Leavetaking (All Horse Competition Participants)

[Matalina]

Talyn arrived at the stables early. It would be a two day trip to Redfern where the competition was to take place. It had been awhile since he'd been to the fair itself, and this would be the first time he'd be able to participate, his father would never have allowed him to before. Thanks to growing up and to Cari for sending him away to do so. Talyn wondered if he'd see any of his family or friends in Redfern this year. He hoped so.

 

Talyn readied Sandstorm, his sandy mare. She would be the star of this show, he'd never be able to do it with out here. Talyn hoped they would do well. He readied his trusty steed and made sure she had all the proper racing gear stowed in his pack before leading Sandstorm out of the stables and into the reading area to wait for the others to show up, they would leave shortly and Talyn wanted to make sure he was ready to go and waiting.

 

OOC: Just a getting ready post, and interactions. In two days I'll post our arrival in Redfern.

 

Talyn

[Guest Celes]

Her bag was packed and she had worked on cleaning her boots until they were shining all morning. Lyv was excited about the trip, about the tournament and about being outside for a few days. Riding the horse, entering the tournament and not having to worry about wall duty for a few days was a joy she would not let pass. Especially since no Aes Sedai were coming along, which meant that the party would last all night, or so Lyv imagined it to be. She put on a pair of black trousers and a white shirt, her riding cloak hung over her shoulders and she had a small bag with some necessities strapped behind the saddle.

 

The horse was not her own unfortunately, the horse she had brought to Tar Valon had died two years earlier of old age. This horse was borrowed from the Yards stables, but Lyv had taken the mare out a few times to know how she would do. It was a young fox mare with a wild streak that reminded Lyv of her own old horse. They would make a great team she was sure, waving at Talyn who stood ready, Lyv climbed up in the saddle and waited for the group to depart. “What a great day to fly!†she called to Rosheen who appeared right behind her. She was glad to see so many other men and women in the Yards were entering the competition. This would be good, even if Lyv had little experience on this horse and had no idea how it would like the games she had signed up for. Rosheen smiled and Lyv called, “To fly to freedom and beyond!†it was almost like a war cry and it made her grin broadly.

 

Lyv Tylin

Tower Guard

Master of Path of Water

[Asfaloth]

Shawn was so excited he had hardly slept the night before. Waking hours before dawn he went through his morning exercise routine, ate breakfast and then went back to his room. This was the day they'd be leaving. Since they announced the horse-riding competition and the subsequent announcement that trainees would be allowed to enter, Shawn had thought of nothing else. He'd even convinced his mentor, Corin, to loan him the money to buy his own horse and he'd been practicing daily so that he and Blaize could get accustomed to each other.

 

Returning to his room, Shawn dressed in the uniform the blue team had designed for themselves. He was quite proud of his team and more than pleased that Ginae had found him ready for leadership. The uniform consisted of a dark blue tunic and trousers with a kimono-styed overcoat that they were on more formal occasions, such as the parade of sorts that would be formed by all the denizens of the Yards that would be going on the trip. He fastened a set of throwing knives to each of his biceps, fastened his two swords to his belt, grabbed his bow, and walked to the stables. He didn't think he'd need weapons where they were going but he did know that Corin wouldn't accept being away from the Tower as reason to stop training. He'd be working hard any time he wasn't competing.

 

Blaize was a young white colt with a black blaze between his eyes. He'd been spending so much time at the stables since Kynwric taught him to ride that the stablemaster had offered to help him pick one out and give him a good price. Shawn didn't know much yet about choosing horses, but the stablemaster assured him that the animal was quick and strong, but even more important to Shawn, very intelligent.

 

Shawn took his time grooming and saddling Blaize, and by the time he was done Corin had arrived as well. As a trainee he had to be accompanied to the competition and he was glad Corin had agreed to come. Shawn led Blaize over to stand next to his mentor and waited in aniticipation for everyone to ready themselves for the trip.

[WhiteWolf]

Stretching his arms above his head, Yrean let out a huge yawn, one that threatened, but did not achieve, to rip his head from his shoulders. Rubbing at his aching jaw, Yrean made his way from his room to the stables, by way of the kitchens. As he entered the stables, Yrean was just finishing the food he had purloined from a bleary eyed cook, wiping his hand across his mouth, Yrean made his way to where his tack was stored and then to his horse, carrying what he would need to saddle his horse. Once this task was complete, Yrean led his horse outside and tied him to a rail, then headed back to his room to pick up his pack and weapons.

