Hanzi accepted the horse from Luca with great reluctance. Of course he could ride (what gypsy couldn't?) but he was much more of a runner than a horseman. When interregated about it Hanzi usually let fly with a rather pointed "
Well, how would it feel if someone rode you?" reply. Deep down (though he would never admit it) big animals made him a tad nervous. A crushed toe when Hanzi was a toddler cemented that fear into his being. Trust them to pull a vardo? Sure. Ride them? No, not if Hanzi could help it.
Except now he was practically forced by Luca to take a horse. Hanzi tried to insist he was as fast as a horse, but Luca didn't buy it.
Hanzi arrived last, mainly because the dang horse wouldn't go the right direction! First, the horse wouldn't move for a full minute, then it decided it was going to eat some grass over there, then he decided to walk lazily north. Hanzi hopped off and gave the horse a talking to. The horse seemed unfazed by the gypsy's demands for obidience. Hanzi could eat his hat with frustration as the Horse suddenly started to trot away, leaving the poor gypsy to run after it in a panic.
Animals. Should all be eaten!
Hanzi managed to reach the starting off point with much difficulty and begging.
Hanzi greeted everyone in turn-
He gave Caldo, his cousin, an affectionate punch in the arm. Emiliano and Everilda got his condolences and a couple thoughtful words. Luca, the horse bringer got a half-scowl.
Gitana received a polite yet warm arm across the shoulder, he shook her a little roughly- but this was how the normally stoic gypsy bruiser showed a little warmth.
Jehan got a respectful nod. This was a good lad, Hanzi decided.
"Sastimos, my fighting cousin." He gave the traditional greeting for Air'riela protectors- the rough and tumble men whom defended the kumpanias. It basically meant that Hanzi accepted Jehan as a peer.
Avrie- whom he was beginning to know better he gave a wave and small smile. Though a half-gaje, Hanzi came to a realization about her. She meant well, and it wasn't her fault that her hertiage was a bit well...flawed in Hanzi's mind.
...and her husband? A pointy-eared gaje? Hanzi stared blankly at Venn greeted him. Probably even a small snarl began to form at his lips. However, Hanzi's eyes flickered over to Avrie and his face transformed into a smile.
"Serale, Sirrrr" He rolled the 'r' a little. He spoke in common- fluent yet with a strong accent. Yet he exagerated this accent, which he often did, and the accent on thick.
"Venn Drega. I am honorrrrred to meet you. I am Hanzi Ambarrrrrrrando.
"If you please, we ride!" Hanzi, the guide on this adventure would lead the way. He pointed north towards Vorex and kicked his horse in the sides. The horse snorted and took off at a run. Poor Hanzi hung onto the horse in terror as the horse snaked through the forest at a blistering pace.
"Horse! Tree stump!" He shouted and pointed. A tree-foot high stump loomed in the distance. The horse took off jumping high and over the rotten stump. They fell with a bang and Hanzi scrambled to hold onto the horn. He pulled himself up and gave a cheer. Hey, maybe riding was a little fun after all...
"Baxtalo! This is the way!"
ooc-
occ2- Regular for common speech, this
green color for Aire.