Gingerly you set your foot in the stirrup, take a deep breath, and throw your weight forward, mounting the polished leather saddle atop the chimeric beast. It squawks in protest at your unfamiliar presence, its powerful muscles hard and taut, ready to buck you off. Patting the creature's toned, equine flank to reassure it your intentions are noble, you hold a scrap of jerky to its beak—carefully—hoping your new companion accepts the offering. Trilling happily, your mount plucks the treat from your fingers and you feel the tension melt from its body—it seems it will give you a chance.
~ Envisioned by Clara C. Potter on Discord
