#rivervale_lodge

To be fair, it might be hard to tell that Star has stopped flying....

Surrounding now by wolves on the ground, Star tenses and leaps forward - she knows that they have promised, and she trusts Dagmar, but instincts are mighty, and a hint of frantic speed added to her leaps as she darts to one side, leaping over a boulder that the wolves may need to climb or go around.

While Dagmar's weight slows the horse down a bit, it is a testament to Dagmar's growing skills as a rider that she hunkers so the resistance is cut to little if anything, almost one with her friend when it comes to the wind rushing by.

Sky Waltzer and Longjump are quite literally at Star's hooves.... and as Longjump takes a name sake jump, he comes up to front.

to the front hooves.

A high pitched whinny and she tosses her head, Dagmar can sense the tension!

The other two wolves fall behind at that boulder.... and are panting hard

Stretching her legs to take all advantage of length that she can muster.

Stormwake snorts (You can do this , Star!)

An encouraging yip!

And Star can! Her magical speed faster than any non fae steed, she takes the lead....

And makes it past Symon's definition of the 'Finish Line'

Star leaps past the finish line, and whirls at bay, breath coming in foggy spurts that cloud the air, and head lowered to protect her neck!

A reassuring pat from Dagmar as she looks to the wolves - hoping, HOPING for a particular second-place win...

It takes a moment, but Sweethand's touch reassures her - as does Stormwake's presence, and she slowly pulls up, shaking her mane a touch.

Second place goes to Sky Waltz... for Longjump is good at Jumping... but that is not a permanent edge

Suddenly Oak is there, by Star's side. He does not always like the fussy horses, but his people LOVE the horses, and he will protect . His breed was staring down wolves for centuries.

"A good race! Star is the wind, but Sky Waltz is the swiftest amongst wolves!"

It turns turns out not to be needed, for Waltz moves to the side... indeed, amost staggering, and the other wolves follow her...

"I..." Sky Waltz pants "I ... thank you. "

She rolls an eye down at Oak, suddenly having a newfound appreciation for their housewolf.

Stormwake stomps and snorts . Far as he's concerned second best is just another word for non horses are losers

"Blast.. I thought I had another jump in me..." Longjump says

Then he says "Whoa, be at ease cousin" Speaking of Oak

Dagmar returns to the ground, easing Star's burden.

Star is willing to be magnanimous in victory. "If not for the boulder, in another life, I'd have been meat for your pups." Nuzzling Dagmar. "Your herd is strong together."

Oak looks at Dagmar Folks really need to inform the Dogs of this stuff. Get the permit.

"Can I offer the pack water?"

Raindrop dances in the air, then settles near Oak.

A snort and she nods in agreement. "Apples go to the victor." She cautions.

...hopefully.

The other female wolf, shy and quiet, stars at Oak with fascination. To Wolves, such guardian dog breeds are strange, exotic, and kind of thrilling.

"We want none of your applies," Farhowler says 'But ... water, yes, please."

Waltz agrees with that.

Emboldened by the presence of Oak and Stormwind, and confident in Dagmar's protection, Star sidles forward, leaning her long neck down to sniff noses with Sky Waltz.

"Apples for Star, yes. And water for the pack." She opens the postern gate.

Bug eyed in the back, Symon sketches frantically.

Sky Waltz touches noses with Star "Glad I am that other hoofed ones lack your speed"

"And glad am I that you race in play and not in the hunt. Should some beast threaten your herd or foals, you call for Star Swiftwind, and our hooves are at your defense."

Several buckets of water for the pack are set out, so they don't need to overcrowd.

"This is well, and my father and mother's pact holds and more. Should you ever have colt or foal, not only will we not hunt, we shall harry other packs for intruding on our domain and protect your offspring." Sky Waltz says

"That is not for you to promise," Long Jump says "But I think mother and father will agree"

She nods her head, folding back her wings with imperfect practice. A flick that almost fwaps Stormwind, and she gets them settled in place. "Come fall, there will be small hooves on the ground." She remarks offhandedly, with an air of smug pride. "OUR herd grows strong as well."

An alarmed look from Dagmar!

Rather as if she'd been struck upside the head with a board...

"Then I shall defend with fang and fur her colt, and the pack be shamed for leaving me alone to it" Waltz says to her brother, then wags slightly at Star "This is good news. May your foal know strength and speed both"

Stormwake whinnies happily! ("Joyous day!"_

A small head nudge to Dagmar. "Apples." She reminds her.

And a snort at Stormwake, though fondly.

"Oh, right... apples..."