Ultimate shoulder rides

caballito · 2026-10-30 04:02:05

A Rainy Night (1)

Long before Elena met Sebastian in San Jeronimo, she lived in the city with her husband, Gabriel, and their two children, Clara and Mateo.

Gabriel was a skilled and methodical engineer, well-regarded for his competence. Elena, meanwhile, had built a stable family life with him, balancing domestic responsibilities, raising their children, and pursuing her own interests.

Everything changed when the company where Gabriel worked secured a major contract: to establish a hospital and other healthcare facilities in the town of San Jeronimo and its surrounding areas over a five-year period.

Company management believed that Gabriel possessed the experience and organizational skills necessary to take on a key role in the project's execution.

One evening, upon returning from work, he found Elena at home; Clara was drawing at the table, and Mateo was playing in the living room.
"Elena, I have some news," Gabriel announced, setting his briefcase down next to a chair.

She looked up.
"Judging by that expression, I hope it's good news."

Gabriel smiled.
"The company has won the contract to set up the hospital in San Jeronimo, along with its network of healthcare facilities. It's a five-year project, and they want me to be directly involved in its development."

Elena paused what she was doing.
"Five years? Does that mean we'll have to move?"

"Most likely. I'll need to coordinate much of the work in the town. I could travel back and forth, but that would be difficult given the responsibilities I'll be taking on. The company is considering relocating part of the technical team."

Elena remained silent. She understood that this opportunity could be a significant step forward in Gabriel's career, but it also meant a major change to the entire family's routine.
"And what is San Jeronimo like?" she finally asked. "It's a town, smaller than the city. It has its own customs, a traditional town square, and a fairly close-knit community. I don't know all the details yet, but we'll find them out."

Clara, who had been listening to the conversation, looked up from her drawing.
"Are we going to live somewhere else?"

"It's possible, sweetheart," Elena replied. "If we move, it will be an adventure for all of us."

Mateo appeared from the living room, holding a toy car.
"Is there a hospital in the town?"

Gabriel chuckled softly.
"Actually, we're going there to help build one."

The news stirred a mix of unease and curiosity in Elena. Over the next few days, she and Gabriel discussed housing, the children's schooling, the logistics of the move, and how they would manage as a family. This wasn't just a temporary getaway or an extended vacation; it was a new chapter, one that could span a significant part of their children's childhood.

In the end, Elena decided to go with him. She had no way of knowing then that San Jeronimo had unique equestrian customs and traditions, nor that its ceremonies would spark an unexpected passion within her. Even less could she have imagined that, that very same night, she would meet Sebastian, a young man who would become fascinated by her personality and the role she would eventually take on in that world.

The hospital contract was the first link in a chain of events neither of them could have foreseen. Gabriel would arrive in the town to build a facility dedicated to saving lives; Elena would discover a community there, vastly different from the one she had known in the city; and Sebastian would cross paths with her at the most unexpected moment.

But that encounter was still a long way off. First, the family had to prepare for the move, say goodbye to their old life, and set out on the journey to San Jeronimo.

caballito · 2026-10-30 06:10:01

A Rainy Night (2)

That same night, before San Jeronimo entered their lives, Elena and her family had gone out to dinner in the city. Gabriel wanted to celebrate the news about the hospital contract and take the opportunity to talk to his wife about preparations for their move.

Elena had chosen an outfit that highlighted her poise: a black leather jacket, a white blouse fitted to her torso, tight black jeans, and high-heeled boots. Her hair was carefully styled, and she walked with a natural confidence, never imagining that this family outing would turn into a life-changing encounter.

The restaurant was lively. Clara was telling a story from school, Mateo was playing with a napkin, and Gabriel was explaining some details of the hospital project.

Then, the rain began.

At first, there were just a few heavy drops against the large windows. Within minutes, the sky unleashed a torrential downpour. Water pounded the rooftops, vehicles struggled to move, and people still out on the street ran, searching for shelter.

"Some way to celebrate!" Gabriel remarked, looking out the window.

Elena smiled as she watched the rain turn the avenue's lights into shimmering, trembling reflections.

The family had to stay in the restaurant until the storm subsided. When they finally stepped outside, they discovered that water had flowed down from higher streets, coursing along the roadway like urban rivers. The storm drains were overwhelmed, and vehicles crawled slowly through the deep puddles.

Their car was parked on the other side of the street.

Gabriel assessed the path, calculated where the water seemed shallowest, and decided to carry the children across, one by one. "Clara, climb onto my shoulders and hold on tight," he instructed.

Gabriel leaned toward Clara and carefully hoisted her onto his shoulders. The little girl held onto his head, while he held her firmly, moving with steady steps toward the car. He looked for the safest, least flooded stretch of sidewalk, accompanied by a restaurant employee who was keeping an eye on the traffic.

Elena stood under the overhang, watching them. She wore a black leather jacket, a white blouse, tight jeans, and high-heeled boots. Her hair, still carefully styled, stood in stark contrast to the rain falling all around.

Mateo stayed by her side. He knelt down and hugged one of his mother's boots, as if seeking shelter and closeness while he waited for his father to return.

Once at the car, Gabriel set Clara down safely and went back for Mateo. A few minutes later, he returned from the vehicle, approached Mateo, leaned down, and hoisted him onto his shoulders as well.

"Now it's my turn!" the little boy exclaimed.

Gabriel replied, "Now it's your turn, champ."

Mateo held on eagerly. Gabriel set off once more, while Elena remained standing under the overhang, following them with her gaze.

Gabriel settled him onto his shoulders and carefully crossed the way again. Elena waited for them under the restaurant's overhang, holding her jacket closed to keep it from getting any wetter.

Once both children were inside the vehicle, Gabriel looked at his wife.
"I'm going to pull a bit closer. I don't want you to have to walk through the water in those heels."

Elena nodded and waited by the entrance while he maneuvered the car to a more accessible spot.

caballito · 2026-10-30 06:40:01

A Rainy Night (3)

A few meters away, under the awning of a small shop, stood Sebastian. He was a young man who had gone out to run some errands and had been caught in the storm. While waiting for the downpour to ease, he spotted a woman near the restaurant.

From the shelter of a shop across the street, Sebastian watched the woman, who was with her husband and their two children. The rain had turned the street into a rushing stream, and the family was waiting under the eaves of a restaurant. He first noticed the woman's silhouette: a black leather jacket, a white blouse, dark jeans, and high-heeled boots.

Sebastian observed the scene with curiosity. He was struck by the confidence with which the children approached their parents, and by the woman's composure as she waited for her family, despite the rain and the chaos in the street.

It was Elena.

When she turned to check that her husband and children were all right, Sebastian caught a glimpse of her face. He stood frozen for a moment. It wasn't just her attire; it was the blend of self-assurance, elegance, and natural ease with which she handled this everyday situation. She didn't seem to need to draw attention to herself to be noticed. Sebastian felt an immediate attraction and a curiosity he couldn't quite explain. "Who could she be?" he wondered.

Sebastian did not yet know their names, he didn't know that the man was named Gabriel and the woman, Elena. Nor did he know that he would soon have the chance to speak with them. He had simply witnessed a small family moment in the midst of an exceptionally rainy night. And as the man returned, having ensured the child was safe, his gaze and the woman's were about to meet.

He watched as the man pulled the car up and opened the door for her. Elena bade the restaurant employee farewell with a grateful smile before getting into the vehicle. Sebastian took a few steps toward the car, as if to approach and greet her, but stopped on the sidewalk. He didn't know her, and she was occupied with her family. There was no reason to interrupt that moment.

The car pulled away slowly, moving through the reflections of the headlights on the wet pavement. Sebastian kept watching it, continuing to walk toward the vehicle.

He didn't know her name. He didn't know that she was married, that she had two children, or that, because of her, he would soon be moving to San Jeronimo for a hospital project. Nor could he have imagined that he would ever see her again.

But the image remained etched in his mind: the woman in the black jacket and high boots, waiting in the rain while her family crossed the street.

Sebastian was still watching the car's taillights as they moved away when, suddenly, they flared brighter. The vehicle rolled forward a few meters, gave a slight jolt, and came to a stop in the middle of the flooded street.

Gabriel tried to start the engine again. It sputtered briefly, then died once more.
"Of all times?" he muttered, glancing at the dashboard.

Elena, sitting behind the wheel, turned toward him.
"What's wrong, Gabriel?"

"It looks like the engine has died. I'll see if we can move it somewhere safe."

Gabriel opened the door and stepped out. The water covered his shoes, his socks, and the hems of his black trousers, reaching up to his calves. He looked around, searching for help, and spotted Sebastian standing alone on the sidewalk, gazing toward the car.

Gabriel walked quickly toward Sebastian, dodging the current of water flowing down the road.
"Excuse me, friend. Could you give me a hand for a moment?" The engine has died, and I need to push the car to a spot where we can park it without obstructing traffic. My wife will stay behind the wheel to steer.

