to begin to fly [closed - Ripley]

[S u N f r O s t ~]

AFTERGLOW AND HENNA TURATH
MERCURIAL MAGIC AND VALENCIA ANDREWS

So this was what Amber had been scheming. The birth of a new stable, New Flight Stable, where like phoenixes horses would be reborn as champions. Amber had been so proud of this dual creation with Witch Creek that she had even thrown a party, and all of her staff had joined together for a night of fun. But now fun was over and the real work was set to begin. Today was a staged workout with Afterglow, Mercurial Magic and Indian Darling. The first workout of the New Flight team. Amber had named Krystal head of SOPS operations at New Flight and had completely handed the reins over to her. Krystal took care of the training of these horses and collaborated with the Witch Creek team on New Flight manners. It was her job to do as she did now and lean against the track rail awaiting Witch Creek.

The bugle of the high strung five year old mare known as Afterglow sounded out over the track. Eyes flicked over to watch the grade one mare strut over the track. Some claimed she was a shadow of her former Triple Tiara glory, but Henna knew what she was riding and was grinning at the thought. Stormi was a shotgun. She had won all three of her starts with SOPS and was on the rise for bigger and better things. Working out with her today would be Mercurial Magic, the burly four year old stallion who had crested grade three with a loving Valencia Andrews in the saddle. The hot blooded stallion had few fans to speak of, but attracted eyes as he easily kept pace with the grade three mare. Stormi and Merc were full of it and ready to go. Henna and Valencia talked to each other quietly, their mounts prancing in place, while awaiting the arrival of the Witch Creek team.

[*Ripley*]

Brookson Wells and Laura DeComte made their way out to the dirt track with very few eyes tracking their movements. Laura sat astride a plain Jane bay filly of relatively slim and small stature. Indian Darling had not been seen by the racing world since her last place finish behind War Cry and Ventura in the Coaching Club American Oaks. It had been a solid try, but a very forgetful one when considering people could not even name the last place finisher correctly. Brooks did a once over of the streamlined filly, blue eyes sharpening with every inch he covered. Indian Darling was an extremely gorgeous filly. She had clean lines, excellent shape. She moved like a champion and appeared very athletic even at a walk.

Her dished face turned every which way, mane blowing back in the breeze. She looked wild, possessed an unbridled energy. When Ripley had approached Brooks and Laura about moving some horses into New Flight's program, both man and girl had decided Indian Darling would be the perfect patient. She was still lightly raced due to an injury as a two year old and possessed the speed of ten horses. It was just reigning in that energy that would be the trick. Laura stroked the filly's neck, green eyes glowing with excitement. The Seaspray Cup was next versus This Means War, Shot of Mocha, Nature's Dream and Stalker's Glory. Indian Darling had been facing horses of quality well above this grade four field in her last few races. She was more than capable of beating them, but only if they got past this workout.

The quartet of horses and humans waiting out on the track would help to begin New Flight's journey. Henna Turath and Ripley's friend, Valencia Andrews would join them in a group workout with Afterglow and former Battle Brook horse Mercurial Magic. Laura nearly rubbed her hands together in excitement. Darla's savage head lifted when she heard Afterglow neigh. A chill-raising whistle was released from the mouth of the Native Flame daughter. Darla saw the large stallion and the mare as a challenge. And like most Witch Creek horses did when approaching something new, she was thinking: Challenge Accepted.

[S u N f r O s t ~]

Krystal's gaze zoomed in on Indian Darling, admiring her very athletic form and noting the lack of attention the Native Flame daughter was receiving. She snorted. She knew how Native Flame horses were. She rode Fire Dancer herself. They weren't going to notice Darla right now, but the older a Native Flame foal got the better they were. Fire Dancer was kicking butt out there, and this was her half sister. They would do well to take more notice of her. Her gaze switched to her own horses as they converged. She jogged over, smiling a greeting as the team assembled. Well met, New Flight team! she called as she met them.

