1 Grayson House Guards, Rosalie, a lady in waiting, Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle, Deliverance, an albino falcon, Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound, Rascal, a hyper terrier arrive, following Reese.

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette arrive, following Caspian.

Reese arrives while adorned in her rosy tunic and ivory leggings. She has pink ribbons tangled up in her golden locks. The princess looks over the the area, trying to get a feel for who is gathered here. She also has her horse with her a white war horse with a peach leather saddle.

Welcome to the horse race! A circle of hard dirt as been made into the ground, cleared and ready for horses to run across. Caspian is here, standing before three trophies displaying them upon a table for everyone to see. There are hot drinks and snacks served near a fire to ward against the cold. He looks around, calling out, "Hello everyone! Welcome to this horse race! I have an announcement to make, in addition to winning these trophies, you will also win some metal for jewerly!"

Caspian drops Second place horse trophy.

Caspian drops First place horse trophy.

Caspian drops Third place horse trophy.

Bree arrives, on horseback, but when she nears the gathering she dismounts, tying the beast off and scritching at its nose, before making her way to claim a spot to watch the races. Perhaps surprisingly, she's only come to be voyeur today.

Merek makes his way to the fields with his horse Beauty with him, mounted up while he shifts his cloak about him, and looks to the folk while he works a shifting roll of shoulders also.

The canter of yet more hooves can be heard just before Lord Marzio Mazetti arrives also mounted on horseback. The Mazetti knight is seated atop a fine Ostrian stallion. He offers a nod of greeting toward Bree as the passes her, but he does not stop to watch. Rather, he trots his horse out to the area where the other contestants will be gathering.

Reese looks looks to Caspian, having a smile for him. She then waves to Merek when the knight arrives. "Greetings, Sir Merek." She says before smiling to Marzio as well. "And Lord Marzio."

Ryhalt walks down from the city, not on or with a horse, but by himself. He is grinning with the excitement of the race to come, nevertheless. Here to spectate, he goes to the side to watch. Several of the horses he looks at with some envy.

Win or lose, Gaspard is here to have fun. Either way he's in high spirits as he waits off to the side of the starting line, checking his tack and making sure his steed is prepared. Naturally, Jotun's massive head is held high, shifting his weight eagerly at the sense of challenge in the air. Once all is set the giant swings himself up into the saddle, giving the stallion a fond pat before looking across to his competition. Reese and Bree earn his first wave, high and delighted to see them, while the rest get a more tamed greeting. He'll meet them soon enough. "Good luck to you all!"

Look at all the familiar faces! Bree smiles and waves first to Marzio as he moves by, taking a moment to survey his horse, and then the big fellow is acknowledging her, so he gets her excited wave. She gives an encouraging woo for them all, and then meanders to a place by the table of food to watch.

"If you are participating, please line up with your horses at the start line, make sure you give me your name first," says Caspian back to the crowd, motioning to the food and drinks. "Everyone else, please help yourself and relax by the fire."

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound arrives, following Rosalind.

"Ser Black," Merek offers, while he begins to ride up into the beginning line, a nod offered to Caspian, a little smile as well, with a shift of the reins as he seems to consider.

Reese has a smile for t Gaspard that brings forth her dimples. "Lord Giant, good luck as well." She says in his direction. She seems torn for a moment, but then starts to lead her horse to the finish line.

Offering a click of his tongue to the horse that he rides, Marzio's horse begins to trot out onto the track to join the line along with the other horses. "Lord Marzio Mazetti," he says toward Caspian as he passes the man, then turns his eyes back to the track. While he surveys the track, the stallion beneath him lifts a hoof to paw at the ground anxiously, clearly full of a restless energy.

As much as he'd love to over and chat, the large man feels a metaphorical tug the other way when Caspian announces they ready themselves. "Lord Gaspard Blackram." A friendly tip of his head to Caspian in passing as he heads for the start line with the rest of the competitors, Jotun pawing with some insistence at the dirt as he's made to wait.

"Everyone ready? Five laps around the course," Asks Caspian back to the group as they all line up at the start line. "Good luck everyone, and may the best rider win!" He then lifts up his hand, "Ready, set...go!" He throws down his hand, signaling the start of the race. The course is a simple, round course, the race shouldn't take too long to complete.

Gaspard checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Marzio checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 40 higher.

Reese checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 47 higher.

Rosalind checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Marzio watches Caspian out of the corner of his eye as the other contestants come to line up along the starting line beside him. For all appearances he doesn't even look to the other contestants as his horse digs into the dirt. When Caspian's hand drops, Marzio snaps the reigns of his horse, digging into the beast's sides as his horse lunges forward.