Sebastian didn't think twice.
"Sure. Let's give it a try."

Sebastian stepped into the roadway; his shoes, socks, and the hems of his trousers were covered by the water, but he didn't care because he was going to be near her.

caballito · 2026-10-30 07:17:56

A Rainy Night (4)

Sebastian watched from the shelter of a shop. First, he saw Gabriel cross the street carrying Clara on his shoulders. Then, upon returning, he did the same with Mateo, while Elena waited, standing under the restaurant's eaves.

As he took in these scenes, Sebastian's imagination began to run wild. He wondered if, after carrying his two children, Gabriel might return and offer his shoulders to Elena, so that she could ride across the street in that same fashion.

He pictured Elena, in her black leather jacket and high-heeled boots, riding on her husband's shoulders as he carefully made his way across the flooded road.

"It would have been a marvelous sight," Sebastian thought.

But reality took a different turn. Gabriel returned to the car, started the engine, and pulled it up to where Elena was waiting. She opened the door and got in, without any need to cross the street riding on anyone's shoulders.

Sebastian smiled to himself. The scene he had imagined did not come to pass. Moreover, he realized that this family had its own way of doing things, and that he was not yet familiar with their customs.

A short while later, the car moved forward a few meters. Sebastian stepped out from his shelter and followed it (or, rather, he was following the majestic lady). The car came to a halt: the water had affected the engine. Gabriel got out, assessed the situation, and looked toward the spot where Sebastian stood in the rain.

Gabriel: "Excuse me, could you help me push the car to a safer place?"

Sebastian snapped out of his reverie. The night, which had begun with him watching an elegant woman from a distance, was about to turn into the first encounter between Rider and horse.

Gabriel explained that they would first check to ensure the path ahead was clear. They didn't want to push the vehicle into deeper water or expose themselves to the current. If the water made it unsafe to do so, they would call for help.

When the two men, their shoes and socks soaked, their pant cuffs wet,reached the car, Elena rolled the window down slightly.
"Gabriel, who's helping you?"

"A young man who was nearby. He's going to give us a hand."

Sebastian approached the driver's side door. That was when Elena looked directly at him for the first time.

"Thank you so much for helping us," she said with a warm smile. "It seems the city decided to turn into a river tonight."

Sebastian felt his heart skip a beat. It was the same woman he had noticed a few minutes earlier near the restaurant. Up close, her presence was even more striking: her black leather jacket was splattered with raindrops, and her high boots, resting against the pedals, stood out against her dark jeans. The sight sparked a fantasy as unusual as it was unexpected: for a fleeting moment, he wished he were one of those pedals, positioned beneath the soles and heels of Elena's boots.

When Elena thanked him for his help, the woman, who until then had been a figure admired from afar, suddenly became someone he could actually talk to. Sebastian would later recall that fantasy as one of the quirks of his first impression of Elena.

Despite his fantasy about being stepped on by Elena's boots, Sebastian tried to focus on the task at hand.
"Don't worry, ma'am. Let's see if we can get the car to a safe spot."

Gabriel and Sebastian positioned themselves behind the vehicle; the water rose to cover their feet and legs up to their calves, while Elena remained behind the wheel, ready to steer. Gabriel gave a signal, and they both began to push carefully. The wheels moved slowly across the wet pavement.

"A little further!" Gabriel said.

The car moved forward to a raised area next to the sidewalk, away from the main flow of water. There, they were able to bring it to a stop without blocking the street. Gabriel raised a hand to signal that they were finished.

"Perfect. Thank you'really. You've gotten us out of a tight spot."

Sebastian stepped away from the vehicle, breathing heavily from the exertion. His shoes and socks were soaked, and the hems of his trousers were wet.

Gabriel held out his hand.
"My name is Gabriel. What's your name?"

"Sebastian."

"Nice to meet you, Sebastian. We owe you one."

caballito · 2026-10-30 11:33:50

Image to share

caballito · 2026-10-30 11:39:03

A Rainy Night (5)

The rain was still falling on the street when Elena opened the car door. Before stepping out, she carefully checked the ground to see where she would place her feet. Finding a small, sheltered spot next to the vehicle, she stepped down cautiously, steadying herself briefly by holding onto the door frame to keep her balance in her high-heeled boots.

Sebastian, who was standing nearby, was able to see her up close for the first time.

The sight made a much stronger impression on him than when he had observed her from across the street. Elena wore a fitted black leather jacket with sharp lapels over a white, form-fitting blouse. Tight black jeans completed the look, extending down into high-heeled black leather boots that stood out under the light from the shop windows.

Her hair was carefully styled, partially pulled back to keep it away from her face, with a few strands framing her features. She had a face with well-defined contours, a direct gaze, and a firm expression. Her slightly arched eyebrows and the way she held her head projected a sense of confidence and determination.

It wasn't just her attire that caught Sebastian's attention; it was her demeanor. Elena didn't seem at all fazed by the rain, the broken-down car, or the water flowing along the street. She took in the vehicle, glanced toward Gabriel, and then turned her attention to the stranger who had come to help.

For a few seconds, Sebastian didn't know what to say. The woman he had been watching from afar was now standing right in front of him, in all her elegance and with a striking personality.

Gabriel: "Elena, this is the young man who's helping us with the car."

Elena turned her gaze toward Sebastian and offered a warm, cordial smile.

Elena: "Thank you so much for helping us. Things have become quite complicated for us tonight."

Sebastian: "There's no need to thank me. I'm glad I could help." She nodded naturally and held out her hand.

Elena: "My name is Elena."

Sebastian: "Mine is Sebastian. Nice to meet you."

He shook her hand, still struck by the presence he had observed from the shelter of the shop. He did not know then that this brief encounter in the rain would remain in his memory for a long time to come.

Upon hearing her name, Sebastian felt that the moment had taken on an unexpected significance. The woman who had caught his eye under the eaves was no longer an anonymous stranger. She now had a name, a voice, and a smile he could remember.

Standing before Elena, Sebastian experienced an unexpected sensation: he felt small in her presence.

The difference in height was striking. He barely reached the level of her chest and underarms. To meet her gaze, he had to tilt his head far back.

But it wasn't just the physical difference that left an impression on him.

Elena possessed a commanding, natural presence. Her black leather jacket, white blouse, form-fitting jeans, and high-heeled boots accentuated her bearing. She held her shoulders back, her head held slightly high, and her gaze was steady and confident. She didn't need to raise her voice or make exaggerated gestures to command attention.

Sebastian was left open-mouthed. For a few moments, he forgot what he had intended to say. He stared at her in astonishment, trying to mask his bewilderment, though his expression gave him away.

Elena noticed his reaction. She glanced briefly at his surprised face, then offered a playful, mischievous smile.
Elena: "Everything okay? Did something surprise you?"

Sebastian collected himself, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Sebastian: "Forgive me. It's just that... I wasn't expecting to encounter someone with such a commanding presence."

Elena let out a soft laugh. Elena: "What a unique way to say hello!"

Sebastian: "I didn't mean to be impolite. You simply left quite an impression on me."

Elena: "Well, I hope our gratitude leaves an impression on you, too. You're being a great help to us tonight."

Gabriel, who was standing by the car, watched the exchange and smiled.
Gabriel: "Don't worry, Sebastian. Elena tends to make a rather memorable first impression."

Elena glanced at her husband, amused, then turned her gaze back to the young man.

Sebastian finally smiled. The rain continued to fall, but for him, this night had already become something far more significant, a memory that went well beyond just a car stranded in the middle of a flooded street.

caballito · 2026-10-30 11:51:33

A Rainy Night (6) Kissing boots

Sebastian kept looking at Elena, struck by her height and the confidence she exuded. Suddenly, he felt his knees begin to tremble. He tried to steady himself, but the surprise and his nerves got the better of him; he collapsed, ending up on his knees on the pavement, right in front of Elena.

Elena looked down at him and smiled. She placed both hands on her hips and positioned one boot slightly ahead of the other, striking a firm, elegant pose.

The light from the shop window illuminated her leather jacket and the sheen on her rain-kissed boots.

Elena: "Well, Sebastian! Are you alright?"

Sebastian looked up. From this position, the difference in their height was even more pronounced.

Sebastian: "Yes, forgive me. I think I was just a bit overwhelmed."

Sebastian remained on his knees before Elena, the rain pattering against the roof of the car.

Elena: "You don't need to kneel to thank me for coming to help us."

Sebastian: "I fell to my knees to thank you for allowing me to help you."

Elena watched him for a few moments. A smile graced her lips, her hands still resting on her hips.

Elena: "People kiss my boots, to ask for forgiveness or to express their gratitude."

Sebastian looked up at her.

Sebastian: "Is that what you expect from me?"

