ｗｉｎｄｓ ｏｆ ａｚｕｒｅ;

Snowy Siblings

“I think we’ll be okay… it isn’t like I haven’t ridden him before– wait, we’ll get in trouble for this?” He furrowed his brows and frowned having not fully thought about the repercussions that this trip could have towards them. It was too late now, wasn’t it? He sighed and concluded the preparations on his horse. Of course they would. That slipped his mind for a moment.

He, too, hops onto the saddle and collected the reins in his hands. “Thanks, sister. I appreciate that a lot…”

“Maybe just a little. And, honestly, you could just blame me. I did sorta goad you into this.” At least she was honest, and very gently spurred the horse forward just enough to leave the stables and wait for him. If anything, she was a good sister, although she was adventurous and a bit of a troublemaker… but she would not let her brother get hurt, nor would she just leave him alone.

“Don’t worry. Actually… Can I teach you a trick? When you’re on the horse, pretend to be like Father. Straighten your back, and be confident in your movements. That’s how I learned how to do this. It’s actually only my second time on a horse.”

“I learned by watching Father from my window, actually…. though I had a lot of trouble the first time, until I figured out exactly what to do. It’s actually easy, like walking. Once you get it down the first time, you’re good.”

#fledglingphoenixflight #hurrrr

Like father? Following her advice he straightens his back and postures himself much like how he had seen Cao Pi on his horse. Li nudged his steed forward with a movement of his feet, the horse begins walking and he nudges it in the direction of his sister. He follows at her side. “This does seem easier. Thanks!” He said with a smile.

Snowy Siblings

Cao Li was… not really partial to the idea of riding when he had only just begun the learning process. He knew how to make a horse walk, and how to make a horse REALLY go. The later being by accident and getting carried away. In the stables he looks at all the horses and then took a look at his sister and the horse. “Oh, I-I think we should go on our seperate horses.” He smiled somewhat, a nervous thing that tries to hide his unease. Cao Li approaches the white stallion he had come somewhat familiar with, fingers go out to ghost over the stallion’s nose. “B-be gentle.. okay?” He begins getting his choice of horse prepared. Father is going to kill me.

Oh dear. the second that she saw what horse he was going for, she internally panicked slightly, and went over to him.

“Li, That’s Father’s horse. If we take him, we’re sure to get in trouble.”

But even though her words said one thing, her eyes said another. She really REALLY wanted to take that horse, even to the point of nudging Li gently with her shoulder as he was prepping the saddle. Sure, it seemed rather clumsy the way that he saddled the horse backwards, but at least she was lucky enough that she knew how to whistle exactly like her father, or how to ride fast enough to catch the horse if it got out of control.

“But… if you really want to, we’re already going to get into trouble.”

She finally laughed and swung up in one fluid motion into the saddle, very glad that she made the decision earlier to wear pants instead of her normal dress. Still, this was her big brother… the one she felt the closest to, and evened her out just a bit. She truly cared for him deeply.

“Hey… just so you know… if you start having trouble, I’ll come help, okay? Just call for me, and I’ll come.”

“I think we’ll be okay... it isn’t like I haven’t ridden him before-- wait, we’ll get in trouble for this?” He furrowed his brows and frowned having not fully thought about the repercussions that this trip could have towards them. It was too late now, wasn’t it? He sighed and concluded the preparations on his horse. Of course they would. That slipped his mind for a moment.

He, too, hops onto the saddle and collected the reins in his hands. “Thanks, sister. I appreciate that a lot...”

Offline

“Y-yeah. Definitely.” Says the boy who got ahead of himself. Combing his gloved fingers through his hair he lets out a sigh following. “Could you tell me what to do, father? I… I may get a better idea…” Now he was seated in the saddle correctly and posture straightened from when he was hunched over and clinging on for dear life. He collected the reins once more and kept them at a slackened length for the horse.

It was good that he was not going to give up just from a mistake as simple as that one – he couldn’t stand when people behaved like that. He nodded his head and stepped away in order to give him space. ❝Give him a tap with your heels, but not too hard. Clicking your tongue as you do so helps. Once he starts to move, pull the reins in the direction you want to go so that his nose points in that direction as well. You needn’t say anything to him if you wish to stop, simply pull back on the reins.❞

Just that simple huh? Cao Li gripped the reins a little bit tighter and then nudged his feet. Li also clicked his tongue and began directing the horse forward. Bit by bit the stallion walks forward at a smooth pace and Cao Li looks absolutely excited that he is actually doing it. He glances back to see if he was getting some gesture of approval. Then, he pulls on the reins and stops the horse."Hey! I did it!" He said, patting the horse on the neck.

Snowy Siblings

Cao Li knew horses were interesting, but could they be this interesting? He watched his sister take off at the moment of his confirmation that he would take her. Hurrying he easily catches up to her and looks almost curious. “How come you wanna’ see the horses anyway?”

