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Post by Ashley Bates on Dec 15, 2015 19:48:14 GMT -5
Ash smirked at Dakota’s description of him. It was not the first time that he had heard someone describe him that way and she was not entirely wrong either. He knew that he was a stick in the mud by most standards and many people couldn’t understand why he took things so seriously. He had his reasons though and more often than not his seriousness had saved him from making foolish mistakes. That didn’t mean he wasn’t enjoying himself however. In fact nothing could have been further from the truth.
Listening to her light chuckle Ash had to nod his head in agreement with her statement. "We all have our responsibilities. Fortunately there are chances like this to provide a little excitement. We just have to enjoy them when they come." The statement might have sounded odd coming from Ash but he said it as simply and plainly as ever showing that he believed it.
Ash wondered for a moment if Dakota really minded that he was so serious. She certainly didn't seem to. Still, perhaps he could explain it a little about himself while showing he was not quite as much of a stick in the mud as she might have thought. He didn’t know if it was the girl being so close to him or the feeling of soaring through the air that had gotten his blood up but he was in a show-offy mood.
“Growing up I was always quick at learning how to ride, how to take care of animals and how to hunt but in the area of relaxing I have always been a little slow.” He said in his usual stoic tone before letting his voice show a little more emotion. “I am having fun though. My riding companion is having something to do with that I think but perhaps a demonstration is in order. Hold on tight.” Moving one hand over hers to insure she didn't let go Ash cast a smile back over his shoulder and then pulled back on the reins sending Blue Sky into a rushing dive.
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Post by Ashley Bates on Dec 14, 2015 20:02:40 GMT -5
Dakota seemed to be thinking about something as he watched her. Ash was not a mind reader however and he didn’t spend much time trying to figure out what was going through her head. If she had something to say he had no doubt she would say it but for now it wasn’t the time or the place to try and drag it out of her. “The advice is helping...” He confirmed. “…but I should know better. I believe my tension is more my own doing than anything else.”
It was with some effort that he finally tore his gaze away from Dakota’s. He realized now that it wasn’t just the thrill of flying that had gotten his blood up. The Aphrodite girl’s eyes were dangerous. A guy could get lost in them if he wasn’t careful and Ash was not interested in taking another tumble from the saddle especially while said Aphrodite girl was depending on him to keep his balance. "It's a liberating feeling getting to be up here. It's a wonder you ever want to come down."
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Apollo
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Post by Ashley Bates on Dec 13, 2015 0:11:01 GMT -5
There were times Ash really didn’t understand what his sister was saying. Well to be fair he didn’t understand what she was saying most of the time but especially when she got like this talking about things that he had no clue about. Fortunately he had learned to ignore it for the most part. He liked his sister but sometimes it was just better to let her expend that seemingly endless pool of energy than try and slow her down. In any case she seemed to be ready to go hunting now and to Ash that was all that mattered.
Picking up his bow and grabbing his magical backpack Ash separated himself from his sister and began heading for the door. “Better grab your bow at least. Even though I have no doubt that you would try you’ll need a weapon besides attempting to talk the animals to death.”
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Post by Ashley Bates on Dec 12, 2015 23:58:33 GMT -5
As Dakota handed over the reins and wrapped her arms around him Ash became immediately aware of just how close she was too him. The feel of her holding on to him, her warmth against his back, these were all sensations which were new to him and yet surprisingly pleasant. With all that going through his mind it was no wonder that he tensed as he took control of Blue Sky and it was only when Dakota spoke up in his ear telling him to relax that he was finally able to do so despite it still taking a considerable effort on his part.
Taking a deep breath of the cool, clean air to clear his head Ash finally relaxed his grip all the while assuming the strong and confident riding posture that he had learned over years working at his grandfather’s ranch. It actually wasn’t much different from riding a horse when you got over the fact that there was no contact with the ground. After that you just had to get use to the occasional dip or sway as the pegasus’ wings beat the air and things started falling into place.