Elena: "Only if you truly wish to do so. You are under no obligation."

Sebastian nodded while still on his knees, bowed his head, and kissed the black leather boot that Elena had placed forward, not just once, but several times. She remained standing, watching the gesture with a serene smile. Then, she shifted her stance slightly, bringing her other boot closer to Sebastian and giving him room to kiss it.

Sebastian kissed that boot as well. Elena shifted her feet again, alternating them calmly. The gesture was repeated several times, unhurriedly, as the rain began to ease over the street.

Gabriel watched this gesture without surprise or interruption; he looked at his wife, then at Sebastian, then back at his wife...

Finally, Elena lowered her gaze slightly and said:
"That's enough, Sebastian. I understand your gratitude. You don't need to keep repeating it all night."

Sebastian looked up.
"I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you letting me help you."

"I know," Elena replied. "And now, I want you to get up. I don't want your hands and knees ending up cold and wet."

Gabriel said: "It seems Sebastian is discovering some new customs tonight."

Elena let out a soft laugh.
"It was just a way of saying thanks. But now, Sebastian, get up. We have a car that needs some attention."

Gabriel stepped forward and offered his hand to help Sebastian to his feet.
"Come on, my friend. Take it easy getting up. We still have to deal with that car."

Sebastian accepted the help and stood, looking a bit embarrassed. What had begun that first night as a silent admiration was now taking a turn none of the three could have imagined.

Elena's smile softened; she adjusted her jacket and, glancing toward the car, added:
"We need to take care of that vehicle. We still have a long night ahead... Which is all for the best, now we can properly introduce ourselves."

And so, amidst the rain, the broken-down car, and that rather peculiar first impression, the conversation between Elena and Sebastian began.

caballito · 2026-10-30 11:55:59

Images ri share

caballito · 2026-10-31 11:43:19

A Rainy Night (7)

Meanwhile, Gabriel was examining the car and searching for his phone to call for assistance.
"It looks like it's going to take us longer than expected to get home tonight," he remarked.

Elena looked up at the sky, where the rain was finally beginning to ease.
"At least we found help."

She then turned her gaze toward Sebastian.
"I hope we haven't caused too much trouble for you tonight."

"Not at all," he replied. "I'm glad I could be of help, and I'm happy to thank you properly, by kissing your boots."

Sebastian didn't dare tell her that he had already been struck by her before the car broke down. In any case, there was no opportunity to prolong the conversation (or the boot-kissing) as Gabriel needed to address the vehicle issue, and the children were waiting inside the car.

Sebastian watched as Gabriel arranged for assistance and Elena reassured Clara and Mateo from the car door. That night, Sebastian had helped an engineer move his broken-down vehicle. He could never have guessed that the man whose hand he had just shaken was Elena's husband, nor that this engineer's work would eventually bring the entire family to San Jeronimo.

And he certainly couldn't have imagined that he would cross paths with Elena several more times, long before their encounter in the town square, where she appeared riding atop other men during an equestrian demonstration.

Gabriel finished inspecting the car and realized it wouldn't be starting anytime soon. The rain had let up, but water was still running through the streets, and the children were beginning to grow tired. He took out his phone, requested roadside assistance, and received a response from the other end of the line.

Gabriel approached Elena and spoke with her. Elena, appearing to reach a decision, gestured for Sebastian to come over. Sebastian walked toward Elena, and Gabriel walked toward Sebastian.

Gabriel said:
"Sebastian, sorry! Could you help us out one more time?"

The young man turned and approached.
"Of course. What's going on?"

Gabriel pointed toward a side street.
"Our house is nearby, just a few blocks away. Elena is going to stay here to keep an eye on the car, and she"s arranged for me to carry Mateo on my shoulders. Could you carry Clara while I take Mateo? It's Elena's idea that we carry her children home; then we'll come back to help her once assistance arrives."

Elena, standing by the driver's-side door, interjected:
"I don't want you taking any risks if the water is still flowing too strongly. Are you sure you can make it on foot?"

Gabriel scanned the street and pointed to a raised path along the sidewalk.
"Yes, we'll go that way. If we run into any dangerous spots, we'll stop and find another route."

Sebastian agreed immediately, all the while admiring Elena, and the boots he had just finished worshipping with kisses.
"Sure. Clara, would you like me to carry you on my shoulders? That way, you won't have to walk in wet shoes."

The little girl looked to her mother for confirmation.
"Can I, Mom?"

"If you're comfortable and can hold on tight, then yes," Elena replied.

Sebastian crouched down so Clara could climb onto his shoulders. Once she was settled, he made sure she was steady and had a secure grip.

Gabriel did the same with Mateo, who was already impatient to begin this little adventure.
"Here we go!" the boy announced from atop his father's shoulders.

Elena laughed.
"No horse racing, now! And I want both of you to get home safely, without any more surprises."

"It's a promise," Gabriel replied. Before leaving, Gabriel approached Elena and gave her a kiss.
"I'll call you when we arrive. As soon as the assistance arrives, let me know."

"All right. Take care of the children."

caballito · 2026-10-31 12:35:26

A Rainy Night (8)

Gabriel and Sebastian began walking along the sidewalk, moving slowly and avoiding areas where water had pooled. Their shoes splashed against the pavement, while from their elevated vantage point, Clara and Mateo watched the lights reflecting in the puddles.

"It's only a few blocks," Gabriel remarked, "though in this rain, it feels like much more."

Sebastian nodded. Despite the effort of carrying Clara on his shoulders, he enjoyed the conversation and the trust the family had placed in him.

Upon reaching a corner, Gabriel pointed toward a better-lit street. "This way. The house is just behind that row of trees."

Sebastian looked in the direction indicated. He did not yet know that this family would soon move to the same town where he would be living, nor that he would see Elena again under very different circumstances.

For now, he was simply a young man who had assisted a striking woman and her husband in the rain, and who was currently carrying her daughter home on his shoulders.

From her perch on Sebastian's shoulders, Clara announced cheerfully, "When we get there, you have to come inside for a bit! My mom will surely allow you to thank her again!"

Sebastian smiled at Clara's words. The girl remained comfortably seated on his shoulders, holding on carefully as he navigated the less-flooded part of the sidewalk. "Do you really think your mom will want to see me again?" he asked.

"Of course!" Clara replied enthusiastically. "She always likes to be thanked whenever someone helps us."

Sebastian looked ahead, careful not to stumble. Clara's invitation stirred a mix of joy and nervousness within him. He barely knew this family, yet that night he had shared an experience with them that he would not soon forget. He imagined himself and Gabriel returning to the car to find Elena waiting under the eaves of a building; she would thank him once more for his help, and Sebastian, overcome by the gratitude and admiration he felt for her, would kneel before her and kiss her boots again. Elena would accept this voluntary gesture with a smile, making sure he understood that he was under no obligation to do so.

Gabriel and Sebastian arrived home with the children soaked by the rain, though Clara seemed to have turned the journey into a little adventure. Upon reaching the house,

Clara climbed down from Sebastian's shoulders with Gabriel's help. Before going inside, she turned to Sebastian:
"Don't forget! You have to stop by and thank Mom!"

"I'll keep that in mind," he replied, smiling as he imagined kissing Elena's boots.

And so, Clara's spontaneous invitation turned into a visit that Sebastian would remember for a long time. That night, which had begun with a storm and a breakdown, was opening an unexpected door.

After leaving the children in the care of a trusted person, Gabriel grabbed a dry jacket and called Elena to let her know they were on their way back to pick her up.

As Gabriel and Sebastian walked back toward the car, the rain had eased, though a persistent drizzle still fell.

Gabriel walked with his hands in his jacket pockets, keeping an eye on the puddles and the water level.
After a few moments of silence, he glanced sideways at his companion.
"Sebastian, what did you think of Elena?"

Sebastian took a moment to respond.
"I found her to be a very elegant, self-assured, and kind woman. She has a presence that's noticeable the moment she enters a room. I also found her very beautiful, I won't pretend otherwise. But I know she's your wife, and I respect that. I wouldn't want you to mistake my admiration for an intent to show any disrespect. Besides, she was very considerate toward me. She allowed me to express my gratitude by kissing her boots, but she didn't make me feel obligated to do so."

"Elena knows how to treat people," Gabriel said. "And she also knows how to set boundaries when necessary."

They walked a few more steps. Sebastian looked toward the street, where the lights were reflected in the water.
"It was an extraordinary night. First helping you with the car, then kissing your wife's boots, and later accompanying Clara and Mateo... I never expected to meet you all like this."

"You helped us when we needed it," Gabriel replied. "That's what I'm going to remember."

As they walked along together, after a few more paces, Sebastian decided to ask:
"You weren't surprised when I kissed your wife's boots."

