Fort Races

Gather Square
The Gather Square itself is a magnificent large space. In the center is the spacious Dance Floor. The area around the square is lined with colorful gather booths from many crafts. People stroll about from booth to booth, perusing the wares for sale, and sampling the delicious foods and drink available, and enjoying the music.
Beyond the Gather Square are the meadows, and beyond that, the river. The ground of the square and the meadows nearby has been beaten down by countless numbers of dragons alighting there. Further out the land becomes slightly more hilly, the grasses taller, perfect place for a picnic.
It is a fall afternoon. As the sun makes its way across the sky, dipping to the west, the warmth of the day still hasn't subsided.
Flittering around overhead are Sh'Quan, Xinae, Zinae, Kiri, Random, and Amber Lightshine.
You see SmithCraft Tent, Kayla, Nustros, Darnell, and Julie here.
You notice Landrin, Katherine, Darcy, Loriel, and Jeri asleep here.
Toryin, Lili, Thorn, Alex, Psyche, Brian, Suwert, Aeia, Kelari, Kota, Aurora, Ataris, Oriana, Vlad, Cassa, Tanaeral, and Caramak are here.
Obvious exits:
Racetrack Fort Hold Crossroads

You look around at the bustle of activity here.
Oriana smiles knowingly, watching Lili and Toryin.

Kelari grins as she watches Lili and Toryin.

Lili drops her hand now that she has succeeded in halting his progess. "You forgot something." She produces a knot from her pocket, a slightly different one than the one he already sports. forgot something." She produces a knot from her pocket, a slightly different one than the one he already sports.

Caramak enters much more sedately and happily than he did the first time.

Toryin's jaw drops perceptibly then recovers and a dazed look comes over him

Alex whistles loudly, since he cant clap.

Suwert grins.

Lili hands the Sr. Apprentice knot to Toryin, grinning broadly, "Congrats, Sr. Apprentice Toryin."

From Thorn's shoulder, Tigre rises up and fans his wings BUGLING for his friend.

Kelari grins. "Way to go, Toryin!"

Tanaeral smiels to herself at the harper

Caramak grins. "Nice timing..." He begins to applaud loudly.

Oriana claps approvingly, beaming.

Above, Rinith pops in from ::between:: with a loud TRUMPET!!

Mulder applauds as he threads through the tables to where Aeia and Oriana are seated.

Toryin slowly opens his mouth and timidly says, "Umm Thank you very much Master Lili"

Tanaeral moves easy towards the lady holder

Mulder eyes Amber with a smile as he sits. "Beat me here," he murmurs.

Above, From Rinith's neck, Io smiles at the familiar panorama, always enchanted anew.

You overhear Suwert mutter, "... looks just SO thrilled. :)" to Oriana.

Tanaeral bows respectfully upon approaching her, 'Lady Kota.

Aeia looks up. "Mulder." Her eyebrows raise in a silent question.

Psyche waves. "Hey there, Io, Airi!"`

A young herder lad comes in and says, "The races are starting if anyone would like to attend."

Amber Lightshine hovers over Mulder for a moment, and chirrs before flitting off to join a fair.

Mulder indicates his front pocket.

You overhear Alex mutter, "yOU ... ... ANYTHING ... ... WITH GETTING ME A SR.APP ... DID ... ..." to Suwert.

Lili grins, "you're welcome. But it's well deserved.."

Vlad looks at Kota.

Aeia smiles.

You overhear Oriana mutter, "... ... ... Just ..." to Suwert.

Aeia pushes herself out of her chair. "Our cue."

Suwert chuckles.

Above, Rinith circles down to land on the road.

Mulder nods and gets up.

You overhear Suwert mutter, "... that ... ... ... ..." to Alex.

Aeia goes east.