Henna and Valencia grinned and said their own helloes. Merc's eyes were pulsing with red hot fire as he met Darla's gaze, his hot blooded temperament taking over. Valencia steadied the hotwire racehorse, impatient for workout instructions. Henna's own mount had settled into herself like the veteran she was. Henna felt the stubborn willingness to run in the bit and grinned, collecting every ounce of that energy into her hands. Stormi snorted once at Darla, her own way of acknowledging competition, before sharpening into deadly focus. As the mare had gotten older and more experienced, her high strung tendency on the track had slowly disappeared. Stormi still had it in spades, but now she knew when to rein it in.

So for the workout today, I was thinking we could do a Witch Creek style one. I usually like how you guys do your training, and I believe New Flight deserves to turn a couple of heads. She grinned teasingly at the words "usually like". One and a half miles of gallop, then a four furlong blowout sound good to you guys?

[*Ripley*]

<sub>Laura patted Indian Darling, glancing at Brooks who stood at her stirrup. The blonde haired man was taking in the looks of both competitors, nodding shortly in approval. He liked what he saw from New Flight's other horses. He patted Darla's butt as she pranced in place, noting how high strung she seemed. The filly needed a good run if she was going to be calm enough for the Seaspray Cup. He grinned hello to Valencia and Henna. We've sure got a killer group for the first workout. Darla here feels a little miffed at the lack of attention pointed her way. She thinks she needs to get the clockers to say "wow" and bet their money on her in the Seaspray Cup.

Laura laughed, quite certain that was not Indian Darling's plan at all. The sharp filly was pinning her ears in agitation at the older horses, muscles taunt enough to explode on command. Actually... I think she just wants to kick butt. The filly bobbed her head, stirring the bit in her mouth with irritated movements. She definitely agreed with Laura's assessment. Laura circled the filly in a tight circle, eager to get moving on the overcast morning.

Brooks cocked his head to listen to the plan, nodding. Well you may "usually like" our workout plans, but it works well enough in the big races. He shot the words out like a dare, willing to protect Ripley Marsh's training style even if she wasn't present. Laura sent a look his way, uncertain if he should be so willing to stir up competition with the new partners. We've been running Darla for miles every day. If you think your horses can last as long as she can, well... we're ready when you are. Teasing lit a fire in Laura's eyes that otherwise only appeared on race day. Indian Darling needed to prove that she was better than her grade four status said she was. Laura believed in her filly. The SOPS people had never seen Indian Darling run in a controlled environment before. At those times, Darla was nearly unbeatable.

Laura nudged her filly to move off, nodding to Brooks who lifted his stopwatch in ascent. He sent an eager look toward the other two women, Let's give them something that keeps them awake at night. He darted under the rail, assumed a position that warned others to keep away and prepared to watch the action.

Indian Darling trotted fluidly over the track, tail winging out over her haunches so that she was a picture of wild grace. Laura smiled. Boy, for a filly that had just gotten her butt kicked in the Triple Tiara, Indian Darling sure wasn't showing any lack of confidence. Her black tipped ears swept back to listen for the others, but immediately pricked forward Laura asked for her gallop. She charged forward until the bit kept her from moving to a faster pace. Her legs blurred and then fluttered to an easy motion that said she was settled. Her fine-tuned form was an easy three lengths off of the rail and she maintained that position going into the first turn. Afterglow and Mercurial Magic were going to be up against a filly who loved longer distances, thrived in them to be more exact. Laura gritted her teeth to contain her exuberance.</sub>

[S u N f r O s t ~]

Henna laughed and Valencia just smirked, holding it all in. She wasn't as expressive when actually out on the track, after all. They'd rather run. This New Flight business was supposed to bring the two stables a bit closer together, and hopefully it would do just that...unless competitive fires got in the way first. Witch Creek and SOPS faced each other on a daily basis. They were usually each other's biggest competition. To have such an establishment entailed getting along. The usual SOPS response to competitive jabs was a competitive jab of their own if dealing with Amber or Valencia, a secretive smile if Krystal and just a silent smirk if dealing with Henna. They weren't the most vocal group about what they cultivated in their own barn.