Gabriel let out a short laugh.
"Surprised? Everyone does it! Men even lie down on the ground so she can walk all over him, or stand right on top of him! And even join in role-playing games, acting like puppies or ponies! I don't know what kind of gift or spell Elena possesses!"

Sebastian looked at him, his eyes wide.
"Really? Is this a common occurrence?"

"Elena has a very unique personality," Gabriel answered, still amused. "She enjoys organizing games and ceremonies, and there are those who participate voluntarily; she transforms the man into her puppy (complete with a dog collar and leash) or her pony (with a bridle, a saddle with stirrups, reins, a riding crop, and spurs), while he enjoys playing these roles. But, of course, no one is ever forced; each person decides for themselves the extent to which they wish to participate."

Sebastian smiled, recalling the composure with which Elena had shifted the position of her boots to allow him to express his gratitude kissing them.
"Now I understand why Elena seemed so calm when she saw me on my knees and later, when I kissed her boots."

"Elena doesn't lose her composure easily," Gabriel said. "Though I can assure you that she also knows how to laugh at these kinds of situations."

caballito · 2026-10-31 13:43:08

A Rainy Night (9)

Upon reaching the corner, Gabriel pointed toward the car.
"Well, let's set aside my wife's 'spells' for now. We have a car that won't start; we need to figure out what to do about it."

Sebastian smiled and walked briskly toward the vehicle. The conversation, however, had piqued his curiosity about Elena even further.
"Let's go. And thank you for trusting me tonight."

Gabriel gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Sebastian."

When the two men reached the car, they found Elena standing under the overhang of a closed-down establishment. The rain had eased, but water was still rushing forcefully along the street. She stood with her arms crossed, gazing down at her tall, black, high-heeled boots.

Elena: Finally! And the children? Did they get home all right?

Gabriel: Perfectly fine. Clara has made Sebastian her new hero and even invited him inside.

Sebastian smiled, looking a bit embarrassed.
Sebastian: It was her idea. I just brought her home.

Sebastian approached somewhat timidly and knelt before Elena.
"I wanted to thank you for letting me help by bringing your daughter home," he said.

Elena placed one hand on her hip and rested the other behind her own neck, without touching it. She looked at him with a determined smile.
"Less talk, more action. Go ahead!"

Sebastian looked up to make sure she was serious. Elena gave a slight nod. He then bowed his head and kissed each of her black boots several times, first one, then the other.

Gabriel watched the scene from a few paces away. The rain continued to drum against the edge of the overhang, while water surged along the street.
"That's enough, Sebastian," Elena said after a few minutes. "You're welcome. Now, get up, we still have to deal with the car."

Sebastian smiled and took the hand Gabriel offered to help him to stand on his feet.

Elena: "What about you, Gabriel? Are you staying here until the mechanic arrives?"

Gabriel: "We don't have much choice. Roadside assistance just confirmed it's going to take a while. You should head home with Sebastian; I'll stay here to keep an eye on the car."

Elena looked at the street. Water lapped against the soles of her boots.

In some places, water reached nearly to her ankles and the lower part of her calves. If Elena walked along the water, those heels were certainly not made for a trek like this.

Elena: "If I walk in the water, these boots are going to be ruined."

Gabriel scanned the road and nodded, looking concerned.
Gabriel: "You'll have to take them off and walk carefully, or wait for the water to go down a bit."
As he listened, an idea struck Sebastian, so unexpected that he nearly looked down right away. He could offer to let Elena ride on his shoulders, like her horse, through the most flooded sections. The image flashed through his mind with startling clarity: him moving slowly, with her perched on his shoulders, her boots kept safely out of the water.

But how could he suggest such a thing to a woman he had only just met? It might come across as absurd, disrespectful, or an overstepping of boundaries he had no right to cross.
So, he remained silent.

Meanwhile, Elena watched him out of the corner of her eye. She noticed his expression turn suddenly serious, then glanced at the water, her boots, and back at the young man. A faint smile began to form on her lips.

Elena: "Sebastian, can I ask you a question?"

Sebastian: "Of course."

Elena: Have you just come up with a way to get me home without my boots having to go through that whole river?

Sebastian looked up abruptly.
Sebastian: How? how did you guess?

Gabriel turned his head toward him, then toward his wife.
Gabriel: Wait. What did you come up with?

Elena let out a soft laugh.
Elena: I'm not sure, but our guest seems to have an idea he's too embarrassed to share.

Sebastian turned bright red.
Sebastian: I thought I could, well, offer to let Elena ride on my shoulders, ass her horse, through the most difficult parts. But I didn't want her to think I was being too forward.

For a moment, Elena didn't respond. She studied him with a mix of surprise and amusement, while Gabriel raised his eyebrows.

Gabriel: Well, now! I certainly didn't see that coming.

Elena: I did. And why didn't you say anything, Sebastian?

Sebastian: Because we barely know each other. I didn't want an idea born out of concern for your boots to look like an excuse to overstep my bounds.

Elena's smile shifted. It was no longer just amused; it now held a sense of appreciation for the caution with which he had chosen his words.
Elena: You were right not to take anything for granted. An idea isn't an invitation, and one should always ask before turning it into a plan.

She then looked at Gabriel.
Elena: Though I must admit, this isn't exactly a new solution for me, because I've ridden on the shoulders of willing "steeds" in similar circumstances before.

Gabriel: It's certainly original, at least to me. But the water is deep in some spots. I don't want either of us ending up on the ground.

Misiulo · 2026-10-31 13:45:29

Great stuff. Caballito! Could I share it on my Devaintart, so it doesn't get lost?

caballito · 2026-10-31 14:12:57

Misiulo wrote:
Great stuff. Caballito! Could I share it on my Devaintart, so it doesn't get lost?

Sure!

caballito · 2026-10-31 14:18:15

Misiulo wrote:
Great stuff. Caballito! Could I share it on my Devaintart, so it doesn't get lost?

.

Last edited by caballito (2026-10-31 18:03:21)

caballito · 2026-10-31 14:19:18

I've already lost several images, and it would be a shame if more were lost.

Last edited by caballito (2026-10-31 18:04:28)

caballito · 2026-10-31 14:25:25

The link cannot be shared; I just verified this.
Is there a way to send them as files while protecting the participants' identities?

Misiulo · 2026-10-31 15:03:41

I am sorry I copied the links, but when I put any of theese in the adress and press enter I am redirected to MY Chat GPT. Anyway, I will not share any personal details. My address is gozar@wp.pl

I also have stories writtin with the aid od the Ai, LLMs

caballito · 2026-10-31 17:59:28

Misiulo wrote:
I am sorry I copied the links, but when I put any of theese in the adress and press enter I am redirected to MY Chat GPT. Anyway, I will not share any personal details. My address is gozar@wp.pl

I also have stories writtin with the aid od the Ai, LLMs

blob:https://chatgpt.com/4ccd2940-3cc3-49e5-bc58-58f174d43278

caballito · 2026-10-31 18:51:31

Misulo

If you can open these link and download them.

Do it!

Misiulo wrote:
I am sorry I copied the links, but when I put any of theese in the adress and press enter I am redirected to MY Chat GPT. Anyway, I will not share any personal details. My address is gozar@wp.pl

I also have stories writtin with the aid od the Ai, LLMs

caballito · 2026-10-31 21:31:15

A Rainy Night (10) A Test Ride

Elena: Then we won't do it if it isn't safe. We can look for the highest part of the sidewalk and move along slowly.

Sebastian nodded immediately.
Sebastian: If you're comfortable riding on me, then I'll being ridden by you along whatever safe path you choose. If not, we'll find another solution.

Elena looked him straight in the eyes.
Elena: I like that answer even better than the idea itself.

She leaned down slightly to check the water level by the curb. Then she straightened back up, wearing that determined expression Sebastian was beginning to recognize.
Elena: Very well. First, let's check the route. And if it turns out to be safe, perhaps I'll grant you the honor of carrying me all the way to my house.

Sebastian smiled, though he still felt nervous.
Sebastian: I'll do my absolute best not to let you down.

Elena: You don't have to prove anything to me, Sebastian. What matters is that we all get there safe and sound.

Gabriel shook his head, amused, as he prepared to stay behind by the car.
Gabriel: Now I understand why Clara invited you over. In less than an hour, you're already taking part in this family's adventures.

Elena laughed again. Sebastian, meanwhile, couldn't help but think that this rainy night had just taken a turn he never could have imagined.

As she checked her boots once more, Elena seemed to have discovered something curious: sometimes, a person's boldest thought is revealed not by what they say, but by the great lengths they go to in order to keep it to themselves.

Elena studied Sebastian for a few more seconds and, with a resolute smile, seemed to reach a decision.
Elena: Since you've offered your shoulders, Sebastian, let's see if we can manage this carefully. But first, no heroics. If you lose your balance or feel uncomfortable, we stop immediately.

