Toxic Situation [closed - Ventura]

[Cavallo]

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

The black bay filly was on fire. At two years of age she had consistency that was terrifying. Four wins and four places...never outside of the money. Michael led the black bay filly to the track, he rubbed her forelock and crooned his love for the horse, she bobbed her head up and down in affection and turned to nuzzle Michael's shoulder. He smiled.

The black bay filly was on a well deserved break. She had rested week five and it was still uncertain if possibly she'd be on two weeks or not...regardless...she was long overdue for a training session with the master...Nick Landing. Ultimately there were only two people the filly would perform for...Michael of course being the obvious, but the hidden respect was for Nick Landing. The filly and Nick clicked, but it wasn't on the same affectionate level that the filly had for Michael...

It was enough though for Nick to take the filly from time to time and train and condition her...he had always been a hands-on type of trainer anyways. Atropa laid eyes on Nick, as he stood waiting for the pair by the track gates.

She voiced her excitement for Nick and the track with a shrill whistle. Michael and Nick simply laughed. She's looking fresh after the Juvenile Faceoff.. Nick chuckled and Michael nodded as they drew nearer. She's still edgy and in great spirits...I think you and her will have an easy go of it today. Michael handed the reins off to his older brother and affectionately slapped her muscled boa. Well, I need to go prep Firebird for the Stable Faceoff...you two play nice... He winked at his brother before turning and ambling down the drive back to his rig.

Atropa watched Michael's retreat and let loose of whimper of regret, but remained faithfully by Nick. He rubbed the black bay filly and mounted with a swift ease of over a decade of practice. He settled in and the filly tossed her crown excitedly. That's right girl...you and I have some work to do... He clucked to the filly and they flew into the turf, every strode the filly made dripped with confidence and dominance. Nick smiled...she reminded him so much of Augusta and Atalanta...

He clucked once more and the filly flew into a canter as they began their three furlong warmup...the morning sun basked the dark forms in its glory as they set about enhancing the filly's natural abilities...

[S u N f r O s t ~]

VENTURA AND AMBER BLACK

All Amber wanted right now was some encouragement before she dived into the Magic Millions series. They had lost the Wire Finish Cup Juvenile Mile to Nightshade, Intrepid's new juvenile star. And Amber didn't take losing lightly. Okay, okay, she had won four other Finish Cup races, but this was Ventura. Firstborn of Impressario. Related to nothing but great horses. She needed to defeat that upstart Nightshade in the Magic Millions Fillies Turf. They'd be facing Bella Luna and a new horse from a new stable too, but her big goal was Nightshade. That filly...she snorted to herself as she rode forward into a canter on Ven. They'd have to pulverize her next time out.

Ven was moving powerfully with a look in her eyes that threatened to kill. She wasn't happy about losing to that filly. Indeed a rivalry was beginning to form, and Amber was only too happy to join in with it as she felt the same way. She wanted Ven to win again badly and get to grade four, where her rival lurked. Oh no. They weren't letting her get too far away from them. Speaking of her rival...Amber had just so happened to take a quick glance behind her, wanting to make sure the inside lane was clear before she went any faster, and guess who she saw? Nightshade. The filly she wanted to make a dartboard out of. And aboard her? Nick Landing.

She groaned. The last time she had seen Nick Landing in a civilized setting, she had been gloating about winning dinner from him. Now that he had won with Nightshade, it would be his turn to gloat, and she shuddered at the thought. Perhaps he wouldn't notice her? Should she go faster or slower? Maybe she should just man up and take the gloating with dignity? Her thoughts raced as her fingers twitched ever so slightly on the reins. Ven seemed to sense her hesitancy and was imperceptibly slowing, as though testing her control...

[Cavallo]

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

The black bay filly's stride was powerful and edgy. This was one attribute he loved about this Requiem daughter, nothing was ever done in half measures. The turf flew in fine fashion and he couldn't help, but smile.

He looked ahead and was surprised to see another horse already on the track. He was about to pass the black horse when suddenly he recognized the backside of none other than Amber Black. His grin widened unmercifully and he pulled the black bay Atropa in.