Good to see our horses are on the same page Laura responded Valencia, a smirk lighting up her face as she continued to hold the now-shifting Mercurial Magic in. The high strung four year old was burning up beneath her and she burned with him. Merc, partner of her soul in spirit. These were the type of horses she loved to ride and rode the best. Henna merely shook her head, sighing at Brooks' defense of Ripley's training regime. She was joking...jeez. Brooks needs to loosen up a little she though to herself, but made no comment. Krystal merely smiled a bit, that secretive smile that spoke words - dare accepted. I think our horses are trained well enough, thank you. And good enough to keep up with your filly, too. Just wait and see. That's a Triple Tiara veteran and upcoming dirt miler out there. Her tone was serious but still playful. Oh, she understood the throes of competitive spirit between competitors all right. She'd been around long enough for that. She turned to follow him to the rail, maintaining a respectful distance as she prepared to fully watch the workout.

Valencia and Merc were as quick to move as Darla and Laura were. The bay three year old really was a beautiful mover, noted Valencia. Merc churned along to the filly's inside, bay muscles rippling as he settled into the pace asked of him. The hot headed bay dropped back just a little bit to be right at Darla's shoulder. His favorite position to press the pace from, especially with the filly on the rail as she was. Merc got the job done at the miler distance. He wasn't made for long routes, but the rigors of his running style had dictated that he be conditioned to run those miles and miles of ground. His stride was energetic as he stayed with Darla.

Stormi was a different story. The seasoned veteran was flexible between classic distances and sprints. She was a complete alpha mare. Henna calmed the bay mare as much as she could by letting her flick into a higher speed than the other two. Stormi took to the outside with a vengeance and rolled along. She wasn't willing to be left behind. Her whole mannerism spoke of experience and the knowledge that came with it. This was the filly that had won the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies and then taken to the Triple Tiara trail with a vengeance. This was a filly who used to be at the top of her class, now trying to regain her ways with the world. And she wasn't going to be put down by horses who had not achieved the same level of success as she had. That was not in the agenda for Henna or Stormi. Not at all.

[*Ripley*]

<sub>Laura smiled at Valencia, appreciating the sarcastic barb. Anyone who could be sarcastic had a healthy sense of humor in her opinion. The red head patted Indian Darling's neck as she galloped along. Stride of Perfection didn't under-train their horses. They just didn't train them to the extent that Witch Creek did. Some horses at Witch Creek like GS Royal Crown, Midnight Thriller and Frozen Motion galloped up to three miles daily. Indian Darling ran a solid two every day. Cross could only handle a mile and a half before her violent temper sent her into fits. The distance had more to do with personality than with ability to get the distance. Indian Darling had the perfect personality.

Indian Darling floated over the course, settling down even when crammed between Mercurial Magic and Afterglow. Her second start ever had been disastrous. A six horse field had pretty much deflowered whatever innocence and inexperience Indian Darling had possessed. However, because of that raucous start Darla had never been timid when thrown into a large or intimidating field. It was her strong suit and even faced with these older horses, she was not afraid. Her nostrils flared in and out, her dark eyes glowed with excitement when Afterglow rushed up to her outside to run head and head.

Laura kept her hands quiet in her lap, letting Indian Darling get her bearings even as her body flexed, long and lean over the course. Henna and Valencia had never ridden Indian Darling. Some day maybe they would get the privilege, but for now they would have to be content with just watching. Her sharp eyes flickered with challenge as the trio moved up the backstretch at a stern clip. Brooks was nodding in approval at the speed of the workout and the way the horses were moving.

Accomplished Stormi may be and strong as Merc may be, I think both Ripley and Laura would tell you that you have not seen the true Indian Darling quite yet. I don't think any of us have. He paused as Indian Darling cruised forward to take control up the middle, noted her bobbing ears and easy stride. Well... from what he could see beyond Mercurial Magic's gigantic frame. This whole thing is hard to get used to. Sorry if I may seem anti-SOPS. But I know what works for our horses. And New Flight is Ripley and Amber's brain child. I don't want to let them down. But they all sure look good out there, don't they? He hummed to himself, noted the time. They've got a good two minute clip going as well.

