Jake was up and about early, as he was most mornings, taking one of his horses on a brisk ride down through Town. It was a treat, the animals liked a bit of variety in their routine, and Jake always enjoyed it when there were yet few people milling about. It was Lizzie Bell's first time through Town since she'd arrived a few weeks ago; Jake was already in love with the beautiful mare. Her gait was smooth, she was smart as a whip, but prone to nervousness, hence her outing this morning.

He kept her up on the bit and tuned to his heels and hands, letting her walk briskly down the paved streets sussing everything out. Mojo was nearby as always, sniffing bushes and anything else that caught the pup's interest. Jake waved to the folks he knew, turning in his saddle to wave back to one of the shopkeepers who'd just stepped outside, and jolted a bit when Lizzie balked, planted her feet and snorted. He slewed around to see what she was spooking over, spied someone on the sidewalk not far away, and sighed, already marshaling apologies.