 

While Yrean packed his gear on his horse, he let his mind drift back to last years competition, and the time he had spent there with Gaea, it hardly seemed a year had passed, so much had happened in that time, what with the shop, the murders, Mat’s strange disappearance, then reappearance, then disappearance, again. There was Dorian as well to consider, his training was progressing well, and he showed great promise, as did the shop Yrean ran. All in all it had been a good few months for him, and he saw no reason why his luck should change now.

 

When he was satisfied that his gear was stowed correctly, and would stay so on the journey, Yrean led his horse away from the stables and over to where a small group of Tower Guards and Warders were gathering before they left the city. Yrean greeted the ones who were there ahead of him, then settled down to wait for the time to leave.

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

We are Grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow

 

Mentor to Dorian.

[silhouette]

A loud clattering of hooves was already heard on the paved road just outside the stables. Inside Rosheen was checking the straps of her saddle and the bridle one last time, before she put her foot in the stirrup, and swung upwards in the saddle, smoothly as always. A stomp and a jerk at the reigns she held securely in her hand indicated that Nikos didn’t approve of her weight on his back. What else was new? The large darkgray stallion tossed his head backwards once, before shaking it again. It was all a show, and from the looks of some of the trainees, Rosheen gathered that it looked rather impressive. “Well, are you done?†she asked the sixteen and a half hand stallion that had been a gift from her mother. With only the slightest nudge of her heels, Nikos started moving forward. As usual Rosheen imagined that the swaying motion her horse moved with when it walked was easily compared to what it felt like to be on a ship.

 

With a smile she regarded all the trainees, warders and Tower Guards that were still saddling up. It was easy to see who the more experienced riders and travellers wore. Those who had been on a horse as often as she had all worse comfortable leather trousers or breeches, and airy shirts. She had her own red cloak rolled up in the bundle behind her saddle. She’d have to wear it at least once, after all, being one of the judges at the competition. Her naginata was placed firmly into the holder that she had attached to her saddle, much like one would carry a pike. All in all Rosheen was confident that she looked the part of the fierce warrior woman in a mighty steed once more. That was why her mother had acquired Nikos for her in the first place. It had cost her a great deal, even with her trading skills. But it was worth it of course. Rosheen had only been slightly reluctant to accept the gift. Who could say no to a battle trained stallion straight out of the stables of one of Saldea’s finest breeders? If there was such a person, Rosheen wasn’t the one.

 

She greeted Lyv with a grin, her spirits lifted even more as her friend jested about it being a good day to fly. “I suppose that some of these horses are fast enough to come close.†She said, patting the broad neck of Nikos. “I think Nikos and I won’t go any faster than a fast trot. We’ll probably get seasick if we try.†The horse threw his heavily maned head back again as if to agree. Where some horses were trampling around impatiently, Nikos was patience incarnate. Rosheen glanced sideways as she heard a stream of curses. Next to Rosheen and Lyv, Ginae Auvriani, the new Mistress of Trainees was trying to get her young gelding under control.

 

The older woman grinned at Lyv and Rosheen as soon as she noticed their stares. “He’s young.†She stated, as if that should explain everything. And it did, in a way. “First test?†Rosheen asked, wondering if Ginae would indeed bring a horse as fresh as the swift looking spotted gelding to a competition. The Mistress of Trainees nodded. “It is. Back when I bought him a year ago I figured I’d have more time to train him, but alas, the trainees have tried their very best to keep me busy all the time since then. But I figure a competition like this is as good a place as any to see how he hold up.†The conversation was stopped short as the young gelding sprinted forward, clearly intent on escaping the tower grounds. “Roper!†Ginae called out , sounding every bit the intimidating Mistress of Trainees. “Well, it’ll be interesting to see how that works out, don’t you think?†she asked as she nodded her head to one of the trainees in blue that passed them by.

[tismeb4u]

Corin slide the last of the few supplies he would be taking with him on this little adventure. Shawn had been the first to ask if he would accompany him to the competition so he could compete. A smile rested easy on his face as he remembered the boy’s exuberance; asking for a loan to purchase a horse and then permission to enter the competition. He had done well though, keeping his studies and training schedule up whilst advancing in his horseman skills. The boy had dedication and tenacity which impressed Corin; talents that would aid him in the future after he was raised.

 

Crossing the yard toward the stables he could feel more of the tension leaving his shoulders. Several day’s away from the yards, watch duty and most defiantly Aes Sedai. He may have the duty of judging some of the competitions, but that was all he had to worry about. There would be no Aes Sedia to bow for, run errands for, jump at the most ridiculous of request; be lost to the depths of brown eyes. A touch of color warmed his cheeks at the memories of Lavinya Sedai and the trouble she had brought him. But the sensation did not last long as a vision of piercing grey disembodied eyes appeared in the dark recesses of his mind. “Yes Sirayn, I have not forgotten about your requirements of me either.†The words said under breath to the air around him. Even though he would be free of her as well; she would no doubt know everything he did. Her eyes and ears seemed almost to know what he did before he even though it.