After a few moments Ash thought he had the hang of things. He led Blue Sky into a gentle glide so that they could soar over the camp far below. It was nice up here and he wanted to enjoy this as long as he could. “You’re right. It’s easy once you get the hang of it.” He said as he glanced around taking in the view from this height. “You’re lucky to be able to come up here whenever you want. It really is something special.” Pausing for a moment he glanced back over his shoulder and caught Dakota’s gaze to see how she was doing. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
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Post by Ashley Bates on Dec 10, 2015 19:15:05 GMT -5
Dakota had looked initially surprised when he had asked her to ride out with him but she eventually accepted his invitation. That was good. Ash liked the pretty rancher and was looking forward to their ride. Beside, Blue Sky was her pegasus after all. It was only right that she should be able to ride along with him. He cleared some space for her to sit and when she had pulled herself up behind him he let her settle herself in before finally giving her the okay to ride.
That was all it took Blue Sky was up and climbing towards the sky in an instant. Ash watched the trees and the camp rush past as they gained altitude and before long they were soaring. Dakota had been right about her pegasus. Blue Sky complained very little about the added weight of an extra rider and she actually appeared to be enjoying the opportunity to stretch her wings. As for Ash he was enjoying the opportunity to fly as well not to mention his lovely riding companion. There was only one thing missing.
"This is great." He called back over the rushing wind at the girl behind him. The air was cool and crisp up this high and it was, he thought, a view that everyone needed to see at least once. Still, he hadn't come up here just for the view. "Do you mind if I take the reigns? I want to see what Blue Sky here can do."
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Post by Ashley Bates on Dec 7, 2015 20:30:50 GMT -5
Ash didn't know about the whole demigod idea unless it was some kind of special power the Aphrodite kids had that he didn't know about. More likely it was the fact that Dakota had been given Blue Sky as a gift from her mother. In Ash's experience when the gods decided to send their children gifts it was something they needed. The same had been true of his backpack at least. Perhaps the pegasus had been just what Dakota needed in some way. In any case Ash couldn't see it mattering that much. Dakota and the pegasus seemed happy and that was all he needed to know.
In response to her joke about Blue Sky not bucking him off Ash gave a simple nod of acceptance. He was wearing that stern expression of intense concentration that made him look much older than he really was. Unfortunately flashes of humor were not his usual thing and it was obvious that he had turned his attention back to the task at hand, if it had ever left to begin with.
"That seems easy enough." He said with confidence. "I've been riding practically since I've been able to sit a horse so as long as Blue Sky is as considerate as her mistress I think we'll get along." Ash gave the pegasus a few more affectionate pats before stepping into one of the stirrups and swinging himself into the saddle. "I would invite you to ride along but perhaps you would prefer to watch."
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Post by Ashley Bates on Dec 5, 2015 16:50:53 GMT -5
The pegasus was obviously interested in whatever Dakota was carrying in her pocket and that made Ash assume that it was some kind of treat. He had been around horses long enough to know they were very intelligent creatures and it appeared pegasi were not that different. "Perhaps it's more than just the sweetness she likes." Ash said as he watched Dakota feed the pegasus a sugar cube. "The two of you seem to have a strong bond."
He had seen it before. Horses also knew who were good to them as Dakota was to Blue Sky and a good rider could build up a rapport with their animal to where the steed was not only a method of getting from point A to point B but a also a companion for the trail. Ash thought that told him a lot about what kind of person Dakota was.
Climbing over the fence with practiced ease at her invitation Ash dropped down on the other side in front of the girl. "Do you have any tips for me?" He asked sincerely enough and then added. "Or maybe you're hoping you'll get another chance to patch me up before the day is through."
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Post by Ashley Bates on Dec 3, 2015 21:10:52 GMT -5
Ash continued watching her as the girl noticed him and began making her way over. Dakota did actually recognize him so that was a good thing and judging by her response he supposed it was more than a passing recollection. Ash nodded in response to his name as she approached and when she was finished picked up the conversation. “Dakota. It’s good to see you again.” He paused for a moment to look Dakota’s pegasus over. She hadn’t lied about Blue Sky's quality and Ash had to admit that he could see how the pegasus would be a cut above the rest.
"So this is Blue Sky?" He said appreciatively. "She is a beauty." When the pegasus was brought within reach Ash extended his hand to stroke her forehead. "Actually I was just walking by when I noticed you riding but if you’re going to be out for a while I would appreciate the experience. It’s certainly not every day I get to ride such a fine creature as this one or to see a show like you just put on. It takes me back to some of the rodeos I attended back home.”