Atropa's eyes had zeroed in instantly on her rival and had instantly balked at allowing the black menace to be allowed to canter beside her. The only view she ever wanted of this filly was the brief glance she got when passing her. Fire flashed and she instantly tossed her crown in concordance to Nick's desire.

Nick said nothing as he pulled alongside their rivals. His face was as normal and pliant as ever. There was no gleam of boasting in his eyes, only a welcoming glow and excitement to see his friend....well at least that was what was going on on the outside.

He let Nightshade keep pace with the lagging Ventura. Atropa was barely civil as she locked eyes on her worthy foe. In her mindset, there was no one and done when it came to racing. Ever opportunity to meet a rival was seen as a fresh challenge, an aspect that Nick admired in the filly; there was no over-confidence on her part...just a raving powerhouse with fierce determination. She would never back down from a challenge.

As Nick looked over at Amber he had turn an admiring eye....Ventura was looking fierce and in top-form. If he had heard correctly, Nightshade and Ventura would face-off again soon in the Magic Millions Turf. He knew that now was a perfect opportunity to scope the competition. This was one filly and rider he would be sure that wouldn't be underestimated. Well, what a coincidence to see you and Ventura here, Amber. He gave her a smile and he didn't dare look away.

[S u N f r O s t ~]

Oh dear god...oh dear god...

Amber's pleas went unheard as suddenly, Nightshade just so happened to pull up alongside them. She groaned in her head. Well, at least now the workout would be interesting, and at the appearance of a rival Ventura was no longer keen on lagging. The Impressario daughter immediately picked the pace up, responding instantly to the challenge of Nightshade. Amber had been aboard a Requiem daughter before, Deadly Desires, and she thought she recognized the competitive and devilish gleam in Nightshade's eyes as a reflection of what her older sister had had in hers. Nightshade was classy. She was as good a rival as she could ask for. And as for Nick Landing...well, two owners of top stables could never stop feuding for long. And it was a good thing to see him, she had to admit. She needed some rivalry.

Amber turned her head and sent a small smile Nick's way, checking her grip on the reins. Ven wanted to go. Amber noted that Nick didn't look boastful in the least and couldn't help but thank whoever was listening for that. Maybe this would be a lot less painful than she thought. As she opened her mouth to speak Ven bucked once, wanting to go. Amber held on, her grin fading as she tightly regained control over the excited filly. When she finally felt comfortable enough she turned her head and spoke. A coincidence indeed she replied, grinning just a bit. How are things going for you? She met his gaze as straight on as she could and did not look away.

[Cavallo]

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

He admired Amber's filly. She was a powerhouse too and it was made evident in her buck. A display that was surely meant to up the pace and show her rebellion at not being able to run. Atropa crow-hopped the moment Ventura had bucked, responding in like to her foe's sentiments. Nick reined the black bay filly in and she accomadtated Nick's request to return to the pace of Amber and Ven. She was more than willing to match the black's stride and settled in deadly and quiet next to Ven. Her auds laid half-back as her calculating eyes took in the fullness of Ven. She watched her stride, the way she carried her head...it was as if she was systematically going through every flaw and strength her foe had. Yes...she was content to watch...for the moment, but her fire within began to burn brighter. She tossed her head wildly once more, but Nick pressed the Requiem daughter forward as he returned again his full-attention to the one and only Amber.

He had to admit...he had missed her since their last encounter...He wasn't sure if it was the innocent and fun rivalry they had or if it was something more...but he wasn't going to analyze this if she wasn't going to. As she replied to his comments, he took in every word she said and matched the intensity and intentionality of her gaze. His crystal blue eyes never leaving the haunting gentle green of hers as he processed her question.

He smiled slightly, Things are good...but just got a heck of a lot busier. We took on four horses from ARS....trying to help them out while they recover from their barn fire...unfortunate. He mulled over Kirsten Jade's unfortunate predicament and had stepped up to help, when she'd approached him about helping with some horses...Needless to say four horses was a lot to add to an already booming string, but somehow they would get things taken care off.