Racetrack Entrance
The Hold racetrack stretches out before you to the south, tracing a wide oval of dirt in the deep green of grass around it. A flight of stairs leads up to the spectator stands. West lies the gather square itself.
It is a fall afternoon. As the sun makes its way across the sky, dipping to the west, the warmth of the day still hasn't subsided.
Pawing impatiently are Firestorm and Night's Shadow.
Aeia is here.
Obvious exits:
Behind Beasthold Road Gather Grounds Track Stands

Firestorm shifts his weight as he reaches for a particularly tasty patch of grass.

Night's Shadow prances anxiously.

Firestorm shifts his weight as he reaches for a particularly tasty patch of grass.

Night's Shadow prances anxiously.

Random has arrived.

Aeia calls to Random, who turns to her with laughing eyes, and then flies up and lands on her shoulder.

Firestorm shifts his weight as he reaches for a particularly tasty patch of grass.

Night's Shadow prances anxiously.

Ataris has arrived.

Firestorm shifts his weight as he reaches for a particularly tasty patch of grass.

Night's Shadow prances anxiously.

Oriana has arrived.

Ataris climbs up into the stands.

Spectator Stands
Tiered benches that offer a spectacular view of the race track below. From here you can see the exhbition ring set in the center of the track. Type 'help here' for info on viewing things on the track.
It is a fall afternoon. As the sun makes its way across the sky, dipping to the west, the warmth of the day still hasn't subsided.
You see Vaellin and WeyrhideBackpack here.
Raven, Matison, and Ataris are here.
Obvious exits:
Stairs

Ataris smiles and finds a seat

Aeia climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Raven looks up and smiles a bit distractedly at the newcomers...

Vlad climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Aurora climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Kota climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Lili climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Matison grins, taking a seat with a good view.

Caramak climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Aeia smils warmly as she sits next to Raven.

Vlad finds a good seat for Kota and himself.

Raven smiles and nods to her craftmaster, 'hello, aeia. how are you and the little one doing these days? :}

Brian climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Kota sits down and smoothes her skirts down while looking over the edge at the tracks.

Aurora peers down at the track for a moment before taking a seat.

Aeia sets Den on her knees. "We're fine. You?"

On the track, Shalimar paws at the ground.

Toryin climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

On the track, Fred strokes Shalimar's nose calmingly, checking his tack.

Ataris smiles as he takes a seat near the top of the stands, getting a full view of the track.

Thorn climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Raven smiles, 'much better. i must thank you again for sending Shala to help. we're still working things out but she's been great. :)

Aeia nods to her Journeywoman and smiles over at Mulder.

Psyche climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Kelari climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Thorn finds a seat next to Brian. "Ah Brian I figured we would need some refreshment. So I brought the skin ;)

Aeia chuckles at Thorn's statement.

Brian chuckles, "Good thinking Master Thorn."

Basil climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Snow climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

From Mulder's pocket, Cyrr pushes himself up and CREELS. Food. Now. Double-time it.

Thorn smiles and hands a glass to Brian.

Basil smiles at all her friends,, and sits with the Fort Hold contingent.

On the track, Interval comes out onto the track.

Raven blinks!! ' mulder?! you finally impressed an FL?!

Brian grins and takes the proffered glass. "Many Thanks Thorn."

Snow follows Basil almost in her shadow and always with Basil between her and anyone else.

Mulder smiles broadly as he unwraps some food and starts feeding it to the demanding little brown. "Just this afternoon... One of Amber's clutch."

Basil reassures Snow quietly.

Ataris stands and picks a runner to root for, "GO SHALIMAR!"

Kota looks at ATaris and chuckles. "You bet on him?"

Aeia elbows Mulder as her filly comes out onto the track. "There she is."

Raven smiles Hugely, rembering her little one's hatching....'congratulations! i know how much you looked forward to impressing one. :) he's lovely. :)

Ataris shrugs, "Why not? Someone has to;)"

Io climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

On the track, Fred holds up his hands. "Final entries on the track!" he calls loudly.

