Runner races, part 2: First start

Writers: Ambrosia, Kaysea, Paula
Date Posted: 6th June 2008

Characters: Corowal, Aivorn, Dawtrey, Corofel, Luter
Description: Emerald Falls hold hosts a runner races but the weather plays tricks on them.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 9, day 7 of Turn 4

Corofel

Part 2 Dawtrey could feel the nervousness of the runners around him as they approached the gates, but Chap seemed relatively calm beneath him, with only his customary taut eagerness to get the running underway. He kept his own anxiousness in check as he loaded Emerald Champion, putting all thoughts of desires for his master's (and his own) favourite runner to prove himself worthy of his name out of his head. The recollection of the months he had spent painstakingly training the runner to make the most of his natural ability on the track was only marginally reassuring. Likewise the knowledge of Chap's exemplary performances on practice runs did not matter today; you were never completely sure what an untested runner would do on the dirt his first time out. You could only trust your instinct, and despite his youth Dawtrey would do just that.

It seemed an eternity before all the runners were loaded, but finally all rear entries were closed off behind them. Jade Warrior, a high-strung runner Dawtrey had sized up earlier that day, reared and called out as they attempted to load him into the gate, but no injuries ensued and he was finally safely within his chute. Dawtrey checked his reins one last time and collected Chap's head to ensure a well-directed start just as the shot rang out... and they exploded out of the gate.

True to his inclination in training to be a strong starter, Chap plunged ahead of his immediate neighbours. Soon the only sights Dawtrey saw in his peripheral vision were a light sorrel blur slightly behind to his right and a heavily muscled dark brown thundering forward just in front of him along the rail. **A strong adversary, a good gauge... and a sweet joy it will be to sweep by him!**

**Just hold steady, boy, we'll catch him on the straight** Dawtrey decided, keeping his cues clear. Forward, extend, keep the pace. Chap's stamina left nothing wanting. Start strong, finish stronger; that was the plan. Hold it, hold it...

They rounded the turn and headed for the last stretch. It was time to make their move. Dawtrey edged Chap to the outside. "Now Chap, now!"
Dawtrey hissed, showing him the bat. As though he'd been waiting for this permission, the bright bay flattened his ears, eagerly taking his head. He charged forward. Within heartbeats he pulled alongside the larger brown.

**C'mon, I know you've got more in ya - no holding back now!**
"Ssssst!" Dawtrey furiously urged his mount towards the finish line.

With another burst of speed Chap rocketed past the brown, giving Dawtrey a clear and unhindered view of the wide open finish line. Mere seconds later it seemed the crowd roared as Chap finished 'stronger', two lengths ahead of his closest competitor.

Though the realization of victory had not yet completely dawned, Dawtrey finally relaxed, sitting up straighter and relieving the pressure on Chap's sides. He reined him in and the runner gradually slowed. "Good show lad, well done!" he clapped Chap on the shoulder, just beneath his withers. Dawtrey allowed himself a smile as he waved to the appreciative crowd.

Last updated on the June 7th 2008

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Runner races, part 2: First start