I was just taking Nightshade here, out for a training session before she faces off with you and your demon filly. He let the last words come out with a teasing glint and his sapphire eyes glowed with amusement.

[S u N f r O s t ~]

Now, knowing a Requiem daughter, there was no doubt some analyzing going on over there with Nightshade. Amber remembered well the intelligent gleam in Desiree's eyes and the way she had sized up her opponents. She couldn't help thinking that Nightshade was the same in that respect. She just seemed the type, and she shared some aspects of her sister's conformation too. Not to mention that she was reacting strongly to the presence of Ven. Amber smirked to herself as she felt the heat of the situation up a notch. This was going to be a very fun workout.

She felt briefly entranced by the blue of Nick's eyes. Man. They were so blue, it was like looking at the sky on a clear day. She blinked her green green GREEN eyes, trying to clear her head of such thoughts and refocus before Ven took advantage yet again and maybe even succeeded in throwing her off. She couldn't put anything past the Rising Fury daughter. That temperament of hers was insane. At the mention of the barn fire, Amber nodded vigorously. That was unfortunate! I was very happy to hear no horses were hurt, though. We took on two horses ourselves - Dirty Diana and A Royal Legacy. They're fitting right in. It feels great to be on a Merry Bay King son again. She grinned, almost dreamily. Nothing quite like it. I imagine you'll feel the same when you ride that horse of yours...what was his name...Proteus Prince?

She grinned at his next comments. Yes, Ven was definitely a bit of a demon. Same here. I'm kind of glad I came by you, actually. Things were getting a bit lonely out here on the track. I missed having you around. And Amber found that what she was saying was the truth, and at that realization clutched a wad of Ven's mane tightly.

[Cavallo]

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

Were his ears deceiving him or had he just heard Amber Black..independent and fiercely competitive Amber Black... just admit she had missed him?

He tried not to visibly react to her statement, but he couldn't help the warmth the slowly spread through him and touched his features, forming them into a gentle smile. She missed me. The sole thought occupied his mind and he decided then and there, that this friendship of theirs was evolving...evolving into something different, new and exciting...but he turned his head away and broke eye contact. Now wasn't the time to analyze this...but he did make a comment...and it was said softly, unlike his normal bravado...and maybe she wouldn't hear it, but it did have to be said, I missed you too Amber... He toyed with Atropa's mane and reins.

He paused as he let the words sink in and then turned to the dark featured woman beside him a smile on his face, with something more lurking behind it. Well, I've definitely have missed beating your tail and smoking your horses. He chuckled and arched an eyebrow, a dimple showing slightly in his right cheek. What would you say to a quick breeze...I can't think of a better training partner for Atropa here? His smile widened, his mood suddenly brighter and he was pretty sure it had nothing to do with horses and racing.

What do you say? Are you and Ven game?...or are you too scared? He let the challenge hang as the dark duo of fillies continued their warmup around the turf.

[S u N f r O s t ~]

What had she just gotten herself into? Did she seriously have to say that last comment? Dear God, she was in trouble now. She tried not to appear a bit uncomfortable as she, too, broke eye contact and looked away, but she did fidget just a bit in the saddle. Was it just her, or had Ven picked up on her sudden discomfort? The two year old filly was being unusually still, keying into the atmosphere with an almost interested air about her. Amber felt like she needed to pull Ario or King out of their stalls and go for a gallop after this. She needed some time to think about this, and aboard Ario or King or even Missy.... maybe not Missy, too much Comeuppance and Comeuppance meant Nick.

Did she catch a soft smile on his face? Did she hear those last softly uttered words? Well. This was getting to be a bit...scary. She was just casting about for something to say to get this over with and run away when Nick spoke instead. She grinned, relieved, as they reverted to their usual bravado. I can't say I've missed the feeling of defeating your horses...since we do that all the time she responded back, just a bit haughty, with a teasing smile on her face. Was that a dimple? She pushed the thought away with a mental shake of the head in disgust.