On the track, Fred says, "This is the Sprint Race, a distance of two furlongs!""

Caramak relaxes against the stands to watch what promises to be entertaining, to say the least...

Io ahas, settlign into an empty seat.

Bucky climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Psyche walks out.

On the track, Fred looks around him, registering each runner.

On the track, Interval skitters sideways, a green handful for her jockey.

Raven chuckles mildly.

On the track, Shalimar rakes the ground with his forehoof and whuffles at Shalimar.

Tanaeral climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Kota places a bet on Shalimar.

Kelari places a bet on Interval.

Raven grins lopsided, 'i'd be glad to hold the money for all you betters....

Thorn sips his wine and thinks perhaps he should have dolphin races.

Vlad places a bet on Shalimar.

Matison grins at Raven.

Mulder places a bet on Interval.

On the track, Shalimar rakes the ground with his forehoof and whuffles at Fred.

Raven winks back at Matison

On the track, Shalimar's eyes tinge white and he prances agitatedly under his rider.

Aeia raises her eyebrows as she looks to Mulder.

Io says, "Is firestorm inthe race? He was at the gates."

Kelari places a bet on Shalimar.

On the track, Perceval flares his nostrils as he catches the other stallions' scent.

Matison says, "Maybe in the second race. This is the sprint."

Ataris looks down the stands at Kota, "Oh, so you question who I root for, then place a bet on him?"

Nustros climbs up from the Racetrack Entrance.

Matison says absently, watching all the activity on the track.

Toryin chuckles and goes the long shot

Io nods. "Who's running this one?"

On the track, Interval dances, not refusing to settle in the gate.

Kota shakes her head at Ataris. "No, just glad that someone has faith in him."

Ataris places a bet on Shalimar.

Nustros examines the seating arrangements carefully and seats himself next to Master Lili.

On the track, Interval refuses to settle in the gate, that is.

Lili places a bet on Interval.

Caramak places a bet on Interval.

Aeia smiles as she notices people betting on her filly.

Tanaeral smooths her dress after finally finding a back to settle in.

Brian watches the runners on the track, listening to the bets being made.

Snow looks at the horses and smiles. "They're so beautiful.

Mulder says, "She's certainly got Perce's height in her..."

Io places a bet on Night's Shadow.

Caramak grins at his C2. "Great minds think alike..."

Lili chuckles and winks at Caramak, then settles back waiting for the race to begin.

On the track, Night's Shadow comes out onto the track.

In Aeia's arms, Denzylle reaches over and tugs Thorn's shirtsleeve, saying, "My mom has *two*, you know. Two down dere. One's the daddy."

Brian glances at Thorn, "If I knew anything about runners, I just might place a bet."

Raven giggles at Den, tempted to tug one of her curls

On the track, Shalimar rears a little and settles back down.

Matison grins as Shadow comes out on the track, and mutters advice to the jockey even from afar, as if the kid could hear.

Io grins at Denzylle fondly.

Thorn smiles at Denzylle and looks at her with wide eyes. "She does! Oh how exciting." He looks at Aeia and winks.

On the track, Night's Shadow trots skittishly.

Basil whispers to Snow, "I'm saving for the wedding!" and doesn't bet. ;)

On the track, Interval bounces against a railing.

On the track, Fred holds his hands up, directing runners to the starting gate.

On the track, Interval is moved towards the gate, prancing sideways.

Snow nods and looks over to the other guests. "This all so new."

Io smiles, sitting to watch her favorite.

Kota looks over at Basil. "Who is your friend?"

On the track, Perceval moves forward, ears flicking in all directions.

Kota motions at Snow.

On the track, Night's Shadow prances anxiously.

On the track, Night's Shadow's rider presses her forward, entering the gate with little trouble but a lot of curiousity.

Aeia ruffles her daughter's curls affectionately.

Kota keeps one eye trained on the tracks, though.

Basil smiles at Kota. "She's in costume. Call her 'Snow.'"

