Islana and Ch’Truta - Part 3

JP with MD and Cindy

"Okay, I am going to get on M'hana and show you a few things. You can watch then try." Islana explained. "First, get on from the right side. Swing your leg over like this." She got on the horse with ease. Then Islana showed Ch’Truta how to start the horse by gently tapping her heels. Left, right, backing up. Once she was done showing Ch’Truta those a few times, the young leader said. "Remember one tap with your heels lightly to walk - otherwise known as trot. Try to be as fluid as possible. If the horse feels too much pressure or too many taps he might mistake the signal. Like this." She grinned, and gave the horse the signal to gallop. Going twice around the open area in quick succession, then returning to Ch'Truta. "While that's fun, it's best to hold off until you're ready." She got off the stallion. "So, Ch'Truta try getting on.”

Ch’Truta observed her graceful nature upon the beast. It seemed to do what Islana had wanted him to do. Ch’Truta had never witnessed such a graceful event. Woman and beast working together for one goal. Islana didn’t even need assistance in dismounting the animal, which seemed to dwarf Islana.

When Islana requested Ch’Truta to try to mount the beast, he hesitated at first. Ch’Truta then reached and swiped his hand down the stallion’s neck to relieve his stress more than M’hana’s. Then, stepping into the stirrup, Ch’Truta lifted himself up, then awkwardly swung a stiffened leg over the back. Somehow, Ch’Truta thought he didn’t look as graceful as Islana, nor as beautiful.

Ch'Truta wasn't graceful, but at least he didn't fall off the horse. "That will come easier the more you do it. Just try to make it, a little more fluid." Islana instructed, then went near the front of the stallion, "Now, follow me around the pen." The redhead made a clicking sound and began walking, M'hana followed. Islana walked around the pen once, with Ch'Truta riding M'hana walking behind her, then stopped and moved off to the side. "Ch’Truta, I want you to go around the pen, this time, without me leading." Islana stood back.

Meanwhile, the Skelep had moved closer to the pen, and was watching the goings-on. Islana assumed it was because she was out there but very possibly the curiosity had gotten to the creature.

Ch’Truta was tense at first, which caused the ride to be uncomfortable and Ch’Truta himself to be unbalanced. Heeding Islana’s words, Ch’Truta eased up and tried to relax. He could sense his body was more in connected with M’hana’s movements the more relaxed he became. This caused Ch’Truta to relax more and move with M’Hana.

When Islana suggested he go it alone, he looked inquisitively at her. So soon? He’d rather have her ride up here with him as he held her. Ch’Truta checked himself, checking the area for others. All he saw was the Skelep.

As he had her confidence and Ch’Truta was feeling more relaxed being upon a beast, Ch’Truta began to ride the horse about the corral. He accidentally kicked M’hana twice, which caused M’hana do more than a trot. This caused Ch’Truta bounce more, causing him almost to panic. But after a few times around, he began to feel the rhythm that M’hana generated and began to move along with the horse. One thing he understood, if he didn’t move with the horse, chances were Ch’Truta would be sore by the end of the day.

Ch'Truta was picking up horseback riding better than some, he seemed to be able to relax, after a time. When M'hana took off with Ch'Truta on his back, Islana kind of wanted to laugh but refrained not wanting to accidentally insult the man.

She continued to watch Ch'Truta and M'hana learn to work together more in sync with each pass. Till she finally called them back. Her head tilted up to the man on top of his steed. "You have done well for your first day. Why don't you get off M'hana now, and I can show you how to properly take care of him.”

The more Ch’Truta rode around the corral, the freer he felt. His shoulders squared, his chin high, Ch’Truta was exhilarated. It was a feeling Ch’Truta had never felt before.

Sliding off the horse, he stood before Islana. Ch’Truta raised his arms as if to take her in his arms and hold her to himself, but thought better of it. He needed to protect her reputation as much as her well-being. He wanted to show his appreciation for her in a real way, but had to settle for, “Thank you, Sister Locust. This gave me the feeling of being free.”