 

Arriving at the stable, Corin collected the painted mare he had arranged for prior, from a stable boy. He had not found himself traveling off the grounds that often and as such had not deemed it a priority to purchase his own mount. The Tower stock did what he needed and did not require extra attention from him. Tying his bags and roll to the back of the saddle he looked over the few gathered and offered Lyv and Rosheen a nod, the last a mischievous smile. Rosheen had mellowed since her rising to the guard, but the fire had not been completely stamped out of her. Collecting the mare’s reins he moved over to the group and wait for the remainder of the party that would be traveling to arrive. Nodding to Shawn with a warm smile as the boy came up next to him with his prized purchase, a grin beaming from ear to ear.

 

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

Promised to Sirayn Sedai

[Fid]

The night was filled with restless sleep. He had too much on his mind, but at least he was awake. Fid tossed and turned until he finally kicked free the blankets that he found himself partially tied up in. He seemed to sleep in a lot since he arrived in Tar Valon and always. Fid stifled a yawn that had tried to rear its ugly head and then grabbed his white shirt from the back of his chair. Fid continued to dress himself, deciding on 2 pieces of green since this was the first challenge his team would face, and he was team captain. He put on the green overcoat and buttoned it up. Fid slung his green cloak over both shoulders and tied the neck after he threw on some black pants and his boots. Grabbing the packs he prepared the night before, he headed out the door and towards the stable.

 

He was unsure how this week would end, but he was sure how it would begin. Fid tried to remember as much as he could from the books he read about horse riding, and how to care for a horse from his old sanctuary, the Cairhien library. Nevertheless, he was even unsure of those books at the moment, his mind was clouded from the excitement and lack of sleep. Usually Fid was good at recalling books from years back, he just couldn’t find those bearings this morning. Light! I hope I didn’t sleep right through the departure. What kind of captain would I look like than?

 

As Fid came on the group at the stable he tried to cloak his fatigue with a strut that came off more arrogant than anything. That wasn’t how he wanted that to go, and now he felt his face turn beet. He hoped no one had seen it. At least I’m not late. Fid looked for the horse he was to ride on. When he landed his eyes on Buckshot, he walked over to the horse without paying mind to the group. The horse was flat black with grey hair that made it look old. Fid had concern the age of the horse would put him at a deficit, but age also meant the horse had experience, something Fid needed more than anything. He tied his pack to the saddle and hoped on to Buck’s back. These first moments were shaky. Once he got a grasp of his four legs, he made his way to the back of the pack. He nodded to Corin, who stood near the back of the pack as well. Fid started probing his head out above the group to look for his two team mates that were going to be there. His efforts resulted in nothing.

[Wretched Chaos]

Rodrik woke early that morning. Probably from the excitement of the upcoming competition. He kicked off the covers and swung his legs out and away from the bed. He stood and got dressed in his most comfortable riding clothes. He turned and made his bed, making sure his hospital corners were perfect. He went to the rack at the head of his bed and picked up his sword belt. He strapped it on, looser then usual as he knew it would be painful riding with a tight belt. He put his new No Dochi blade, Totenkompf, as his primary blade, with his claymore, Judgement, as his secondary. He went to the mess for a quick breakfast before the ride and quickly gulped down the eggs and ham. He exited the mess and went to the stables. When he arrived there were already many people who would be competeing in the tournament. He went to Thunder's stall and fed the stallion oats. He moved to a storage cabinent and withdrew Thunder's bit and saddle. He moved back to Thunder's stall and saddled him. Thunder nuzzled against Rodrik's hand and Rodrik gave him a carrot in response. He patted Thunder and stepped outside the stall to talk with some of his fellow trainees.

[WhiteCastle_mmm]

In the deep hidden sanctuary of his dreams, Baine's subconcious put him back in every riding lesson he'd had back in his father's fields in Saldea. The faces of several grizzled men-at-arms came back to him shouting orders. Being their master's son gave him no special place during training.

 

Baine woke abruptly as his dream went to his first real fall. Drenched in a cold sweat he rose and dressed before the sun and set about organizing the few belongings he'd take with him. Pulling on his tight green pants, black (under no circumstances would he risk being confused for a white trainee) linen shirt and a green bandana over his newly shaven head he strapped his No Dachi to his back and his other blades into his belt. Hoisting his pack over his shoulder he set out to the stables.

