With Saxif's help Kostya was able to mount the horse rather easily, albeit slightly painfully. Their initial position on the horse was awkward and sent a frsh burst of heat running through Kostya's cheeks, especially when the female seemed to stare at him slightly before turning around. He gripped the horse's back with his legs, like Saxif had told him and waited for the horse to set off moving. Unfortunately Kostya's inexperience in horse riding shone through, and he lost his balance nearly as soon as the horse started moving. Kostya flailed his arms a bit, trying to keep his balance, before taking Saxif up on her offer and wrapping his arms around her stomach to keep his balance.
Unfortunately Kostya's hormones chose this time to realise that, for the first time in two years, and in his life, he was both in a coherent state and in close contact with a female that wasn't his mother. His face broke out into a strong blush and his heart began beating hard. Embarrassed by the unfamiliar reaction Kostya was glad when the river came into view.
Kostya noticed Saxif moving into position near the horse, likely to help him down if he needed it. Taking a deep breath Kostya swung his legs over the horse and slid off. As he hit the ground the movement sent a small jolt of pain through him, which threw his balance off. However he managed to right himself quickly with Saxif's help
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Kostya turned to Saxif and smiled, "Thanks fer' tha' 'elp, wouldn' 'ave liked ta' walk all this way, or all tha' way back 'ome fer tha' matter, without cleanin' myself up a bit first." Kostya was grateful for Saxif's help and, despite his embarrassment, the ride had been enjoyable in an odd way that Kostya couldn't quite put his paw on.
With broad strides, forgoing attempting to avoid pain for getting it over with quickly, Kostya swiftly made his way over to the stream and crouched down, gazing into the water. After splashing some water onto his face to try and calm himself Kostya started unbuckling his harness. After a minute he managed to get all the straps off and placed the bulky leather down by the side of the river, being careful not to jolt his bow or his newly acquired meat as he did so and then started to pick at the knots on his bandages.