Sebastian nodded. Elena positioned herself behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders, signaling for him to crouch down. He slowly lowered himself into a squat, surprised that she had accepted his proposal.

Sebastian was in a crouched position, with Elena standing behind him and her hands resting on his shoulders.

With Gabriel's help, Elena carefully settled onto Sebastian's shoulders, avoiding any sudden movements. He remained perfectly still until he felt steady.

Elena: "Very good, Sebastian. When you're ready, stand up slowly. You don't have to do it if you feel you can't support me safely."

Sebastian took a deep breath, planted his feet firmly, and rose with caution.

Elena maintained her balance, and once they were both stable, she looked at Gabriel with a triumphant expression.
Elena: "It seems our plan might actually work!"

Gabriel crossed his arms, keeping a close eye on their posture.
Gabriel: "It might, perhaps. But if you're going to ride on Sebastian's shoulders through flooded streets, while keeping your boots dry, you'll need to stick to routes that are either dry or have very little water."

Elena acknowledged his point.
Elena: "Agreed. And I must say, Sebastian, you've been very respectful from the very beginning."

He smiled, blushing slightly.
Sebastian: "You made it easy for me, ma'am. You asked me what I was thinking before I could even find the courage to say it myself."

Elena: "Then perhaps my famous sixth sense isn't so poorly honed after all."

The three of them laughed. Outside, the rain continued to lash against the street, but the atmosphere had shifted: the initial shyness had given way to confidence, and the idea Sebastian hadn't dared to voice was no longer a secret between them.

And so they remained, waiting for the water level to recede. Sebastian stood there, with Elena perched on his shoulders, while Gabriel kept watch from the sheltered entrance of the building. Elena had settled in carefully, resting her hands on his thighs.

Elena: How are you doing, Sebastian? Is it uncomfortable?

Sebastian: I'm fine, Elena. But don't worry, if I get tired, I'll let you know.

Elena: I hope so. I don't want you turning a simple favor, saving my boots, into an endurance test.

Gabriel let out a laugh.
Gabriel: And here I thought we were just going to celebrate a construction contract tonight!

Elena smiled from her elevated position.
Elena: Well, it seems the storm has arranged a rather peculiar celebration for us.

The three of them laughed. Afterward, they remained there under the overhang, making no attempt to move forward along the flooded street. Sebastian kept his feet planted firmly on dry ground, and Elena sat calmly, careful not to make him hold that position any longer than necessary. Every now and then, Gabriel checked his phone for any word from roadside assistance.

Minutes passed. The rain began to ease, and the water slowly started to recede from the road. The torrent that had been rushing along the curb turned first into a moderate flow, and then into small trickles making their way toward the storm drains.

Gabriel: Finally! It looks like the water level is getting down.

Elena looked toward the street and then at Sebastian.
Elena: I think we can consider our little ceremony finished now. You can lower yourself slowly so I can get down, if you're ready.

Sebastian carefully bent his knees, while Gabriel stayed close by, ready to help if needed.

Elena climbed down without any trouble; once on the ground, she smoothed out her jacket and inspected her boots. They had survived the ordeal almost unscathed.

Elena: Saved! Sebastian, it seems you've helped protect an important part of my wardrobe tonight.

Sebastian: I'm glad I could be of help.

Gabriel: And I'm just glad that both of you are still dry, in one piece, and in good spirits.

Elena gave Sebastian one last knowing smile before the three of them set out to see if they could head back home via a safe route. The storm had delayed them, but it had also left them with an unusual story to remember.

caballito · 2026-10-31 23:09:33

A Rainy Night (11) The Spurs, the Riding Crop, and the Saddle with Stirrups

Gabriel looked out at the street, where the water level was beginning to drop, though it was still flowing strongly in some sections. He then checked his phone and sighed.
Gabriel: Roadside assistance is going to take longer than I thought. Elena, you'd better head home. I'll stay here with the car until help arrives.

Elena looked at her husband with concern.
Elena: Are you sure you don't need me to stay with you?

Gabriel: I'm sure. You've already spent enough time out in this rain. Go home, put on some dry clothes, and get some rest. I'll let you know as soon as help arrives.

Elena nodded, then turned her gaze toward Sebastian. He remained near the covered entrance, not daring to suggest anything. The rain had soaked parts of the street, and the puddles threatened to ruin the tall boots she was wearing.

Elena smiled, amused by an idea they had both considered just a short while earlier.
Elena: Sebastian, would you still be willing to help me get home by letting me ride on your back and / or shoulders, so I don't have to wade through the water in these boots?

He looked at her, surprised, and then smiled.
Sebastian: If you're in agreement and Gabriel has no objection, then yes. But only if we can do it safely.

Gabriel: It's fine by me, as long as you don't take any risks. We've already seen how dangerous this street can be. If the path isn't clear, find another way to get there.

Since roadside assistance would take a while to arrive and Gabriel would be staying behind to look after the car, Elena walked over to the vehicle. She returned carrying several carefully wrapped packages. Gabriel watched with curiosity as she set them down under the shelter.
"What have you got there?" he asked.

Elena smiled and turned toward Sebastian. "If I'm going to ride you, it must be done properly. Your shoulders are wet, and they could soak my jeans. That's why I brought a dry saddle to place over a padded harness. You don't know the way to my house, so I'll lead you there."

Sebastian opened his eyes, surprised.
"Are you serious?"

"Yes, we'll do it."

Elena opened one of the packages, revealing a saddle, a padded harness, and reins attached to a bridle with a bit, meant to be placed in his mouth. There were also spurs and a riding crop.

"The bit, the crop, and the spurs could hurt and punish you," she clarified. "We'll agree on signals beforehand, and you can stop whenever you like."

Sebastian smiled, visibly excited.
"I accept. I'd love for you to ride me and to learn how it's done."

He prostrated himself and kissed Elena's boots.

She smiled and offered her hand to help him up.
"Gratitude accepted, Sebastian. Now, help me pack these things away. First, we need to get home safe and sound."

Gabriel looked at the equipment and shook his head, amused.
"It seems the car isn't the only thing that needs a transport plan tonight."

The three of them laughed as the rainwater continued to flow through the streets.

Sebastian knelt before Elena and, remaining in a submissive posture, carefully picked up the spurs. As he fastened them onto his boots, he bowed his head and kissed the boots fervently.

Elena held the riding crop. She rested it gently against Sebastian's thigh and gave a light tap, a quick strike.
"Be careful, Sebastian. Make sure they're fastened securely, but without being too tight," she instructed.

"That's perfect!" he replied, finishing the adjustment of the straps. Elena checked both spurs to ensure they were securely fastened.
"Perfect. But remember: these are part of the riding gear. We'll agree on the signals beforehand."

Elena noticed that Sebastian's jacket and shirt were still soaked, especially around the shoulders. His jeans, however, were dry, and she wanted to keep them that way.
"That's why I brought this equipment," she said, unwrapping a padded piece. "I don't want the dampness from your clothes transferring to mine."

With Gabriel's help, Elena placed the padded saddle, designed to distribute weight and remain stable during a riding, onto Sebastian's shoulders. The sturdy stirrups would allow Elena's weight to be supported by Sebastian's shoulders.
"Is it comfortable?" Elena asked.

Sebastian carefully shifted his shoulders and nodded.
"Yes. Much better than having the saddle rest directly against wet clothing."

Elena checked the straps and smiled.
"Alright, the saddle is ready. But we won't be doing the performance on this flooded street. We'll wait until we're somewhere dry and safe."

Gabriel pointed toward the car.
"And now, if we're finished with the preparations, we'd better figure out how to get home."

Sebastian nodded. The prospect of being bridled, saddled, ridden, and driven by Elena using reins, a crop, and spurs, already brought a smile to his face.

caballito · 2026-11-01 00:43:53

A Rainy Night (12) Bit, Bridle, and Reins

The space under the shed was sheltered from the rain, and the ground remained dry. Elena examined the padded saddle and looked at Sebastian.
"Stand still. Let's make sure everything is properly secured before we continue."

Sebastian stood upright while Elena checked the saddle straps and stirrups. She briefly rested her hands on his shoulders to steady herself, but Gabriel intervened:

"Elena, this is your first time doing this with him; don't push off from his head or make his head bear your weight as you climb up. Use the stirrup on the saddle you've placed across his shoulders."

Elena acknowledged the point. Gabriel held the left stirrup (which hung from the saddle against Sebastian's side) firmly in place, and Elena climbed up with care. Her left boot found the stirrup; she stepped into it, pushed off, and rose to a standing position on the stirrup. As she did so, she braced herself against Sebastian's head, then settled into the saddle, swinging her right leg through the air until her right boot found the corresponding stirrup.

She adjusted her legs, settled her feet into the stirrups, and smiled at Sebastian.
"Are you comfortable? Is everything all right with the saddle?"

