I know what you're thinking...

He's glad when she rides them out of town, away from where anyone might see this. It makes sense, of course. It'd be a bit stupid for her to be teaching him how to do this stuff in full view of the people who think he already knows how.

It feels weird to be back in the saddle after a few days out of it, though. Hurts, too. He'd thought these aches were going away but nope, they were only asleep. So it's a bit of an uncomfortable ride, especially coupled with the heat. He doesn't moan though. He'll be in trouble if she changes her mind about helping him here.

It's been a long old day, no matter what way he looks at it. For a start, getting back on the horse was one of the most painful things he's ever had to do, and it didn't ease once he was up there. If anything, it's worse now. Subjecting hurt muscles to the same thing that hurt them in the first place, and doing it for hours on end, is not his idea of a good time.

For second, they've barely said a word to each other all day. He can't figure it out. She doesn't seem angry, like she was this morning. She doesn't seem sour; she's not cutting him down when he does speak. She's just...not talking. After a couple of hours of it, he decided that probably meant she was done with him - somehow, figuring this out has not made his mood better. He usually likes figuring out where he stands, but this one brings no satisfaction. And he keeps expecting her to bring it up again, like women usually do, but so far, nothing.

So it's been an awkward day. It's been an awkward, bloody hot day, with not enough alcohol in it. But the vista has been as glorious as ever - he's kept his eyes firmly on the area they're riding through. It's been changing, he's noticed. Greener, for a start. Different sorts of animals, more trees. He assumes this is what she wants, and doesn't ask any of the questions that have been threatening to spill for a while now.