Excitement filled her at the thought of a breeze. What better way to get a good workout in? This was perfect. And since he was taunting her about it, there was no way she was backing down. You seem overeager to dissuade me. Perhaps you're the scared one? she teased right back, her tone upbeat. Ven snorted and pulled again at the reins. How long had they been cantering for? Too long, in the filly's opinion. Time to sprint this out.

[Cavallo]

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

He saw her usual candor return and he was glad that things still hadn't just radically changed between them. Atropa willfully tugged on the bit, she was done monitoring her foe. No..no...no... you have sadly mistaken chivalry for cowardice...I was simply thinking of Ventura's overall moral...how will she perform her best if poor Atropa crushes her now? He paused and thought briefly...Then again...I'm ok if you win this little sprint. He meant that too. Loosing to Ven now, would only make Nightshade more lethal come race day.

Nightshade who had been complacent to watch Ven was picking up the raw energy that was floating all around them. The anticipation and raw determination between both fillies was palpable. Nick jockeyed into position and looked over at Amber. I'm done talking whenever you are. He teased and drew closer to the filly. Nightshade felt Nick gathering and knew that things were about to go off! She let loose a piercing shrill as she began to go faster and this time she didn't receive a check from her jockey. The flash of fire in her eyes told all that things were about to go off. Ladies first. Nick said and waited for the cannon ball to explode.

[S u N f r O s t ~]

Now this was territory she could be comfortable in. Amber cheered inside her head as the awkwardness dissipated and raw power permeated the air. Oh yes, it was time to run, and run fast, too. Unlike other Fury foals, Ven was not a suicidal front runner. However, she did like to be up there near the pace, and would be more than happy to leave Nightshade in the dust. They weren't breezing for too long anyway. And Nick's bold words were getting to her competitive spirit. She held her head up arrogantly and smirked. If poor Atropa crushes her now, I'd be more worried for your horse she said simply. Because Ven will beat her by twice as much in the Magic Millions. And then you'll have your poor Atropa to worry about. But at Nick's next words she was taken slightly aback. Then again...there had to be a reason for that. It couldn't just be out of the niceness of his equally competitive heart.

Their conversation was over. She nodded, acknowledging the need for speed. Ventura was getting overeager now and Amber didn't want her to have a fit right out here on the track. She felt Ven readying herself for a buck or perhaps for taking a bite out of Nightshade's neck and quickly released her, dropping into the gallop easily. Ven was off quickly, eager to finally just go and leave Nightshade in the dust. She had been given some head and was taking full advantage of that. Her eyes glared and her hooves kicked up some clods of dirt as she tore along, Amber chilly sitting on her back and looking out for the black Nightshade alongside.

[Cavallo]

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

The black filly shot off and Nightshade followed in response under Nick's guided hand. Ventura had gained a length at most and Nightshade quickly closed the gap, but ran a half length behind. Here was Nightshade's element. The freedom to run and calculate...but she was also good at acting at the right moment to close the deal. The filly's eyes danced dangerously, but held the cold glint of intelligence.

Nick watched Ventura. They were never going to get another opportunity like this. Granted Nick knew Amber would be riding the filly differently on race day, but still this one blow-out could reveal a lot of helpful tips to help crush them on the field come race day.

Nick watched Ventura's stride, it was powerful and sure. This filly would be a huge threat come race day...and then he realized something. This filly was running and adapting quickly to the two horse race....her adaptability while a strength could also be her weakness...if bombarded with too much change in a single moment...the filly would struggle to truly run...trying to adapt to all. Nick smiled and clucked to the patiently running Atropa. She had felt Nick have a light bulb moment and fed off of his excitement.

She'd seen this view before...running behind Ventura and now...she simply wished to return the favor. Two furlongs had quickly flown in quick succession and now on the third, they creeped up on the black. Nightshade's eyes now fixated on the prize finish.

Hooves thundered and turf flew. He hoped that they had grown comfortable in their lead...as he and Nightshade gained ground and finally came alongside the pair at the fourth furlong. One more...and they weren't ceasing their speed as they began their steam roll to the finish... Nick glanced to see their rivals...they would have to time their final move carefully.