"Yes, Elena. I'm ready."

Gabriel stayed close, keeping a watchful eye on the stability of the tack. The scene now resembled a small equestrian ceremony, though they still needed to establish the signals and agree on how to conclude the process safely.

Seated in the saddle, Elena looked toward Gabriel and gave an instruction:
"Gabriel, bring the bit, the bridle, and the reins."

Gabriel approached with the packages, but before handing them over, he held up the bit to examine it.
"I've brought the bridle and reins, but we won't be putting the bit into Sebastian's mouth. We can attach the reins to a padded headstall instead, so there's no pressure on his jaw."

Elena, perched on Sebastian's shoulders, nodded.
"Agreed. I want to maintain the essence of an equestrian ceremony, but without causing him any discomfort, at least until he's ready to accept the bit."

Gabriel handed her the headstall and reins. Elena showed them to Sebastian so he could inspect them.
"How does this gear look to you?"

"Yes. I'd prefer it to be comfortable," Sebastian replied.

"It will be," Elena said. "You and I will agree on the signals. If you say 'halt,' we'll stop immediately."

Gabriel finished checking the straps and stayed close by to oversee the session. The presentation was coming together, but they still needed to ensure that Sebastian could move and breathe comfortably.

Elena opened one of the packages from her bag and took out a bit, the part of the bridle designed to go inside the mouth. She placed it into Sebastian's mouth, which made it difficult for him to breathe or speak.
"This is the bit," Elena explained, showing it to him. "It's meant for control, not to cause you any harm."

Sebastian looked at it with curiosity and nodded.
"I understand. Whatever you decide to do with me is fine."

Elena then placed the bridle over his head. She carefully adjusted the straps, making sure they weren't too tight against his temples, ears, or neck. Finally, she secured the bit in place (positioned inside his mouth, between his teeth, palate, and tongue) a genuine, functional bit.
"Are you comfortable?" Elena asked.

Sebastian neighed and struck the ground once, a signal that meant, "Yes."

Elena took the reins and attached them to the side rings of the bridle. Holding them in both hands, she tested a signal by gently pulling on Sebastian's head.

Observing the setup, Gabriel remarked:
"From here, it looks like a real bridle."

"That's the whole point of a costume," Elena replied with a smile, though, in truth, it was a real bridle. "It has an equestrian look, but the cues will always be appropriate, and Sebastian can stop the performance whenever he likes, he only has to speak."

Sebastian looked up at her and neighed.

Elena adjusted the reins, checked the saddle one last time, and waited for Gabriel's nod before beginning the short riding scene beneath the establishment's roof.

caballito · 2026-11-01 02:19:51

A Rainy Night (13) The Commands (1)

Gabriel checked that the space under the eaves was clear and that Sebastian was comfortable with the saddle and bridle.
"All set," he announced. "You can begin, but take it slowly."

Elena took hold of the reins and looked at Sebastian.
"Ready?"

Sebastian neighed, as if to say:
"Ready, rider."

Elena raised her crop and gave a signal, a tapm accompanied by a verbal cue. At the same time, she brought her spurs against Sebastian's flanks, pressing them in. Sebastian understood the agreed-upon signal and began to walk, taking short, careful steps.
"Very good," Elena said. "Now, let's practice turning."

Upon reaching the edge of the sheltered area, Elena shifted the right rein to signal a turn in that direction. Sebastian turned calmly, remaining attentive to her voice as well. Then, they repeated the exercise, turning to the left.

"And now, let's come to a stop," she instructed.
Elena gently pulled both reins back, applying pressure toward Sebastian's head. The visual signal, combined with the agreed-upon verbal cue, completed the instruction. Sebastian came to a halt.

"Excellent!" Gabriel remarked. "The scene is clear, and the movements are well-coordinated."

Elena loosened the reins slightly and stroked Sebastian.
"It's about applying the right amount of pressure and understanding one another. We're a team, you set the pace with me, and I, in turn, must remain attentive to you."

Sebastian thought:
"In that case, rider, we can continue whenever you like."

Elena explained that the spurs were used to nudge Sebastian, signals that, in this instance, were paired with previously agreed-upon vocal commands.
"Let's practice the signals one by one," she said, holding the reins gently. "Remember, you can stop if anything makes you uncomfortable." Gabriel watched from the sidelines, keeping an eye on the available space.

Elena began:
"Forward!"
She accompanied the command with a flick of her crop and a jab from both spurs. Sebastian started to move.

"Now; left spur, then right!"
Elena applied her left spur. Sebastian, recognizing the agreed-upon signal, turned to the right.

"Very good! Now; right spur, then left!"
The signal from the right spur indicated a turn to the left. Sebastian executed the movement carefully.

Then, Elena announced:
"A spur tap, turn in the opposite direction!"

The tap served as a signal, involving a sharp, painful contact. Sebastian changed direction, following the verbal instruction.

"And to stop: 'Halt!'"
Elena accompanied the word by pulling on both reins, guiding Sebastian's head; he came to a stop.

"The signals must be clear," Elena said. "The voice confirms each movement, and you can always ask me to repeat or clarify any command."

Gabriel smiled, seeing that the two had coordinated the sequence.
"You've already developed a little language of your own."

Sebastian looked at Elena and thought:
"And I'm learning how to interpret it, my rider."

Elena decided to move on to the next exercise: using only the signals from the reins, the crop, and the spurs, without any verbal commands.

Before starting, she looked at Sebastian.
"I won't speak now. We'll follow the signals we've already practiced. If you have any doubts or want to stop, use our safety signal."

Sebastian nodded. Gabriel remained nearby, watching.

Elena slightly loosened the reins and performed the agreed-upon gesture to start moving (a flick of the crop and a jab from both spurs). Sebastian began to walk. Then, Elena pulled on the left rein, and he turned to the left. Next, she shifted the cue to the right rein, signaling a turn in that direction.

To practice using the spurs, Elena brought them alternately against Sebastian's flanks, applying both a tap and pressure. He responded with the agreed-upon turns toward the opposite side. The crop was used to provide a nudge when starting off.

Finally, Elena pulled both reins back. Sebastian recognized the cue and came to a stop.

Elena smiled, satisfied with their coordination. She hadn't spoken a single word throughout the exercise. Sebastian had followed the cues, and she had remained mindful of his comfort the entire time.

Gabriel approached:
"It seems you two can understand each other without saying a word."

Elena remained seated in the saddle, her feet resting in the stirrups, as she rode Sebastian.

Sebastian stood beneath Elena, having completed the exercise of silent cues.

caballito · 2026-11-01 02:32:06

A Rainy Night (14) The Commands (2)

Elena let the reins rest in her hands and carefully removed the bit. She made sure Sebastian could move his jaw comfortably and speak without difficulty.

Then, leaning slightly toward him, she said:
"You are permitted to speak while you answer my question."

Sebastian looked up, surprised by the playful formality of her words.
"I'm listening, Elena. What would you like to ask me?"

Gabriel, who remained nearby, watched the scene with a subtle smile. Elena had not yet posed her question.

Elena asked Sebastian:
"How did you feel during this silent practice?"

Sebastian looked up at Elena. He took a few seconds before answering, striving to clearly express what he had experienced.
"I felt focused and very attentive to your signals. At first, I had to think quite hard to distinguish each movement of the reins, the crop, and the spurs. Later, I began to recognize them more naturally."

He paused, then added:
"I also appreciated that you trusted me to interpret them without needing to give me verbal commands. But it was important for me to know that I could stop, or ask you something, if I didn't understand a signal."

Elena smiled.
"That is precisely what I wanted to test. Coordination isn't about blind obedience; it's about communicating in a different way."

Gabriel chimed in:
"It seems both of you learned something. Elena practiced using the signals, and Sebastian learned how to interpret and follow them."

Sebastian smiled, still positioned beneath the saddle.
"I'm happy to keep practicing, as long as we maintain that trust."

Elena listened to Sebastian's response, then placed the bit back into his mouth. She positioned it carefully (between his teeth, against his palate and tongue) effectively preventing him from speaking. Afterward, she checked the bridle straps to ensure they weren't too tight.

"Let's practice again," she suggested with a smile.

Sebastian nodded, letting out a whinny.

Elena took up the reins and resumed the exercise without uttering a single command. With a gentle movement of her hands, she signaled for him to move forward. Then, she shifted one rein to indicate a turn; Sebastian recognized the cue and changed direction.

The riding crop accompanied her gestures, while her spurs remained close to Sebastian's flanks, nudging and tapping him. Every movement corresponded to the signals they had previously agreed upon.

Gabriel walked alongside them, keeping an eye on the balance of the saddle and the available space.

Upon reaching the starting point, Elena gave the signal to stop. Sebastian came to a careful halt. She loosened the reins, giving him a moment to rest.