Laura clamped her mouth shut in a smile as Indian Darling cruised over the course. God, the filly was something special. Her ears pricked up as they started to enter the final turn. The first lap around was nearly complete. She moved easily, not feeling pressured in the slightest. Good girl, baby girl. You're doing awesome.</sub>

[S u N f r O s t ~]

Valencia felt like singing as Merc took every advantage the inside rail gave him. He glided forward slightly as they entered the backstretch, taking advantage of that shorter trip in every step of his energetic body. He was massive, and his muscles coiled with energy and readiness. He was just so ready to rock and roll. Valencia knew that the only thing that got in the way of Merc being the next big thing was his hot headed temperament. He was crazier than Sweet Inferno, her Belmont Stakes winner and wonder. But Merc was closer to her than Sweetie...so what was it? Was it a lack of talent? Valencia would beg to differ on that account.

Afterglow felt Darla's excitement and reacted similarly. She stretched out a bit as she entered the backstretch, and Henna was reminded somewhat of a cat. Stormi was pure classic dirt filly as she enjoyed her Darla sandwich. She loved the feeling of competition and the urge to outrace every horse that crossed her path. It was an all-consuming passion and Stormi sometimes let it run away with her. Her lightly raced four year old season had been disastrous for her mentaily. Stormi had practically gone insane. She needed to race and work as often as possible or else she would go crazy. Being a heavily pregnant mother would not suit the bay mare at all...Henna envisioned just letting her live in the pasture, where she could run as she pleased after retiring from the track.

Krystal grinned slightly. But of course. She's only three and as I was just ranting to myself before this workout, Native Flame foals get better as they get older. I would know. I ride Fire Dancer. And I do know that those Flame foals love distance. Her eyes sought out Darla's frame, observant. She's got a really nice way of moving Brooks. Darla's pretty. Stormi is all classic. Merc is just like hot lava exploding out of a volcano. I think this trio looks great. She barely took notice of Brooks apology, becoming absorbed in the horses. Don't worry about it. It's going to take some time before we even like each other. And she shot a sly grin Brooks way before refocusing.

Darla was cruising up now as though to take control. Stormi picked it up from her authoritative position on the outside. The mare snorted and flicked her ears, asking. Henna smirked and gave. Stormi went on a bit faster, her position on the outside not hampering her in the slightest as she put away her competitors a bit, sprinting tendency showing through. Henna wanted to see just how well Stormi would respond to the challenges of these two. Merc cruised alongside Darla, both him and his rider desirous of staying with the Witch Creek filly for as long as possible. Though hot headed, they were in no rush during this workout and moved well within themselves.

[*Ripley*]

<sub>Indian Darling pushed at the bit with her teeth, practically begging Laura to let her do what she did best. Laura knew that it had more to do with Henna's mount than Indian Darling's desire to actually run off. The bay daughter of Native Flame normally ran at mid-pack, but the SOPS representative was really pushing Darla's buttons. Laura tugged gently on the reins, reminding Darla that she was in charge and still existed despite her quietness.

Mercurial Magic was moving well to their inside, keeping Darla locked between him and Afterglow. Darla wasn't intimidated by the large stallion. She recognized him as a challenge, but Afterglow was the pressing issue at the moment. Laura was becoming confident, however, that Darla was a pressing issue for Afterglow to deal with as well. She discovered this was so when the bay mare hurtled up to the outside in response to Indian Darling's challenge. Darla's head flew up briefly when Afterglow rolled on by, but other than that she did nothing.

Her training had not gone to waste. Darla settled back then, more than willing to allow Afterglow to have the lead. Her inside ear flickered to keep track of Mercurial Magic as Afterglow drew off to lead by a length. Laura felt the change in Darla within seconds. The filly had changed game plans. Laura nearly laughed out of shock. She had never met a horse so willing to switch on and off as Indian Darling did. The bay filly took up at that point, conceding second place to Mercurial Magic, falling back two lengths behind Afterglow, one behind Merc.

Darla gathered a big breath in her lungs, taking a breather as they swept up the homestretch and into the far turn. Laura eased back, giving herself a break too. There were people on the rail now beside Krystal and Brooks. They would be interested in seeing why Stride of Perfection horses were racing side by side with Witch Creek horses. She shifted in the saddle, at ease now with the situation. The real show was about to begin.

Afterglow was cruising into the backstretch all by herself, making incredible strides with a body that promised more stamina than at first glance. Laura eased Indian Darling down to the rail, cutting it so close that her stirrups rang against metal. The slim filly took the turn with tight, eager strides, making up ground she had lost when backing up. The Witch Creek rep swung into the backstretch with easy strides now. She would not move until Mercurial Magic moved... Or maybe, Laura wondered, they would move before. She was indecisive for the moment. Afterglow was the threat in this workout. Not Merc, not yet anyway.

