[He has zero reason to be afraid of horses, having never had a bad experience--or really any experience--and he's not typically the timid type, even if he can certainly be somewhat anxious. So although Hilda's comments are encouraging, not insulting or patronizing or anything, Jayden feels a sudden flash of annoyance at himself and considers Maple for just a moment before stepping closer and reaching out to touch her mane as they walk.
Maple, unsurprisingly, barely pays him any attention, one of her ears twitching but otherwise the horse seems much more interested in continuing to pull the cart than anything else. Jayden, on the other hand--]
no subject
Maple, unsurprisingly, barely pays him any attention, one of her ears twitching but otherwise the horse seems much more interested in continuing to pull the cart than anything else. Jayden, on the other hand--]
I didn't think it'd be so soft.
[The mane. He thought it'd be a lot coarser.]