Shade´s birthday

[Gambit]

With a brief cry and encouragement of his heels, Gambit sent his horse into a gallop to follow Shade. When the path ended, they flew out into the open space; there was a small hill behind the lake, and they were now heading up along this hill. He allowed his horse to slow down to a lively canter.

[Shade]

When they approached the hill, her horse slowed down a little and, leaving the reins rather lose, Shade allowed the animal to chose its own trod. She let the went go through her hair, thorougly enjoying the ride. It had been so long since she had last been on horseback. She could hear Gambit´s horse closeby and when they reached the top of the hill, she looked back at him over her shoulder waiting for Gambit to join her.

[Gambit]

Gambit caught up with Shade on the top of the hill and slowed his horse down to a halt. "Should've taken a cowboy hat or somethin'," he grinned. "To chase an Indian girl."

[Shade]

Shade mirrored his grin and turned her horse around a little to face him more. "I´ll get you one." she said with a smirk. "You´d look drop dead gorgeous. But you know how things go. Indians usually tie cowboys up against a totem pole."

[Gambit]

"To do what exactly?" Gambit wondered.

[Shade]

"Well..." Shade said, stretching her shoulders. "as far as stories go most cowboys had rather bad luck on those totem poles. But as I´m no traditional Indian girl I might as well break with traditions and rebel against them. And come up with more pleasant thing to do with a tied up cowboy."

[Gambit]

"Dat sound like dis totem pole is my next favorite hang-out place," Gambit remarked with a dreamy expression on his face.

[Shade]

Shade grinned, holding the horse in check which was already prancing slightly again as it wanted to run more. "I´ll devote some of my free time to go and make one then." she said.

[Gambit]

"If ya got any questions, feel free t' consult me," Gambit chuckled. "Another run?" he nodded with his head in the downhill direction where it was easier for the horses to go.

[Shade]

"You bet." Shade said, letting her gaze stray across the hill and downwards. There was a clearing some way off and she pointed at it with a hand. "Race you." she said and kicked the stallion´sides. The animal sprang forwards.

[Gambit]

Gambit grinned, making his horse leap after Shade. He knew there was no point in actual race, he was much heavier than Shade and his horse was still adjusting to his weight, so that gave Shade an advantage of speed; but it didn't mean he couldn't have fun trying.

They went not directly, but across the slope so that it could be easier for the horses.

[Shade]

Again, Shade let the reins lose in a way that would allow her horse to move as it liked. There was no need to speed the stallion; the animal noticed perfectly well that this was sort of a race and holding its head high did what it could to outrace Gambit´s horse. Still, Shade tried to guide the horse a little, wanting to avoid it to stumble.

Leaning in a little to adjust to the horse´s running, she let the horse speed down the hill and further on the path towards the clearing. She could feel adrenaline rush through her body and sent a yell of happyness and excitement out at the sky - something she had done often as a kid.

[Gambit]

Gambit beamed at the sound of her happy voice. He shouted something that sounded cowboyish in his opinion and spurred his horse to go faster to catch up with Shade. Both animals went at a high gallop, stretching their muscles after their long stay in the stables.

He drew up with Shade and gave her a soft punch on the shoulder, "Tagged ya!" - and turned a little to go away from her at the same speed.

[Shade]

Shade let out a laugh and pulled the reins. The horse spun round and she gave it an encouraging yell, making the beast jump after Gambit´s. The stallion quickly closed up and stretched in an attempt to overtake.

[Gambit]

Gambit took a quick glance behind him. "Come on Shade!" he yelled, almost laughing. "You're almost dere!"