 

When he got there he had to wade through a small swarm of other Trainees and Tower Gaurds and a few Warders. Moving through the press he eventually found his horse's stall. Sho was not the best horse he'd had to choose from, but he'd had to make his decision quickly and quietly as he left home. Over the long ride from Saldea to Tar Valon, man and horse had become quite used to eachother. Fitting him with the necessary equipment Baine led him out into the open and mounted. Once on the animal he had a better vantage point, and it came in handy. Towards the back of the group he spotted Fid, his team captain, who was scanning the crowd as well. Undoubtedly looking for his other teammates. Baine moved closer and made room right next to him. "Good morning captain." They had a short conversation in quiet tones as they both kept their eyes peeled for their third teammate, and awaited orders to start the trip.

 

Baine Draksun

Green Team

[Urais]

- - - - - Sovald looked around the courtyard. Bustle. He shook his head ruefully. A whole herd of these people to manage... It would be a slow trip, he had no doubt. Patting Jeade'en, he swung up easily into the saddle, and off they trotted. He had everything he would need in his bag -- not much, he had learned long ago. The bag nearly always stayed packed, ready to go. A bedroll, a few extra things here and there. Nothing heavy. His sword, of course. A light cuirass he wore, and his cloak of blood-red, emblazened with the Flame of Tar Valon. He sat waiting -- there were a few people already there, most of whom he didn't recognize. Of course, the man in the regalia, with the breastplate with the Flame shining bright... Krelsa Vedrig. The newly appointed Commander. And a Shienaran. His long topknot hung back as he looked around, constantly watching everyone and everything at the same time, a skill Sovald greatly admired.

- - - - - As more and more people flooded in, Guards and even some trainees come to compete, Sovald began to edge closer to the front. He didn't like crowds. At all, really. Especially not this tight. Of course, they were all going to be at the races and such... but that was different. He shifted his pack, and Jeade'en edged forward. Who were all these people? Surely they weren't all competing...

[Vanion]

Vanion awoke early and sprang from his bed, dressing himself in a flurry of clothing. Slinging his sword over his shoulder and grabbing his pack, he bolted from his room and headed for the stables, tying a black scarf around his eyes as he went.

 

Moving about the trainee barracks and the yards while sightless had become much easier for him as he now spent most of his time blindfolded, as per Orion's instructions. He was quickly developing a fairly good feel for his surroundings. The first weeks had been pure hell though. Contantly walking into things, knocking things over, and several nasty falls. It would all be worth it in the end though.

 

As he came closer to the stables, Vanion could hear all the bustle of the trainee's and tower guards as the prepared to leave for the Competition. Taking off his blindfold, Vanion hurried on to the stables.

Fetching the horse he would be riding, Tsorovan, Storm. Quickly saddling his horse, Vanion tied his back behind the saddle and swung up onto Tsorovan, then sat watching the gathering crowd.

 

Vanion al'Makor

Tower Trainee

[Lannie]

Esthelle had been here for a mere few months, but she had decided to sign up for the Horse competition anyway. While her weapon of choice was perhaps not the best weapon to wield on a horse, Esthelle had found herelf increasingly drawn to horseriding and horses. She had ridden around before when she was visiting her mother's family outside of the city; but it had never been an obsession as it was these days. She liked horseriding better than practicing with her quarterstaff, she liked it better than sleeping, she liked it better than eating sometimes. She loved taking care of horses and cuddling with them. Most of the horses took a liking to her for some reason, perhaps because she was around the stables every free moment she had these days.

 

Her favourite however was a spirited mare called Sunlight. Even though she found the name bordering on corniness, the mare itself definitely wasn't. She was a beautiful animal; her skin was a tarnished gold and her hair a few shades lighter, blond as Esthelle's own hair had been when she had been a child. Esthelle loved sunlight to bits, and Sunlight had taken to her with an equal amount. Even though she got along well with her roommates and pretty much everyone in the Yards, Sunny was becoming her best friend. Sunny gave attention and love without having to be asked, without Esthelle really having to try. Her affection was genuine, and Esthelle loved her for it.

 

So the horseriding competition seemed for a lovely way to be with Sunny and do something constructive. On that beautiful morning that they were leaving for Redfern, Esthelle had dressed simply in her gray breeches and a form-fitting white shirt. Her cloak was light enough, and her boots were made of supple leather. Sunny was in a good mood, eager to go outside, and so was Esthelle. She tied her backpack onto her saddle and swung up onto Sunny, trotting cheerily over to the rest.

 

Esthelle Vinder

Tower Trainee...