#earthrunes

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Coradel races along Samson's back, coming to the home stretch of the last leg of their excercise. The stables are in view

How fast can they get there?!

She urges Samson onward!

Dame Claire waits patiently with a stopwatch....

And CLICKS as her liege comes in, and with typical ruthless Ailil hood says "Still didn't break your best record, my liege. In fact, not even your top five"

Coradel reins Samson to a halt and sticks her tongue out at Dame Claire. "You enjoyed announcing that."

The stablegirl, a pony pooka, moves to tend to Samson...

She walks Samson around to cool him, patting his neck. "You're well, Samson?" she asks, not using a cantrip, just asking.

Dame Claire fights a smirk, "Me? Your Baroness, what a thing to say?"

When the stablegirl gets to her, she dismounts and offers over the reins, giving Samson a concerned look.

Samson gives a headbob, he's tired and thirsty, that's all

Reassured by Samson's reaction, she grins and pats his neck again. "Go on then," she says to both him and the stablegirl.

Then she turns on Claire. "Yes, you. I should start timing you."

Samson enjoys the hand against his neck, then goes off. The stable girl says "Yeerr a wrecking machine" to him

as they go off

Claire chuckles "You told me you were trying to beat your old time. Actually keeping time is kind of needed, no? Oh, by the way, your new horses from the deals made at Silverwolf are in but if you'd prefer to time me running loops..."

She had made some deals with various horse dealers and breeders at that event. Some from far off

"Oh, no, you're far too dull," Coradel teases. "Let's see the new recruits."

They move to the stables. Samson is getting the full luxury treatment, though Coradel explained that horses didn't need 'perms' for their manes

And they approach the three horses that are now filling her stables.

Samson is such an attention hog, he probably loves the attention.

Coradel looks in each stall as they pass, gently touching any steeds that are close enough.

The Appaloosa mare inspects HEr right back. They can be independent minded, and Coradel will have to impress her a bit

So Coradel turns away from her and moves away. Make the Appaloosa wait for the attention.

Well, she didn't expect THAT

Coradel looks for some other steed who looks interesting.

THe Shire horse was costly. They could be extinct in ten years. This big boy seems to be of less stubborn temperment, but he is a HEAVY almost troll worthy fellow, so may not be her favorite to ride for enjoyment. Still, lovely musculature and impressive size.

It might be fun to parade mounted upon him now and then, but she is no better suited for him as a rider than he is for her as a steed. Still, he's impressive. "You're a fine beast," she murmurs to him, reaching to stroke his nose.

"His name is Forest, no relation to the movie character" Claire says

"Forest. An interesting name."

She pets him once again. "We shall find a good rider for you," she promises him. Then on to the next.

Onto the next she goes, to the Barb Horse, an agreeable mare, surefooted as well as swift. who seems to enjoy the visit

"Oh, look at you..." She actually enters the stall, running her hand over the mare's flanks. "Such lean lines."

Barbs have contributed to many other breeds, and with good reason. And this one enjoys the touch for it's own sake.

"She is a beaut" Claire says

"She's sweet tempered, too. A pleasure ride, but I don't know how well she would do in competition."

At that, the Barb makes a great fuss, stomping as if a wild thing, eager for blood. Then she gives an almost coy look

Coradel laughs! "Oh, you're fun! Very well, then, we'll try you on some racing, see how you do."

"Bit of a kiss up, this one. Must realize she's at court" Claire observes

"Well, she's very smart, then." An approving nod, and she pats the Barb on the shoulder before leaving the stall.

An angry stomp, from the Appaloosa

Apparently her ego is pricked

Claire smirks "THAT one must be the Fiona horse" Ignoring that it might easily be an Ailil trait

Coradel glances over at the Appaloosa as if she hadn't noticed it before. "Oh, yes, and you." A smile, and she goes over to the stall and regards her from about a yard away, eyeing her size and shape.

Damn fine lines herself. And more FIRE than the others. Though the Barb has some spirit, this is the one that will act with audacity

"Hmm." Coradel folds her arms as if regarding an equal in a negotiation. "So, you look swift and bold. No match for my Samson, surely, but you probably are a sight to see at full gallop."

She gives a delicate snort as if to challenge the samson comparison, but yes. She's good

Coradel nods, then looks to Claire. "She's got attitude. Much like a certain Ailil I could think of."

"Mmm, well, IF She's all that , then maybe" A smile slips "I'd be proud to ride any of them if you want companionship, but I'm not as skilled as you or Dame Jeanette by Half"