The plain Jane filly was within striking range just behind Mercurial Magic. Her ears were flicking back and forth, wondering when Laura was going to hit the "go" button. Her muscles twitched enthusiastically. The time was drawing closer and rapidly so. One half furlong left before gallop turned to racing speed, when things turned serious.</sub>

[S u N f r O s t ~]

Stormi was hot and full of fire. She had the lead now and the alpha mare reveled in it. She would have drawn off even more if Henna hadn't said no, collecting the thoroughbred in her hands. The real workout hadn't even occurred yet. They couldn't go racing off, not yet. That would come later. Henna felt out the mare's stride and grinned, finding it strong and sure. Stormi was overflowing with confidence, confidence in herself and in her relationship with Henna. Henna had thus far guided her to nothing but victory. She was absolutely cruising and she felt ready.

Valencia was frowning. Merc had yet to hit his best stride out here. He had just been galloping, fired up by his passion for racing but not at the level she wanted him at. She let him gallop along for now, searching out the source of the problem she sensed in the big bay stallion. The four year old could be doing better if she just figured out what the problem was...she paid attention as Darla acquiesced to Stormi taking the lead, and then suddenly dropped behind them. She felt half tempted to shoot a smirk in Laura's direction if she wasn't so sure that Darla was up to something.

She listened to the hoofbeats of her mount and of Darla's as they swept into the backstretch and neared the sprinting point of the workout. Merc was getting on the bit now more than ever. He was warmed up and his eyes sought out his prey just up ahead. He was so ready. Valencia leaned in to his neck, whispered a couple words, shook the reins slightly as the appropriate pole flashed past. Darla was going to come up fast and the time to act was now. They had been hogging the inside rail for the whole workout and that was where they stayed as they roared up on Stormi's outside. They were striking for the lead now. Stormi responded the minute Henna saw them. She didn't need to be asked to lengthen her stride and begin to sprint, eyes alight with a fire that burned similarly in both horses. The two SOPS horses were battling. Now to await the charge of the Witch Creek representative.

[*Ripley*]

<sub>Laura kept Indian Darling locked into third even when Afterglow and Mercurial Magic began to pick up the pace. The bay filly's nostrils flared and she tensed up as if she would lift right off the ground and take after them. Afterglow was still full of herself and Merc seemed to be finding his best stride. The time to strike would come when the SOPS horses began to battle with each other. Laura guided Indian Darling off the rail as they headed for the final turn. The bay filly was now three lengths behind Afterglow and Mercurial Magic.

Laura knew the SOPS reps were waiting on her move. They expected Darla to be easy pickings. She'd won four races this year and not just because the races had been relatively light. Laura leaned close, smirk spreading over her lips as they passed through the first furlong of the workout. Indian Darling was on the bit now, head high and legs flying. Laura asked her to wait for another stride or two so that they had only three and a half-furlong to contend with Afterglow and Merc than a full four.

The turn roared close and that was when Laura allowed Darla to make her move. The reins zipped through her gloved hands with rapid speed. Darla spread out like greyhound, black mane and tail fanning out behind her like a warning flag. Laura leaned close, excepting the abuse of the mane as Indian Darling roared from her contained gallop as though she'd been standing still. Laura's breath was stolen on the wind as Indian Darling made up the distance between herself and the battling SOPS horses. The filly danced over a path more, going wide at the farthest point of the turn to hook up with Afterglow and further in Mercurial Magic.

Laura braced herself. Indian Darling was not one for slowing down on the turn to wait for competition. She hurtled forward, mouth chomping on the bit to take the lead. It would be up to the other two if they would go with her or throw down the white flag.</sub>

[S u N f r O s t ~]

It was going to come soon. Henna knew that the two other horses would begin to battle her and Stormi sooner rather than later, and that they were unlikely to give up easily. She smirked as Merc came up, but even now awaited the charge of Indian Darling. Throughout the workout she had sensed that that was who Stormi really wanted to defeat. It had been Indian Darling the entire time, right from the first call. Stormi knew who Merc was, but she was more interested in the dark bay filly from Witch Creek. Perhaps Stormi identified with the fierce spirit of the younger filly, or perhaps she just got worked up over the filly's attitude. Whatever the case, they were out to beat her.

