Hey, it’s November Story Time! A deleted scene for your enjoyment.
VELUNE
How did we do?
STERLING
Unfortunately our money only went so far. We managed to acquire three horses.
BETTY
You could’ve argued lower.
STERLING
I think perhaps the hostler was just a bit distracted by you holding a lumpy rug.
VELUNE
I’m sure three horses can manage four people.
MELTYRE
Depends on the horses. Betty, you better take the biggest one if you’re not going to let go of Fina.
BETTY
I’m not.
STERLING
Excuse me, I’m used to riding larger horses, as a paladin—
MELTYRE
It’s not like the principle changes when they’re smaller.
STERLING
Do you expect me to ride this elderly mare?
MELTYRE
She’s not elderly—
STERLING
A paladin of my skillset—
MELTYRE
If Velune and I are sharing, we’ll need the younger horse.
VELUNE
(relieved)
Oh, are we sharing? That’s fine.
BETTY
Hm.
STERLING
Surely you don’t expect me to approach my family’s historic home riding an old nag.
MELTYRE
She’s not a nag! And me and Velune together weigh more than you, even with your armor.
BETTY
Velune, do you know how to ride a horse?
Pause.
VELUNE
I…I wouldn’t say that, exactly—
STERLING
My gods.
VELUNE
I am quite familiar with the theory!
STERLING
Nothing for it then, we’ll have to teach you.
BETTY
We don’t have time.
STERLING
When beginning to study equestrianism, it’s important to remember the posture—
BETTY
We don’t have time.
STERLING
I’m afraid you may be right—
MELTYRE
Look, I’ll help, okay? I taught my sisters, it’ll be fine.
VELUNE
(unsure)
Yes, I’m sure.
MELTYRE
Okay, so the main thing is to sit up straight and to hold on with your knees. And if you think you’re falling off, just say something.
VELUNE
All right…
MELTYRE
Now c’mon, I’ll give you a boost.
Scrabbling around.
MELTYRE
…That’s the wrong foot, hang on.
VELUNE
Whatever do you mean, the wrong foot?
MELTYRE
You’re going to end up on the horse backwards.
VELUNE
What in every god’s name are you talking about?
BETTY
Trust him, you will. And hurry up.
VELUNE
All right, all right.
STERLING
How do you know how to ride a horse anyway?
MELTYRE
I grew up on a farm.
STERLING
(mystified)
Really?
MELTYRE
Yeah.
(grunt)
There you go.
VELUNE
Oh! This is! So much higher than I was expecting!
MELTYRE
It’s okay, I promise. Hang on.
(horse mounting sounds)
Okay, ready?
STERLING
I suppose.
BETTY
Finally, let’s go.