“Well… I don’t wanna just see them… I want to ride them. You’ll come with, right?” She quickly explained, practically skipping towards the stables now in a rather cheerful mood. “Besides… there’s something I need to get, and I need a horse to get it. It’s as simple as that, Li.” At their current pace, the made it to the stables quite easily, and she quickly looked around to see if anybody was around. Finding there wasn’t, she entered the stables, and stopped in front of a chestnut-brown horse.

“Hi there, buddy… didya miss me?”

Her words were light as she started putting on the saddle and the other fixings for riding, and made sure they were fastened before turning to Li.

“This is Chestnut. He’s a pretty good horse. Do you want the reigns, or should I? Or separate horses? It’s up to you, brother.”

Cao Li was... not really partial to the idea of riding when he had only just begun the learning process. He knew how to make a horse walk, and how to make a horse REALLY go. The later being by accident and getting carried away. In the stables he looks at all the horses and then took a look at his sister and the horse. "Oh, I-I think we should go on our seperate horses." He smiled somewhat, a nervous thing that tries to hide his unease. Cao Li approaches the white stallion he had come somewhat familiar with, fingers go out to ghost over the stallion's nose. "B-be gentle.. okay?" He begins getting his choice of horse prepared. Father is going to kill me.

Snowy Siblings

“Uhhh….” Well. Would it do any harm to get out for a bit? He did like the horses… alright. Sure. Cao Li turned towards his sister and smiled very slight. “Sure, I guess I can spare some time. Let’s go.”

“Li, you really are the best!”

Of course she wasn’t fully telling him exactly why she wanted to leave, or where she wanted to go, but as long as he agreed, that’s all that mattered. She quickly placed a kiss to his cheek, before starting to run off ahead of him, waving her hand back and forth in the air.

“Come on! Come on! Hurry up, Li! I shouldn’t be able to outrun you, Big brother! At this rate, we’ll get there by evening!”

Snowy Siblings

The gardens were a place of zen. He usually spent his time here keeping to himself as he normally did. Most of the time anyways. The weight on his shoulder and the added toying with a lock of his hair got Cao Li pondering. Then, a familiar voice.

“Huh? What is it you want me to do?” Well, he didn’t say no. Or yes either for that matter.

Well, at least he outright didn’t say ‘no’ like Rui probably would’ve. That was a positive.

“It’s just a small, little thing… Teensy tiny little thing… Can you go with me to the stables? I’m not allowed out without ‘supervision’ still… and with you there, I’ll definitely be supervised, and safe. Pleeeeease, Li? I’ll be the one to actually ride the horse if you don’t feel safe doing it!”

Oh, she really hoped he would say yes to this, as she really needed a break from all the poking of her fingers with needles going through fabric…. or people nagging at her to be more ‘lady-like’.

“A-and I promise it’s only for a short while! I give you my word!”

“Uhhh....” Well. Would it do any harm to get out for a bit? He did like the horses... alright. Sure. Cao Li turned towards his sister and smiled very slight. “Sure, I guess I can spare some time. Let's go.”

Snowy Siblings

“Actually… that’s not a bad idea…”

The princess was rather lost in her thoughts as she was walking around the gardens, but a certain someone caught her eye, and she instantly started to sneak up on him like normal sibling antics that happen… but when she was right behind him, instead of shouting something, she instead set her head on his shoulder, lightly tugging at a strand of his hair.

“Hey, Li? You mind helping me out with something? You know only you can do it! After all, you are the best brother in the entire world!”

#fledglingphoenixflight #HEYOOOOOO

“Huh? What is it you want me to do?” Well, he didn’t say no. Or yes either for that matter.

“That wasn’t so bad…” Cao Li collected the reins into his hands and did so in a manner that allowed some slack on the horses mouth. The horses feet were shifting somewhat with the added weight and confusing messages the Cao Li was sending him through the posture of his body. The question purchases a nod from the Cao Li. With a crack of the reins and a kick of his feet he did way more than he should. This horse is obedient after all.

“W-woah!” The stallion gathers its front legs to its chest and raises on its hind legs while with a push forward the stallion starts sprinting. By this point Cao Li would have let the reins go and just leaned forward, clinging to the stallion with legs and arms.

❝Wait, do not do that ye–❞

Oh, for heavens sake. Cao Pi watched his son cling desperately to the stallion, and released a heavy sigh. It appeared he’d gotten far too ahead of himself. While he could stop it immediately, he wanted to see if Cao Li could take control of the situation – but evidently, he couldn’t do that yet.

He raised his hand to his mouth and gave a sharp whistle, and the beast came to a halt, ears perked and looking in Zihuan’s direction. With another whistle, he returned to Cao Pi’s side with the clinging boy in tow. ❝Well, technically you do know how to get him moving. However, let’s try something… slower.❞

“Y-yeah. Definitely.” Says the boy who got ahead of himself. Combing his gloved fingers through his hair he lets out a sigh following. “Could you tell me what to do, father? I... I may get a better idea...” Now he was seated in the saddle correctly and posture straightened from when he was hunched over and clinging on for dear life. He collected the reins once more and kept them at a slackened length for the horse.

