She often forgot about his affinity to read minds but usually the moment they made some sort of contact, she would feel his presence in her mind. It was like a soft flutter, something that didn't belong and yet she was growing more familiar with it. There was a time when she guarded her thoughts like a steel cage, but with Alexander, she was beginning to open up to it. After all, if her thoughts weren't safe with him, who were they safe with? The closer they got to the stable, the more nervous she felt but she tried to hide it, even knowing that Alexander would feel all of it through their hand contact. Once they were inside, she was assaulted by all the smells. Horses and stool and hay all mixed together to make a strangely pleasant aroma.
She looked around as if expecting to see wild animals but only docile creatures looked at her over the stall doors. She moved close to Alexander, taking comfort from his presence. When he said something and stopped, she looked up, making eye contact with the chestnut mare who stood before her. Watching it nudge Alexander's hand, she let out a breath and took a step toward her. Alexander asked if she'd like to touch her and Alexis looked from him to the horse and back again before slowly nodding. She did...didn't she? Finally she held out her hand, letting the horse sniff her. When the horse didn't jerk back or look like she was going to bolt, Alexis felt herself gain a little confidence. When he asked if she'd like to ride the mare together, Alexis scowled thoughtfully. Surely, he'd want to ride his own to experience it the best.
She could handle this, right? Taking another breath, she took another step closer, letting the horse get her scent again before she started to pet her. As the horse remained calm, Alexis felt herself relaxing. She finally smiled at Alexander. "No, I think..I think I can ride her by myself. If you help me saddle her." She asked with a silent plea.
alexis wilde