Words were words, and Ace had learned long ago not to be offended by them. But actions, those still hurt. Sometimes. It was a bit painful to watch the other step away from him, not in fear, not in anger, but in something akin to disgust, if Ace could read his face. Well, not that he should care. He would, in fact, die before he admitted, even to himself, that this kind of thing was still hurtful. Because, well, they weren't. The only person that mattered had been taken away too long ago for him to care anymore. It was an easy path and he took comfort from it.<br/><br/>At least Caine wasn't as annoying. That was definitely a good thing.<br/><br/>Ace took his lead when the man guided the horse outside, making Girl start a soft walk with a quick movement of his feet. The mare jerked her head up, but obeyed without much trouble. A good sign, since before she had been a little more reluctant to obey. Ace couldn't tell if she was getting used to him or if she was starting to like him as her rider. Well, either way was fine. She was more docile than she had been before the attack on the forest, and it made for an easier journey.<br/><br/>When Crusty passed by them, Ace scowled briefly. So the man was a good rider. A very good one, considering his posture on the saddle. Pity. He wouldn't mind watching him fall once or twice. Of course, he could always create the circumstances, but the risk of the other ending up hurt and delaying them was not worth the fun. At least, not for now.<br/><br/>His scowl, though, changed to a quick smile as Caine looked behind his back.<br/><br/>"I'm just that charming." he answered with a flourished bow. When Caine fastened his pace, he urged Girl forward as well, although just enough to keep both other riders in his sigh. Girl was fast, and, in other circumstances, he would take the bait and try to outrun Crusty and Caine, just for the fun of it. But the horse had been injured not long ago, and if he wanted to keep her, it would be best to proceed carefully. There would be better opportunities for fun later on.<br/><br/>Once he was in the saddle, though, riding towards the path between the dark trees of the Deep, the adrenaline and the rush of a hunt took him once again. The wind was satisfying, and the whispers between the trees were oddly soothing. Maybe he really was a little crazy, but then, who cared? Chuckling to himself, he kept Girl going, and began to whistle a song, the melody always exciting to his ears. Sometimes, it reminded him of the last person he allowed himself to trust, a woman that he foolishly thought could take him out of his never ending travel. It had been a foolish decision, but he had learned well enough. He didn't mind the song, though. It was nice, beautiful, and fitted well with his mood during the beginning of a new hunt. Although it did bring memories back, they were devoid of any feelings.<br/><br/><br/>The morning ride wasn't exactly eventful, but Ace didn't expect it to be, at least not during the day. Not all monsters were exclusively nocturne - in fact, most of the known beasts were active in the morning  -, but, in the Deep, the worst was reserved for the night. So they were mostly safe, their only company for the time being were the birds singing and hiding in the trees. And, if they were lucky, other animals that could provide some meat.<br/><br/>While the forest was tick, enough sunlight could pass through the trees to be possible to tell the approximate time. When the sun itself was more or less visible between the foliage, and he was feeling hungry, Ace pressed his heels on Girl's sides, making her walk faster and guiding her to be side by side with Caine's horse.<br/><br/>"We should stop for a moment, to eat and give the horses a little rest." he suggested, stretching a little, adjusting his weight in the saddle. "I was also thinking of going off-path afterwards, see if I can find some fresh meat for dinner. If you go on a reasonable pace, I can catch up with you."