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Post by Ashley Bates on Dec 2, 2015 14:01:16 GMT -5
Ash stretched as he walked along the path from the cabins. It was nice to be able to do that without the dull ache of his bones from his falling injury a few weeks back. He had been limiting himself lately but with a few ambrosia treatments and a little healing magic from his siblings his injuries had been healing nicely. Now he was feeling pretty good and thought he could get back to his ordinary life, if you could call anything about the life of a demi god ordinary.
Unfortunately he hasn't had a chance to stop by and visit the pretty nurse who had fixed him up that day when he fell off his pegasus. He doubted seriously if she even remembered him, they hadn't been able to talk that long after all, but Ash still wanted to thank her again for the job she had done on him that day. There was also the matter of the pegasus she had offered to let him train on. That was something to think about too but it was secondary to the fact that he had enjoyed the conversation they had gotten a chance to share and it would be nice to continue that under less chaotic circumstances than the busy infirmary.
Today might be that day that he stopped by, if he could find out where she was. He had thought to stop by the infirmary to check but didn't really want to interrupt her work again. That didn't really leave him many options but fortunately it appeared that he wouldn't have to go investigating any of them as the path he was walking took him right by the stable yard.
The sound of hooves thundering against the ground in a fast run brought Ash out of his thoughts and caused him to look up. It was then that he saw her, his nurse from the infirmary, she was riding hard and by the look of things she was enjoying herself immensely.
Ash stopped and watched her for a moment as she led her pegasus through tight turns that he couldn't deny were impressive. She was good despite the fact that she hasn't used her skills in a while but all things considered he thought that was understandable.
Moving over to the fence railing Ash leaned against it like an old cowboy and continued to watch the show giving her a little wave when she passed close by just to let her know he was there. He would let her have her fun. He could wait until she was finished.
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Post by Ashley Bates on Nov 30, 2015 13:45:39 GMT -5
Ash blinked. He lost her there for a second with something about Artemis making out with a nymph. He wasn’t sure about the details exactly as Ali was still in a pretty excitable mood but he guessed that kind of thing might happen in an all girl hunting group even though he couldn’t see how it was any of his business. In any case he didn’t particularly care and didn’t really have that much time to think about it much anyways as practically in the next breath she was ‘asking him out’.
Ash sighed. His sister really needed to learn to use some filters as what she was hinting at was just so much ‘Nope!’ that he didn’t even want to think about it. Still, he had been looking for a hunting partner and he knew Ali was good on her claim that she was an excellent archer. She had Apollo and Artemis powers after all so he thought that he could at least take her up on the offer. “You came around at just the right time. I was actually just getting my bow ready. I didn’t have any plans but I can certainly always make some if you’re up for it.”
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Post by Ashley Bates on Nov 30, 2015 13:42:29 GMT -5
So she was an Aphrodite kid. 'Well that definitely explains the pretty part.' He thought and she definitely was that. Typically Ash didn't have many dealings with the kids from the Aphrodite cabin. He was a guy that liked getting his hands dirty who didn't mind spending nights out in the woods or on the open range and so many of the Aphrodite kids weren't about that life. It was good to see Dakota was a little different than that typical pretty girl / boy mold. He liked it.
"Well, it's nice to meet you Dakota and I'm sure some of your riding will transfer over. Who knows, after I get my feet under me with Blue Sky I might even have a few things to show you." An actual smile broke across his face for once in what might have been weeks or even months. It was perhaps made more charming and sincere for the very fact that he didn't use it much. It made him look more like his actual age than the hard, no nonsense character whose serious side could be a little scary in its intensity and it lasted only for a few moments but it had been there nonetheless. "In any case it would be nice to see you again in better circumstances. If that's not too forward of me to say so."
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Post by Ashley Bates on Nov 29, 2015 20:07:24 GMT -5
“Blue Sky, a fine name for a pegasus.” Ash said as he considered her proposal. “I might have to take you up on that offer so long as you show me some of your show riding. If that’s not too much for me to ask that is.” He had no problem learning his lessons the hard way but he wasn’t above accepting help if needed. Self-deception was only pride in disguise and that was not something that he wanted to indulge. If she was willing to offer him some lessons then he saw no reason he should have to go through the effort of teaching himself especially when he had the opportunity to learn from such a pretty cowgirl.