[S u N f r O s t ~]

The four furlongs were flying and Amber felt as though twin lasers were glaring into her back. She knew Nick was back there with his filly, and their eyes were absolutely fixated on the prize. She could feel it, but it didn't make her nervous. Au contraire. It made her really excited, this competitive feeling. Ven was just running along at her usual pace, albeit a bit faster because she was a bit fired up, and she hadn't tired yet. Amber felt Nick and Atropa approaching. She glanced at her elbow and wasn't surprised to see them barely a length off and going to their outside. This was to be a five furlong race and they would be doing this impressively.

Now Nightshade was going on by, eyes at the finish, and Ventura seemed to be waiting for something. When the filly had drawn up alongside completely Ventura dug deep and released, stubbornly increasing her speed in the hope of staying with Atropa. Amber felt her fury wafting through the air. Ven was a tough cookie. Atropa was tough too. It would be a matter of which filly was faster or which filly would cave first, and Amber didn't want that to be here. She urged Ven on with a sudden desire to give her some confidence, some feeling. A run against Anna after this would do wonders for her competitive spirit. But this was perfect. They pounded to the marker and Amber had an idea of Nightshade somewhere alongside them...

[Cavallo]

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

And then the black rival was there surging ahead and soon by their side on the inside lane. Atropa had the look of a serial killer on her face. She was out for blood and wasn't going to give Ventura an inch. She wanted to beat this filly...and so she dug in the finish was in sight and then Nick pulled the black bay back. She was irate. The inch she had gained on the rival vanished in that one instant as they sweeped by the finish of their sprint.

Nick had his hands full trying to contain the filly, he spun her in a tight circle to keep Atropa from making a go at Ventura and Amber, a possibility well within reason for Nightshade.

The tie was like a defeat to the Frontier daughter. Defeat was unacceptable. Nick tried to contain his smile. He had just used their rivals to train Atropa in one of the most important lessons, to never accept defeat. Come race day, the already alert Atropa would be hyper-vigilant and terrifyingly determined. Nick pointed the filly away from Ven and Amber and he turned to them with a pleased smile.

Well, now that was a successful breeze if I do say so myself. Atropa half-reared and tried to turn to face off and demolish the black, but Nick kept a tight hold on her, his biceps rippling in toned action and finesse. He looked again to Amber a look of regret at what he had to say...I'd love to stay and banter with you, but I'm afraid that Nightshade here wants to rip out Ven's throat...and we can't have that... He gave her a disarming smile and pointed the filly off the track...about to exit, Nick suddenly turned and devious smile on his face as he yelled back to their rivals, Thanks for helping train Nightshade...we're indebted! And with that they exited the track...

[S u N f r O s t ~]

Oh, how lovely it was to finish in a tie. For Amber. At least this way, nobody could make a bold statement saying one filly was better than the other or anything silly like that. So she grinned, and then focused on pulling her filly back. Ven was willing to take a chunk out of Nightshade's neck. The black filly's Rising Fury blood was showing in a bad way and Amber knew she needed to separate Ven before things got nasty. She prayed that these two weren't side by side in the gates on race day. As she pulled Ven up she saw Nick veer Nightshade away. The filly was really heavy on his hands and Amber couldn't help but grin. They had similar problems with these two. Not to mention those muscles.

Indeed it was she replied to his words, noting his difficulty with Nightshade. It looked like he'd have to make a hasty retreat before things got too bad. She was almost amused, had it not been for her filly wanting to do the same thing to Nightshade that Nightshade wanted to do to her and giving Amber a rough time about it, too. She watched him go without a goodbye, merely a glimmer in her eyes. He tossed a last retort over his shoulder before leaving completely, and Amber grinned a wide, gleeful grin. Nightshade had helped them as well, and there was another filly who would get Ven's spirits up just as much, a filly they would work with tomorrow....

For now, she simply grinned and trotted Ven for a bit, cooling the filly down and scheming for future races.

POST END.
ooc// We need more Nick and Amber....got any ideas? I may have one. *sends pm*