The silent practice continued, yet both knew their agreement remained in effect: Sebastian was free to speak, request a break, or end the session at any moment.

Just then, a roadside assistance vehicle pulled up next to the car. Two technicians stepped out, carrying their tools, and approached under the eaves. Upon looking up, however, they froze for a few moments: Elena was riding (seated in a saddle placed across Sebastian's shoulders) her boots resting in the stirrups, the reins in her hands, and the riding crop raised.

One of the technicians glanced at his colleague, as if to confirm that they were both seeing the same thing.

Elena noticed their bewilderment. Without shifting from her position, she turned her head toward Gabriel and said firmly:
"Gabriel, attend to these gentlemen."

"Of course," he replied.
Gabriel walked over to the technicians and began explaining the issue with the car, pointing out where the engine had stalled and how they had managed to move the vehicle to that spot. Meanwhile, Elena continued the practice of training Sebastian. She signaled a change of direction using the reins and a touch of her spurs. Sebastian responded with short, controlled steps. Elena remained focused on her posture and the balance of the saddle.

The technicians exchanged another glance. Finally, one of them ventured to ask:
"Excuse me, sir. Is this part of some kind of celebration?"

Gabriel smiled as he opened the car's hood.
"It's an equestrian demonstration. The horse is participating voluntarily, and the rider is practicing her cues. But don't worry. I'll explain what happened to the vehicle in a moment."

Elena listened to the explanation and smiled, without interrupting Gabriel's conversation. Then, she gave the signal to stop. Sebastian came to a halt, and she loosened the reins.
"Very good," she said to him. "Let's take a break while Gabriel sorts things out with the car."

Sebastian nodded. The arrival of the mechanics had added an unexpected turn to the evening, but everyone's attention soon returned to the true reason for their presence: getting the car back up and running.

caballito · 2026-11-01 04:34:09

A Rainy Night (15) The Commands (3)

Elena decided to dismount to help Gabriel with the technicians. She waited until Sebastian was positioned next to a stable support before carefully stepping down from the saddle. Keeping a firm hold on the reins, she removed the bit from Sebastian mouth and walked toward the car.

Sebastian followed just as he had been trained: one step behind and slightly to the side. The bridle was part of his gear, and the reins remained slack, exerting no pressure on him.

The two technicians still looked bewildered. They would glance at Elena, then quickly look away, trying to hide their curiosity.
"Gentlemen," Elena said with a steady smile, "you can admire me later. Right now, we have a car that needs some attention."

Gabriel let out a short laugh.
"My wife is right. Could you take a look at the engine?"

The technicians got to work. They examined the vehicle, checked the affected components, and finally delivered their diagnosis:
"Water has reached the engine. We'll need to take the car to our workshop for a more thorough inspection. You did the right thing by not trying to start it again after it stalled; doing so could have caused further damage."

As they packed up their tools, the technicians remarked that, despite the heavy rain, the sidewalks and crosswalks were already dry. They explained that the city had an excellent drainage system, capable of clearing water from the streets very quickly.
"Luckily, the water is no longer an issue for pedestrians," one of them said. "You can easily walk back along the sidewalks."

Gabriel thanked them for the information and asked how they would handle the transport. One of the technicians explained that their van could tow the car to the workshop, but due to limited space, they could only take one person home. Elena looked toward the path, then at Gabriel, and finally at Sebastian. With an amused smile, she announced:
"Gabriel, let them take you home. I'll ride Sebastian back. While we're at it, I'll train him in changing gaits, because tonight, we're going to practice gait transitions."

Gabriel raised his eyebrows.
"You're planning to teach him how to sift gears, too?"

"Naturally," Elena replied. "First, he'll have to learn to coordinate with me."

Sebastian smiled, realizing that Elena wanted to extend their equestrian display with a new lesson.
"And what will this practice entail, my equestrienne?"

"First, you'll learn to distinguish each signal and coordinate your movements. I don't want any confusion when we shift gears."

And so, Gabriel arranged for the technicians to take him home, while Elena and Sebastian would return via a safe pedestrian route.

Elena checked that the ceremonial saddle was properly positioned and that Sebastian was comfortable before mounting him once more. Using a stable support, she settled into the saddle, while Gabriel waited in the back of the service vehicle.

Elena took up the reins and guided Sebastian using their established signals, employing the reins, a crop, and some prop spurs. They moved slowly along the clear pedestrian path until they reached Gabriel.

Upon arrival, Sebastian came to a halt, and Gabriel welcomed Elena with open arms. They embraced and shared a passionate kiss, oblivious for a moment to the light drizzle still dripping from the rooftops.

Sebastian remained silent. He smiled, though he understood perfectly well that this affection belonged solely to the couple. Elena still valued him as a friend and as a horse, but her relationship with Gabriel was something else entirely.

Still holding Elena, Gabriel looked at Sebastian.
"Thank you for joining us tonight. You've been a tremendous help."

Perched atop him, Elena said, amused:
"Don't mistake a good rider, an Amazon, a training partner, for a romantic commitment."

The pickup truck began getting ready to head to the workshop. The night had left Sebastian firmly in the "friend zone," but it had also confirmed that he could maintain his friendship with Elena without trying to claim a place that wasn't his.

Settled into the saddle on Sebastian's shoulders, Elena held the loose reins and looked at Gabriel with a mischievous smile.
"You take the service truck. I'll head home riding Sebastian. But, once you get home, check on the kids, and then come back for me, bridled and saddled."

Gabriel smiled and replied:
"I'll make sure Clara and Mateo are all right first. Then we'll see if I have any time left to become your second horse of the night."

"I'll be waiting for you," Elena answered.

Gabriel climbed into the truck and waved goodbye to both of them.
"See you at home," he said before driving off.

Elena watched him pull away, then turned to Sebastian:
"All right, little horse. Let's finish off the night, no rush."

Last edited by caballito (2026-11-01 07:19:08)

caballito · 2026-11-01 08:11:43

A Rainy Night (16) The Commands (4)

Elena decided to teach Sebastian a new signal for their performance: how to indicate that he should increase his pace while walking.
"There is something else you need to learn," she explained, holding the reins without pulling them taut. "In our routine, the signal to speed up will be the same one we use to start moving when you are at a standstill."

She gestured in the air with her riding crop and brought her spurs toward his sides, giving him a gentle nudge.
"The movement of the crop, the signal from both spurs, or the phrase 'Giddy up!', any of these three signals means you can gradually increase your pace."

Sebastian paid close attention.
"And what if I want to maintain the current pace?"

"You don't need any additional signal. Just keep the pace we've agreed upon. And remember, never speed up beyond what you can do comfortably."

Sebastian smiled.
"'Giddy up!' I'm already learning my rider's vocabulary."

Elena burst into laughter.
"You've still got a long way to go, partner!"

Elena continued her explanation, holding both reins firmly.
"To slow down, just as when coming to a stop, we'll use a simple signal: gently pulling both reins back, accompanied by the word 'Whoa!'"

Sebastian nodded.
"So, the difference lies in the intensity and the timing of the signal?"

"Exactly," Elena replied. "To slow down, the signal should be gradual. To come to a stop, it should be clearer, but never abrupt. The reins are part of the performance; they shouldn't hurt you or force you to move your head."

Gabriel, who was already standing by the pickup truck, remarked:
"It sounds like you're putting together a complete manual on horsemanship."

Elena smiled.
"Of course. A good rider must know how to teach, not just give instructions." Sebastian laughed.

"And a good horse must learn to listen, and also to communicate when it needs a break."

"Well said!" Elena replied.

The ride continued through a wide, clear pedestrian area. Elena remained in the saddle, her feet resting in the stirrups and the reins in her hands. Sebastian moved forward, guided by his bridle and harness, attentive to the signals they had practiced.

Elena began with the simplest command:
"Giddy up!"

Sebastian started walking. Then, she signaled a turn to the right using the corresponding rein. A little further on, she changed the signal, and he turned to the left.
Next, Elena practiced variations in pace, signaling them with her voice and the agreed-upon gestures:

"Walk!"
Sebastian maintained a steady, calm pace.

"Trot!"
He responded to the change in tempo by moving a bit faster, while remaining stable.

"Canter!"
Elena smiled, seeing that he remembered the sequence.

However, for the gallop, Gabriel intervened from the pickup truck:
"Let's save that last pace for the equestrian arena! No running on the sidewalk."

Elena accepted the remark and practiced slowing down:
"Whoa!"

She accompanied the word with a signal using both reins. Sebastian gradually slowed his pace until he came to a stop.
"Excellent!" Elena said. "You already know several transitions."

Sebastian smiled:
"Walk, trot, and canter. The full gallop will have to wait for a proper track."

"That's right, partner. A good rider also knows how to choose the right terrain."

