The pony remained still, allowing Aqua to pet her. Her ears twitched and curved a bit, as though she knew the pair were talking about her. Sakichi's own hand moves to rest on the animal's flank, giving it a small pat as he nods in his newfound sister's direction.

"She is. Lord Hanbei presented to me in the spring - I expect he too will do the same of you, when you come of age," he says, speaking as though he were many years her senior. The age difference between them was minimal at best and Sakichi was not even an adult yet, even if he spoke with the air of one. The servants finish placing the saddle and adjusting the young mare's reins, nodding to Sakichi and bowing once it was completed. He nods his head in response before turning back to the girl.

"Go on. Climb into the saddle."