#rivervale_lodge

The Winged Wolves come out, though not in a low hunting stalk, but proud and open.

"I know. You will be swift as the wind." A pat, and she goes to get the magic saddle.

Symon has slunk back into the shadows of the stable, his hand flashing as he sketches, eyes on the wolves. A whisper over to Dagmar as she retrieves her gear. "Holy shit. You told me about them, but seeing is another thing."

"They're amazing, aren't they?"

"Is your steed willing to take on the challenge?" Sky Waltz says curious

"Imagine an army of them guarding the Lodge from sky and ground. Fuck, I'd need more leather for armor..." He snickers.

"Star has agreed to the race, Sky Waltz. And the terms remain - this is a friendly challenge, with no harm to any - save, perhaps, pride."

She tosses her head and turns to settle a dark, liquidy eye on the smaller wolf. "You shan't dare harry me or bare tooth, or you shall see that my hooves are strong and I have teeth as well." A warning, though she is polite enough.

"Mind thy stompy hard paws and we shall mind our fangs," Sky Waltz says to Star primly agreeing.

Her tail flicks in agreement, and she canters into place for Dagmar to saddle and mount.

"A race of two parts then - land and sky. Down the path to the lake, then into the air over the water, around and then back to here."

"Siblings," Sky Waltz says "You have heard?"

"Verily, sister," Far Howl says.

Dagmar saddles up Star. "Symon, your sharp eyes will be final judge if it is close?"

He nods, "I'll watch from here. Horse, if you drop her, try to aim for the lake."

The other wolves talk among themselves "We should have the edge over rougher terrain on land..." "Yes yes... but we must not grow to arrogant, and the test in flight is unknowable"

An offended snort. "No rider falls from my back lest I wish it. Sweethands is too skilled to be easily bucked. And I am STAR, not "horse", rotten-apple-boy."

Symon rolls his eyes, but leaves it at that.

Dagmar mounts.

Star tosses her mane, her silky hide twitching with excitement under Dagmar's touch.

"On the mark then?" A grin - oh, she's excited about this, too, even if the idea was for Waltz to get her "challenge."

One black furred winged wolf says "Sister, we shall have a contest among ourselves yes?"

"If you insist on making yourself a loser even if we beat the horse, so be it, Longjump" A smug look, then "On the mark, giant friend"

A hoof scrape at the ground, tensing for the starting leap.

"On your marks... get set.... GO!" Dagmar uses heel, not spur to signal to Star - her soft heart and the mare's intelligence have allowed for it.

And the wolves take off!

And Star leaps into action, bounding forward once - twice - and clears the fence easily without even needing the wings, but with a mighty pump she is now airborne!

Longjump and Sky Waltzer take the lead... flying up just ahead of the horse..at the start. Oh how odd. A horse chasing wolves

Dagmar crouches low to cut down on wind resistance. "You can do it, Star!"

Star whinnies loud and high in protest, her voice ringing out in challenge as she pumps her wings mightily, working to catch up!

The wings are created by a treasure, and it seems while wondrous, the wolves 'natural' wings and life time experience in flying (Since cubs) they have an edge.

Though two of the four wolves are not ahead... indeed, Farhowler sighs as the horse shoots by him "Well, this is just tail slumping..." a bit of a whine

Perhaps - but part of the race is also on land. A balance.

Then a small winged horse joins them...shooting by Dagmar with a whinny.

A laugh. "Hello, Raindrop!"

Star swishes her tail, flicking it at the tiny horse and greeting her with a whinny. As the wee one darts ahead, Star snorts - who is head mare here?! And redoubles her effort!

To be fair, Raindrop works in Star's favor, for the wolves turn blinking and confused "It's bite sized?" "Longjump, nooooo" "Oh right right"

Her eyes catch a glimpse of something to the side, and she cants over, veering slightly off course over the wooded area.

And this slows them just a pace

Dagmar may catch a hint of.. heat? Steam? But there is a warm updraft coming from below, and this gives Star a boost up, and she swoops back on track, slightly ahead and above the wolves. Watch out below!

The wolves forget themselves and bark "Oh come on!"

An amused whinny that needs no translation!

"Quickly, Siblings!" Waltz says and they redouble THEIR efforts..they are gaining fast.. catching up, but soon, it goes to land!

"My smart Star!"

Below Stormwake gives a cheerful horse whinny of his own!

"Hoooold...." She cries as she backwings, dropping down swiftly and legs flashing before they even hit the ground - a jolt to Dagmar, as she literally hits the ground running.

And the wolves, to their credit, hit the ground when the horse does, looking like the magnificent predators they are!

Symon watches in awe... too bad he doesn't have a camera...

Raindrop keeps flying, but then it's not her race.

Dagmar takes the hit by posting in the stirrups - she's had a lot of practice in the past year, so her teeth don't get too jostled.