walking and, as he felt Crystal's hands slip around his waist, he moved into a trot, hoping the sound of the mare's hooves would cover that of his beating heart...