https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSYrgkWfvucHandling the increased pace isn't difficult, your mount kept itself surprisingly upright while carrying you forward with its strong legs, and the flat ground helped immensely with keeping your balance. These raptors are capable of much, much more speed, Adamant whipping tail, and mocking snorts might be hinting at a desire to run.
These mounts are projections of Hao's imagination, her precious partner truly placed itself inside her soul.
''Okay, getting used to it.'' Poor Klesiah was tense enough to break something with her spine, she's putting a commendable effort.
''Your life here was a difficult one, Hao?'' It's more of a statement than a question, she had fully expected it of course but she still wince.
''No.'' She looks back to you and Klesiah. ''Arawn had it much harder, I saw some of your dreams before you told us your past in that kingdom...'' Her sincere empathy and gentle love drown her bitterness. ''Hao life was easy because she was born strong, born to a strong woman, amidst strong people.''
Duality dwelled inside her. She didn't want to speak, yet wanted to share. She knew you were willing to listen to her, yet felt insignificant. You and Klesiah were far worthier of worry and help.
She's... being so <span class="mu-s">honest</span>, so naked with her emotions. Gods above, to think you met her by chance, inside that cursed forest of death.
''My father was a traveling warrior I think, never heard much about him.'' Hao begins, gesturing for you and Klesiah to slow down to a walk. ''My mother was a shaman of the Dasyu, one who devised omens in the sky stars and a mage of wind, she'd often help our leader and even advise important guests from other tribes.''
''I was born to pursue strength, that's what the elders saw in me.'' Hao directs your trio to climb up a small hill, observing how you and Klesiah handle yourselves. ''Train. Fight. Break a few teeth. Wrestle. Saddled from dawn to dusk. Spend weeks out in the plains with hunters, learn how to track, how to keep up. Luckiest children have the chance to kill popos by jumping on them, sink a sword in their soft throat.'' As you reach the top, she stops her mount. What lies ahead is a vast, infinite, almost totally flat horizon of green.
Land of freedom indeed.
Neither you nor Klesiah need to give Hao encouragement, she can feel it.
''That's a normal childhood for a child of the plains. Do well, and you are praised, I enjoyed it until I grew old enough to realize my mother always gifted me her compliments and rewards when I didn't dominate others. One day, a family of monstrous refugees bought my tribe service to be led away from the plains, and that's when I realized that a father exists.'' Carefully she starts walking down, taking a moment to smile at Klesiah as she nearly wraps an arm around her lizard's neck.
