so much love

[S u N f r O s t ~]

DASHING IN THE FIRELIGHT AND HENNA TURATH
FIRE'S WORKOUT FOR THE PALM TREE PARADISE INVITATIONAL

Henna Turath felt as though her heart was melting. She mounted atop her now grade one mare and they began moving almost instantaneously. After that glorious race, with that thirteenth win, Henna had openly cried. She had cried into the black mane of her most beloved light bay mare and had felt no shame in the action, only love. Fire had responded by being unusually quiet and still, as though not understanding her rider's actions but wanting to be there for her anyway. Her heart was saturated with care towards Henna, and Henna's was coated with love towards her. Henna had nearly decided to make her win the final race of Fire's career, but the press had stopped her from making that decision. They wanted to see her race more, and go out doing what she loved doing even if the season hadn't been too good.

They had three races left to them before retiring. The first was the Palm Tree Paradise Invitational. So far they were only facing Dark Sunrise, who had run with them before being returned to Akita Rose Stables and making rapid progress to reach grade one and actually beat the best in the Dubai Filly Cup. So she was a definite threat. Fortunately, Henna had been her rider at times when Sunny was at SOPS, and she knew just how the filly ran. It would be interesting to run against a former stablemate, but Henna knew Fire wouldn't care. When she raced, it was about the racing, relationships be damned. That was just what Henna loved about the light bay mare. Nothing dissuaded her in a race. Even after the setbacks in her three year old season, her rise to stardom and then this drastic fall the mare had remained resolute and determined to win as much as she could.

Henna sensed rather than saw Amber as she halted Fire in the backstretch. She trotted over to where Amber was waiting at the track rail, curious to hear what she said. Hey, Henna. Fire looks good commented Amber thoughtfully. What were you going to do to prep for the Palm Tree Paradise? Henna shifted slightly in the saddle, feeling a bit intimidated in the presence of somebody who, though she was a good friend, was also her boss. I'm going to run her for a half mile and then really go at it for another half mile. The race is ten furlongs, so I'm confident Fire will handle it. I just want to give her something more than an easy workout, though. She'll do fine, right?. Amber smiled easily at the woman who was probably her most talented jockey, probably even better than Amber herself. She will, Henna. You guys are flying right now. Have you decided on a Breeders Cup race yet? Henna nodded. We want to retry the Marathon. We're not going to the Classic. Fire loves the longer distances. I don't want to deny her a final race at a mile and a half. Amber nodded. I'm putting in the entries later. Anything changes, let me know. She walked away, leaving Henna with her horse.

Henna turned Fire and cantered her a bit, reawakening her legs. Then she began to gallop the mare. Fire gobbled up the open rein eagerly, striding over the dirt at a fast clip. Henna moved naturally with her, somehow seeing through the wind and mane that blew in her face. They already appeared to be flying, though Henna knew they were merely galloping, not sprinting. She watched the rail, looking for when to go, and all the while Fire's ears were alert and focused, waiting for any further cues. Her breathing was deep and rhythmic, and it reassured Henna to hear her mare breathing so easily. As they finished a half mile, a brief, maniacal grin crossed her face. She asked for a faster pace, and was met with a welcome burst of speed. Onwards they flew, and as they went Henna relived every ride she had had aboard Fire.

So much love filled her heart, and so much desire filled Fire's.