Gabriel watched them with a smile as the truck moved slowly toward the workshop. The lesson had been extensive, but Sebastian had learned something fundamental: every movement had to be coordinated, safe, and voluntary.

caballito · 2026-11-01 09:05:40

A Rainy Night (17) Leaving the Concert (1)

The K-Pop concert had just ended, and the streets filled with music, conversation, and groups of people heading home. Amidst the crowd, a scene unfolded that immediately caught the attention of Elena and Sebastian.

Several pairs made their way along a pedestrian avenue: daughters with their fathers, nieces with their uncles, granddaughters with their grandfathers, sisters with their brothers, female cousins with their male cousins, female friends with their male friends, and romantic couples. There were also pairs consisting of sisters-in-law with brothers-in-law, and daughters-in-law with their parents-in-law.

The teenage girls leaving the concert were riding on the shoulders of their relatives.

The adult women acting as the "riders" wore outfits inspired by urban fashion and K-Pop: form-fitting black garments, miniskirts or shorts, black stockings, and black boots, some reaching up to the knee. Their attire stood in stark contrast to the harnesses and accessories worn by their companions.

Elena watched the lively procession and smiled.
"How curious! It seems the concert has ended, but the show continues out here on the streets."

Sebastian looked at the participants, then back at Elena.
"This brings together people from many different generations and families."

"Yes," she replied, "though each person must choose to participate voluntarily. The tradition may be communal, but the decision is always a personal one."

Gabriel, who had just returned from the workshop, joined them and observed the parade as well. The night still had plenty of spectacle in store.

Among those leaving the concert, Elena spotted a familiar-looking scene that drew her focus.

An older man was walking alongside his son. The father was acting as a "human horse" for his daughter-in-law, while the son was fulfilling the same role for his wife's sister, his sister-in-law.

The two women were riding upon their respective companions. They wore attire inspired by equestrian fashion and used saddles to ride their human horses. A coordinator oversaw the route and assisted them in dismounting upon reaching the rest area.

Elena smiled, recognizing how the tradition brought together various family connections.
"Look, Gabriel: a father and son are participating together, but each has a different 'equestrienne.' One is the father (ridden by his daughter-in-law), and the other is the son (ridden by his sister-in-law)."

Gabriel observed the scene with interest.
"That's quite an extensive family network. The important thing is that they both chose to participate, and that the women also follow the safety guidelines."

Sebastian added:
"And that no one confuses this scene with their actual relationships at home."

Elena nodded.
"Exactly. The tradition may be a family affair, but the decision is always a personal one."

The two sisters stood out among the participants for their elegant and commanding presence. Both sat in saddles, their feet resting in the stirrups, their hands firmly gripping the reins of their respective mounts.

They carried crops and wore spurs, using them to guide their "horses" through pre-agreed signals, which could include strikes or the application of painful pressure. Each woman coordinated her cues with her human horse, who had no voice to ask for a break or to halt the scene at will.

Elena watched the demonstration with a smile.
"They carry themselves like true equestriennes," she remarked. "And it's clear they've practiced together."

Gabriel watched as the two pairs moved at a walk, turned, and came to a stop at the coordinator's signal.
"True elegance lies in coordination," he said, "not in the exertion of force."

Sebastian looked at Elena.
"And in knowing how to lead, without ever forgetting that your partner is also participating, and making their own choices."

Elena returned his look with an amused expression.
"I see you've learned something important during our own practice sessions." As they moved along at a walking pace, the two sisters chatted animatedly about the group that had just performed.

"The Koreans were incredible," said the sister-in-law, adjusting herself in the saddle. "Such coordination in their choreography!"

"True, but the Japanese are also incredibly talented," her sister replied. "And the Thai guys brought a different kind of energy. I loved how they blended the styles."

"And what about the Chinese idols? Their voices were fantastic. The mix of languages made the concert really special."

Elena, who had overheard part of the conversation, approached with Gabriel and Sebastian. "It sounds like the show gave you plenty to talk about," she remarked.

"Oh, absolutely!" the younger sister replied. "We love international groups. Each country has its own unique style."

Gabriel smiled. "So, besides being an equestrian, you're also a music critic."

The two sisters burst into laughter. The coordinator signaled that they were approaching the rest area, where they would be able to dismount, with some assistance, and continue their conversation at a more relaxed pace.

caballito · 2026-11-01 09:54:08

A Rainy Night (18) Leaving the Concert (2)

The two sisters continued talking with Elena while remaining seated in their saddles.

"Do you like Korean groups, too?" the daughter-in-law asked.

"I like their choreography and the way they combine music, costumes, and stage production," Elena replied. "Though, honestly, the two of you surprised me even more today: you were able to chat about music without ever losing your coordination with your partners."

Nearby, several participants waited on their knees to pay homage to the amazons and their boots, one lucky man was even kissing them. Each participant had chosen to take part in this gesture, and anyone was free to step away at any time, no explanation required.

"Some people have very unique ways of expressing admiration," one of the sisters remarked.

Elena smiled.
"True, but admiration shouldn't require anyone to lose their dignity. A good tradition also knows how to look after those who take part in it."

The two sisters burst into laughter as Elena listened.
"We've been riding on shoulders all night long," the daughter-in-law said, still amused.

Elena glanced toward the father-in-law and the brother-in-law. For a fleeting moment, it seemed she thought they were the ones being referred to.

The sisters caught her expression and roared with laughter.
"No, Elena! We weren't riding on them during the concert, we were riding on the shoulders of some guys who volunteered for it!"

"Ah, I see now!" Elena replied, laughing along. "I was already imagining a much more complicated family situation."

"The guys volunteered and actually enjoyed the experience," the other sister clarified. "It was brief, supervised, and included plenty of breaks."

Gabriel smiled as he heard the explanation.
"So, tonight has been a mix of music, tradition, and quite a bit of conversation."

Sebastian looked at Elena. "And some timely clarifications."

"Essential in this equestrian family," she replied, amused.

Elena glanced at the two sisters' boots and asked, "So, how did you fare with the rain?"

The sisters exchanged a look and burst into laughter.

"Our boots didn't get ruined!" the daughter-in-law replied. "Throughout the entire concert, we rode on the shoulders of guys who volunteered. That way, we avoided walking through the puddles."

"How farsighted!" Elena said, laughing. "I was worried about my own boots, too."

"Then you know exactly what we're talking about!" the other sister replied. "You can enjoy the concert, and the ride, without ending up with soaked boots."

Gabriel chimed in with a smile, "As long as the outing is well-organized and the participants are comfortable."

"Exactly," they both replied. "There were shifts, breaks, and help getting on and off."

Elena looked at Sebastian with a knowing glint in her eye.

"It seems we've found two amazons today who also know how to plan ahead."

Sebastian, who had been following the conversation with a smile, added,

"You two could share horses."

The sisters looked at each other, amused.

"Share horses?" one asked.

"Yes," Sebastian explained. "If you both want to take part in the same demonstration, you could set up shifts with the human horses who volunteer. That way, no one has to bear more weight or strain than is reasonable."

Elena let out a little laugh.
"How diplomatic you've become, Sebastian! You used to talk about horses as if they were just shared property."

"I've learned that every participant has to be in agreement," he replied.

Gabriel nodded.
"And that organization matters: one person at a time, proper saddles, and no improvising when it comes to shoulder-rides."

"So, the idea is noted down," one of the sisters said, "provided that volunteers are willing to participate."

Elena raised an eyebrow, amused:
"Sebastian, it seems you've just proposed a new activity.2

Ultimate shoulder rides

#1 2026-10-30 04:02:05

City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#2 2026-10-30 06:10:01

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#3 2026-10-30 06:40:01

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#4 2026-10-30 07:17:56

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#5 2026-10-30 11:33:50

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#6 2026-10-30 11:39:03

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#7 2026-10-30 11:51:33

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#8 2026-10-30 11:55:59

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#9 2026-10-31 11:43:19

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#10 2026-10-31 12:35:26

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#11 2026-10-31 13:43:08

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#12 2026-10-31 13:45:29

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#13 2026-10-31 14:12:57

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

Misiulo wrote:

#14 2026-10-31 14:18:15

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

Misiulo wrote:

#15 2026-10-31 14:19:18

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#16 2026-10-31 14:25:25

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#17 2026-10-31 15:03:41

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#18 2026-10-31 17:59:28

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

Misiulo wrote:

#19 2026-10-31 18:51:31

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

Misiulo wrote:

#20 2026-10-31 21:31:15

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#21 2026-10-31 23:09:33

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#22 2026-11-01 00:43:53

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#23 2026-11-01 02:19:51

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#24 2026-11-01 02:32:06

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#25 2026-11-01 04:34:09

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#26 2026-11-01 08:11:43

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#27 2026-11-01 09:05:40

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

#28 2026-11-01 09:54:08

Re: City Adventures: Prequel (and Sequel) to "San Jeronimo"

Board footer