Matison mutters to himself, "Just a practice run, take it easy, girl...."

Snow
Pale hands and pale face. With grey eyes that look out at the sights with wonder. Could it be she has never been to a gather?
Snow's raven tresses are demurely coiled on her head in a soft bun, ringlets trailing over her slim shoulders. Delicate white flowers form a scented crown upon her head. A dress of purest white, all lace and taffeta, whispers as she moves, garnering to this young woman the fresh untouched purity of newly fallen snow. The high collar comes up under her chin, emphasizing the slender column of her neck. The sleeves are flowing, with a tighter undersleeve ending at her wrists. Looking closely you will notice that the lace of her dress is truely unique; made up of tiny snowflakes, not a single one alike.
She is awake, but has been staring off into space for 13 minutes.
Snow is 19 Turns, 6 months, and 17 days old.

Kota ahs. "Costume already?" She nods slowly and turns her attentions back to the tracks.

Snow looks at Kota and smiles.

Snow fidgets.

Io smiels at Basil, and Snow. "I've never been to a Fort Gather either," she confides to the costumed girl.

Basil laughs. "Come to think of it, neither have I!"

A trumpet sounds, calling the horses to the post for the start of the race.

Basil beams. "I was at Gar's gather, though, when I lived there. Great fun!"

The horses trot past the stands, one by one.

Matison grins like a kid.

Ataris winks, "Neither have I:) How'm I doing? Everyone enjoying themselves?"

Mulder reaches over and takes Aeia's hand.

Snow looks at Io. "I.. I.. never been to a gather at all." At the sound of the trumpet Snow nearly jumps out of her seat.

The number one horse trots by. It's Night's Shadow a colt owned by Matison. With no white on her at all, you almost miss this filly in the shadows. She grows tall, a full 16 hands in height, and promises to stretch even farther, getting her height from her sire. She is terribly mischievous by nature, though she never means harm by it and always sets things back to rights in the end.

Nustros watches the race intently, wanting to see the exact mechanics of Fort's races before putting his money anywhere.

Raven mimcs the grins unknowingly

Io smiles at Basil. "I, also."

From Mulder's pocket, Cyrr curls up and drifts back off to sleep.

The number two horse trots by. It's Shalimar a colt owned by Kota. Before you stands a blue black Ruathan runner. His slightly romanized nose and far set eyes show his proud lineage. His clear brown eyes are hidden by his long, thick mane. Arched high, his neck sheens blue as he regards you. Long and thick, his raised black tail brushes the ground. His delicate legs tend to prance, dancing for attention.

The number three horse trots by. It's Interval a colt owned by Aeia. A quickly-growing filly who's gaining more height each week. Her baby fur is thinning to a sleek blood-red bay coat, and her mane is growing long and sleek. From the look of her, it's quite possible that she stands to inherit a good share of her sire's size.

The number four horse trots by. It's Napoleon a colt owned by FortHold. A small runner of only 15 hands, this stallion is of a grey so light that he appears perfectly white. Only his dark eyes give him away, eyes with a glint of fire gleaming black.

Kota claps at Shal. "Goooooooo, m'boy... goooo."

The horses line up at the start, prancing nervously.

The race steward waves a flag, signalling the race to start!

They're off!

The horses break from the start in a burst of speed.

Matison leans forward, cheering Shadow on!

Raven breaks in, 'good luck all!

Aeia hugs Den tight, rooting for both her stallion and his get.

Lili leans forwards in her seat, watching excitedly as the runner rush along the track. Her hands move in an unconcsious motion, moving up and down as if to urge the participants onward.

Io smiles at Matison,a nd adds a high trill of her own, like the one she used to call the hogs in back home in Misty Vale, cheering on Shadow.

Caramak strains his neck to see Intercal, then realizes he's blocking the view of those in back of him.

Ataris climbs the rail to see over the crowd

Nustros withdraws a mark piece, which he rolls silently through his fingers, watching the race with interest.

