five :|: freedom
There is nothing Irelia enjoys more as a hobby than horseriding.
It has long served as her escape from her troubles. First, when childhood stresses that seemed like the end of the world would get her down in the dumps, and she would trot off to the stables to groom and feed the horses. Then, when her father was sick. She would leave for an hour or so when the stench of sickness got too overwhelming, galloping through the cherry blossoms and sucking down mouthfuls of clean air.
Now, when the overwhelming feeling that she is supposed to be dead kicks itself into overdrive, there is nothing that makes her feel more alive than to simply ride.
Irelia takes care of her own horses. She owns three, and they live in a communal stable not far from her home. Grooming and feeding them is as soothing as riding, and she can lose hours to the task. All three have names -- based on their individual personalities. Her favourite, a strong, black mare, is named after Karma -- as it shares some pertinent traits with the duchess Irelia is rather fond of.