“Huh. That is true. I never thought of those two. Well… Lu Bu is more of a demon from stories I heard… and Red Hare. That horse sounds both amazing and frightening… could I ride him after I learn?” Cao Li followed with the horse being led with the reins gently. For a beginner he has very soft hands and make the bit easier on the mouth.

When they come to a stop it was now time to shine - fall, actually. It comes with the territory of riding a horse in the beginning. “Okay, father.” He confirmed and began to struggle at first because he does not quite have the gauge right in which he needs to leap. Steadying himself he hops on, swinging his leg over and… he is backwards. He frowned and scratches his head for a moment, then slowly he begins to right himself and sit in the saddle, nerves clearly high.

❝It’s… unlikely,❞ that was putting it lightly. Impossible, more like. ❝But perhaps you may ride one much like him some day.❞

Crossing his arms, he watched his son mount his horse – only to do it backwards. Well. That was one way to ride a horse. He tapped his fingertips on his upper arm as a distraction, as it became really tempting to smirk in amusement at that mistake. Now wasn’t the time. ❝It’s alright, you’re doing fine.❞

Approaching Cao Li, he took the reins and put them into the young man’s hands, adjusting his hold on them until it was appropriate. Then, he fixed his posture, and took a few steps back. ❝Remember how you’re holding the reins right now, and you will have no trouble guiding your horse. Do you know how to make him start moving?❞

“That wasn’t so bad...” Cao Li collected the reins into his hands and did so in a manner that allowed some slack on the horses mouth. The horses feet were shifting somewhat with the added weight and confusing messages the Cao Li was sending him through the posture of his body. The question purchases a nod from the Cao Li. With a crack of the reins and a kick of his feet he did way more than he should. This horse is obedient after all.

His own horse. Cao Li approves of this possibility. There is something he could possibly ask of his father… no, that will come later. “Yes, father. I read that horses can feel what the rider feels. Right?”

Ah, yes. Optimism was good to see. Zihuan chuckled and glanced back at Cao Li. ❝If it’s the correct one for you, then yes, it can be true. You already know of Lu Bu and Red Hare – those two are a good example of a mutual understanding.❞

He said nothing more for the duration of their walk. They reached the wide and grassy field within little time, and he then turned to Yuanxiao. ❝Now, mount him and we can begin. He won’t move. Just grab onto the saddle and pull yourself up.❞

“Huh. That is true. I never thought of those two. Well... Lu Bu is more of a demon from stories I heard... and Red Hare. That horse sounds both amazing and frightening... could I ride him after I learn?” Cao Li followed with the horse being led with the reins gently. For a beginner he has very soft hands and make the bit easier on the mouth.

When they come to a stop it was now time to shine - fall, actually. It comes with the territory of riding a horse in the beginning. “Okay, father.” He confirmed and began to struggle at first because he does not quite have the gauge right in which he needs to leap. Steadying himself he hops on, swinging his leg over and... he is backwards. He frowned and scratches his head for a moment, then slowly he begins to right himself and sit in the saddle, nerves clearly high.

"Is everything faring well for you, dear nephew? If you please - I could prepare you a tea and a baozi for this evening's meal..."

“I am well, Auntie. O-Oh. You do not have to go through the trouble.”

#empresspride

A spark of intrigue appeared on his face. “Your stallion? Oh wow…” His excitement of this is clear though the veil he tries to keep on. Off he goes to get the stallion. Cao Li edges the horse out with more care than really necessary; to put it simply he did not want to blemish the stallion’s coat in any way by rubbing up against the stall. He walks the beast out with a small smile on his face. “Okay. I got him.”

❝As he’s one of the most obedient, yes. My stallion.❞ Watching his son retrieve the beast, he noted just how careful he was when leading him out of his stall. It really wouldn’t have been such a big deal, and the horse’s white coat was bound to get dirty anyway. With a nod of his head, he gestured for the young man to follow him.

❝There is only so much I will be able to teach you,❞ he said, his gaze set forward as he walked to the fields. ❝But the most important thing you must remember is the mutual trust between horse and rider. But because you don’t have your own horse, that will come later, probably. Do you have any other questions so far?❞

#osilentphoenix #o3o blub

His own horse. Cao Li approves of this possibility. There is something he could possibly ask of his father... no, that will come later. "Yes, father. I read that horses can feel what the rider feels. Right?"

"Hello, dear brother--how're you doing today?" [ fragrantwinter ]

“I am well. Yourself?”

#fragrantwinter

A grimace was all he could show.

“No, I have only seen horses. I have never ridden them. Is it like riding a cow?”

❝And where would you have– No, it’s not like riding a cow. As you have much to learn, you can ride on my stallion. I have already saddled him up, so all you have to do is bring him out from the stables.❞ He couldn’t possibly screw that up.