Darla's charge was quick. Very quick. Henna reacted, leaning forward and letting Stormi fly. The bay five year old accelerated now, leaving Merc behind as she waged her personal battle with Darla. She wasn't going to be left behind by Darla and Laura, who probably thought the move was strong enough to have this in the bag. No. Stormi was a fighter to the end. Silverianna hadn't walked off with those two Triple Tiara victories. She had battled for them. Stormi had made her work for every step and now she made Darla work for every inch she had in front. Nose to nose, Stormi stayed with Darla.

Merc hit his best stride as Stormi and Darla roared away from him. It was times when she needed him most that Merc responded. Valencia grinned and drank the speed in as Merc gave it everything he could. He snaked to the inside and shot through with easy quick speed, suddenly ahead of the two dueling fillies. Her smile widened. They couldn't have had a better position. The grade three stallion roared along as Stormi reacted negatively to this development, accelerating even more in an attempt to stay with him. The way things were currently turning out as they entered the stretch and roared along...things could be dead even. Merc had the lead by a half length but Stormi and no doubt Darla were coming up fast...

[*Ripley*]

<sub>Her bay filly let out a whistle mid-run that nearly chilled Laura. Indian Darling was something wild, something nuts and uncontainable. She flew alongside Afterglow, not letting the older mare have the better of her. She had the momentum. Afterglow had to pick it up, an even tougher task than closing from out of it. Indian Darling's ears remained prick, her eyes glowing excitement and eagerness. She was running into her wheelhouse now, right into her comfort zone. Afterglow was her challenge for the moment. Laura peeked over to see Merc revving up from the inside and that was when she knew that maybe both horses would be contenders in this workout after all.

Seeing Merc drive, Laura pushed forward with her hands, alerting Darla to this new move. Darla scooted forward off her rear, launched forward up the stretch with a bid to maintain head and head with Mercurial Magic at least. Her ears disappeared into her wild mane, her eyes danced with the fury of the crazed. Laura let her filly run, knew she was a contender, a future champion. This filly everyone counted out would make everyone eat their words later this year or maybe next year.

The trio of horses hit the wire then, dead even, all across the board. Darla was on cloud nine as she danced away from the miler and Tiara mare. Laura let her glide out beyond the others, celebrating in a victory. Darla had kept up. She had kept with a grade three horse and grade one victoress. Sometimes the best rewards did not come from getting into the winner's circle.

How about that one Krystal? I'd say we just hit a home run with all three of them! He laughed, nearly maniacally as Indian Darling galloped into the backstretch like a fighter poised for round five. Seaspray Cup here she comes.</sub>

[S u N f r O s t ~]

Darla was great competition. Henna briefly contemplated what it would be like to sit in that saddle herself before Stormi snorted as though reprimanding her for her traitorous thoughts and together the pair threw themselves into the workout again. Merc was rolling along in his best stride, Valencia practically cackling from aboard the bay stallion. It didn't matter to her if they ended up losing in the end. Right now, they had gotten the better of these two horses. Merc was hardly as accomplished as they were in terms of the races he had run, and to get the better of them...the feeling made Valencia soar. Her smirk widened as Darla came bearing down on them, and Stormi.

Three wide, they cruised across the wire and Merc just kept going, only slowly dropping down. Stormi was more stubborn. She kept with Darla for every step as though marking a new rival. The intensity with which Stormi treated Darla spoke only of dislike and the desire to pummel and defeat the other filly. Henna grinned and shook her head. Stormi didn't just pick up rivals off the street. Ianna had been anything but a random horse, and Darla appeared well on her way to sharing Ianna's spot at the top of the hit list. Henna was pleased and Valencia restraining her cackles as they slowed their own mounts down.

Krystal was grinning broadly. Her first workout as full on trainer and it hadn't been disastrous! In fact, they had even drawn some eyes. She grinned broadly. More than a home run. I look forward to the betting boards on Seaspray Cup day she stated, pleased. Nice working with you today Brooks. Maybe this will work out after all...

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