“Unfortunately I believe most of my siblings rely on their healing magic too much. I’ve never had much skill in that area myself but I have picked up a few first aid tricks in case of emergencies. I wouldn’t be able to bind a wound like that.” He nodded towards the second camper across the room. “But I know enough so that I wouldn’t be useless in a crisis. It is a shame that you can’t get more help though.”
Suddenly Ash gave her a curious look. He realized that he didn’t even know this girl’s name which was a shame considering that she had patched him up and was offering to let him ride her pegasus. This had to change as he at least needed something to call her. “You’ll have to excuse me for a fool but I just realized I don’t even know your name. Mine's Ash.”
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Post by Ashley Bates on Nov 29, 2015 0:17:58 GMT -5
Just as he had expected they hadn’t crossed paths before. Still, Ash did know Amarill and he knew it hosted some pretty big rodeos. This girl and her brother had to be a pretty accomplished if they were making it out of their state and down to his. At the very least it showed that they took the competition circuit seriously. “It sounds like you could probably teach me a few things about riding if that’s the case. I’m sure you know some pretty fancy ticks if you’ve been winning titles.”
Ash raised an eyebrow when she talked about discovering her status as a demigod when she was studying to be a nurse. He thought that would have made her claiming very late and that was a bit odd considering how young some of the half-blood kids were around here. His own little brother Lucas was only eight after all and Apollo had already claimed him. Now he had already taken to living in the cabin with his Apollo siblings. Granted there was no hard and fast rule as to when the gods claimed their children but it still made him wonder.
“Cockatrice…those are a nasty bit of business. I’m glad you were able to fight it off. Not many people would be able to do that on their own.” He wasn’t really sure how she had fared in the battle with the monster but she had made it out alive to be here at camp and in the end that was all that mattered. "In any case you're here now and the camp seems to have benefited from your medical knowledge."
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Post by Ashley Bates on Nov 28, 2015 15:51:06 GMT -5
Ash was glad that he sat his bow aside when Ali decided to spring at him. He had learned to expect these types of shows of affection from her and also the series of questions that seemed to flow out of her like an open floodgate. While this later tendency proved very annoying at times for the most part he had gotten used to it. He could no more change that about her than he could his love for hunting. He did know however, that not all these question needed to be answered. In fact, it would do little good to answer some of them at all as Ali always asked him many of the same questions no matter what his answer was.
As she stepped back away from him Ash held up one finger as he always did to tell her to slow down. “Easy Ali. One question at a time.” He said calmly. “I’m well and no I haven’t found a girl.” He wasn’t sure why his sister was so insistent about poking around in his love life. For Ash love was not something that you could be forced into. Much like the prophecies from the oracle it came around in its own time and when it did there was little doubt as to what it was. There was no need to be worried about the issue.
Ash decided it was best to get off the topic of dating before his sister got too carried away with it. That being said she sometimes jumped from topic to topic so fast that he really didn’t have to try too hard. “I’m glad things went well for you. How long are you here for before you have to head out again?”
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Post by Ashley Bates on Nov 27, 2015 8:27:42 GMT -5
Ash listened and nodded as she talked about where she was from. He hadn’t heard of the town but considering he had never been to Idaho that wasn’t so surprising. Still, he definitely knew something of horseback riding and rodeos and could appreciate the hard work that it took to win those titles. “Very impressive. No easy feat by any means. Did you ever make it down to Texas?”
The chance that she had ever competed in a rodeo he had been to was minuscule at best. Texas as a big place and rodeos were a dime a dozen back home. Still, she might know a few places he did as well and at least it was something to talk about. Common ground that many people didn’t understand unless they had grown up on a ranch or farm as well.
“Perhaps it’s not always this busy but you do handle it well.” He said after she had finished talking about the infirmary. All was quiet now and he was glad she was getting a break after being so busy. Still, it did leave some questions in his mind. “Are you studying to be a doctor or just filling in here at camp? I’ve had some experience fixing up the animals around the ranch but nothing like this and you had to have picked up your skills from somewhere.”
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