Thorn sits back and follows the runners with his eyes. He idly sips his wine.

Aurora leans forward and rests her arms on the rail, watching intently as the runners circle the track.

On the track, Night's Shadow breaks behind the pack, her jockey not letting her go yet.

On the track, Perceval is pulled up early by his jockey, dropping back from the race. He looks lame....

Io smiles, noticing that Shadow's jockey is holding the filly back. Her money is save on *that* girl!

On the track, Shalimar heaves his sides as his hooves pound the ground.

Aeia sucks in her breath. "Damn."

Bucky yaps at all of the excitment around him

Tanaeral descends the stairs to the ground.

On the track, Perceval is walked off of the track, limping on his left fore. Meanwhile, the others thunder around the track.

On the track, Perceval leaves the track.

Snow watches the horses and silently cheers on her favorite.

On the track, Interval stretches her legs, young but fast.

Brian leans back and sips his wine as the runners try their best.

On the track, Interval's jockey maneuvers her for an inside spot. She lost some ground at the beginning, but she's beginning to make it up.

On the track, the runners adjust positions as the pass the first furlong marker. In the lead is Interval, second Shalimar, third Napoleon and fourth Night's Shadow!

Lili grins broadly as she notices Interval in the lead...

Io winces at Shadow, but hopes she has the speed for a come-from-behind win.

Matison nods to himself, enjoying the race and watching the jockey on Shadow. "Good boy, save her for distance...."

Caramak shakes his head slightly, hoping Interval has something left for the stretch...

On the track, Shalimar nips at Interval's flank as he pounds the tracks. His nostrils flare red and he flies...

Raven whistles at Shalimar's stunt

Thorn smiles as he watches the runners, ah so graceful...

Basil nudges Snow, grinning as the excitement mounts.

On the track, Interval's ears flatten back against her head as she fights for her lead.

Along the backstretch, in the second and last furlong, Interval slides back to second, tiring. Making up the distance is Shalimar, coming quickly along the outside!

Snow looks at Basil and smiles. Then she turns to the track.

In third place Napoleon thunders up, making his move - fourth is still Night's Shadow, who is also beginning to show her speed ...

Lili cranes her neck a little as she watches, her lips forming a moue as Interval starts to slow.

Raven grins ,excited, 'well, that would be fitting, the Lady Holder's runner winning the first race of the day....

On the track, Interval's jockey flashes his whip, but doesn't push the turnling too hard.

The runners flash by the finish post, in a close heat - but Shalimar was in first by a full body length!

Kota chuckles and shakes her head. "It's the jockey."

Io shrugs, grinning at Matison.

Second, Interval and Napoleon are almost nose to nose, with Night's shadow hot on their heels in a consistent fourth!

Raven smiles back

Aeia raises her eyebrows. She looks to Matison in surprise.

Nustros comments to Lady Kota, "But surely the breeding of the animal is quite important."

On the track, Fred, crouching by the finish, calls the race! "Shalimar to win! Napoleon to place! Interval to show!"

You overhear Aeia mutter, "Interval beat a Nighthawk get? ... ... an ... event!" to Matison.

Lili shrugs her shoulder, still smiling, "Well run race.."

Ataris laughs, and looks down the stands at Kota, "See? What'd I tell you!;)"

Basil holds her breath, straining to see.

Raven bolts up, 'that was close. :) anyone get a good look at who got second?

Matison smiles, apparently quite happy with the race. He excuses himself quickly. "I'll be back..."

On the track, Interval's jockey pulls her up, patting her on the neck for a job very well done.

Vlad descends the stairs to the ground.

Snow mutters and looks about her carefully.

Kota chuckles softly.

On the track, Night's Shadow's jockey pulls up the still-fresh animal, trotting her freely out on thr track.

Aeia remembers that Perce was pulled up lame, and excuses herself.

Aeia hands Denzylle to Mulder.

Aeia descends the stairs to the ground.