Merek checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

As the race gets underway, Bree is on her tiptoes to see who takes the lead - just when a messenger rushes up, reminding her of a previous meeting. Her eyes widen, and one last glance toward the field of racers is cast, before she's running for her horse, mounting, and returning to the city.

Merek is riding, he knows how to ride, but like the people's tournament he does it nice and clean, you know.

Reese checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 69 higher.

Just as he did during the joust, the moment the signal goes out to start all Gaspard does to spur on his mount is a sharp, bark of a command. Ears pinning back, massive hooves churn the dirt and Jotun springs forward with the rest of the pack. A big horse needs a lot of momentum to get going, so even though he's ahead of some, he doesn't quite make it to the front. Keeping his reins loose as he hunches forward, Gaspard urges him on encouragingly, "Let's go, Jotun! Push on!"

Reese is mounted on her white war horse and she really seems to know how to ride. The princess hunkers down long and takes off. She has a good relationship with her horse, the animal seeming to respond well to her handling.

Ryhalt claps loudly as the horses surge away from the starting line and jockey for position through the first lap. He looks away only at the sound of pounding hooves away from the track and watches Bree speed back to the city for a moment. But is the horses and excitement of the race which has brought him, so he fixes his eyes back on the competing horses.

Rosalind comes riding on her pretty mare,"Am I late?" Her red hair braided and flying behind her. Her hazel green eyes shine with excitement as she smiles at everyone. But oh no! Set go!

Marzio checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 43 higher.

Merek checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Gaspard checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 30 higher.

Rosalind checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Reese checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 28 higher.

Marzio is laid low over his horse's neck as the Ostrian steed strains and surges across the track. His legs lift him up out of the saddle somewhat as his right hand whips his horse left and right with the loud sound of leather snapping. He sees Reese far out ahead of him and he urges his horse onward with mumbled words of encouragement... or cursing. Surely no one can hear over the thunder of hooves.

Reese is still in the lead, but her lead is not quite as strong as it was. The princess seems very focused on this race as she continues to lean forward on her horse and urge the animal on. Pink ribbons are blowing in the wind with the movements.

Merek improves a bit and picks up into the race, while he pulls his cloak to him, and clicks on the reins, "Ya!"

Rosalind falls more behind. Oh no! She leans forward , trying to gain speed.

A grunt rises from Gaspard as the lineup stays the same, even if Reese's strong start is waning a bit. At least he's relatively close on Marzio, Jotun barreling along on his flank in the hopes to get ahead.

Marzio checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 28 higher.

Gaspard checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 43 higher.

Rosalind checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Reese checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 56 higher.

And then Reese is pulling away again and Marzio growls in frustration as his horse fails him! He can feel Gaspard pressing in, but he doesn't look toward the man unless he should pass him. Still digging his heels into his horse's sides.

Merek checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

Reese continues to race to race on a head, the princess still in the lead. She seems to be quite talented at riding. She might be used to such.

Merek keeps moving with the horse, while others move in front of him, really is he even trying to win at this point?

"That's better,"Rosalind smiles at her horse as he gains speed. They still be last, but they're gaining! Rosalind's red braid streaks behind her, she doesnt mind at all where she is.

Ryhalt even to his untrained eyes, it is clear who the dominate horse or riders are this race. The way he is looking, horse racing may be the next, new adventure. He scratches his chin, brooding on some thought, before he resumes clapping.

Gaspard doesn't see a hope of catching up to Reese at this point, so he focuses on Marzio for second. Charging on ahead as if into a battle, the tank that is Jotun finally gains that boost of extra momentum to catch up to the other lord. Gaspard doesn't seem so fond of the digging Marzio seems to be giving his own steed, though, grimacing a little and turning eyes back ahead to focus.

Merek checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Marzio checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Gaspard checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 43 higher.

Rosalind checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Merek rides slow, enough that Rosalind can beat him even if she's not doing well all in all, he nods then to back up a bit for the woman.

Reese checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Try as he might, Marzio cannot seem to make his horse run any faster. It's turning on him! And then Gaspard is surging past.

Reese continues to stay perched on her horse, guiding it with her thighs and hands both. She keeps her focus mostly ahead of her, only sparing moments to see where the others are.

Rosalind's horse is now at a--is that a trot? She by walks by Merek and nods with a smile,"Hello." Might as well go with the speed of the horse. Cant force it to do anything afterall.

Rosalind checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Marzio checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 40 higher.

Aha, that's it! All he needed was a little time to build up some speed. As they both come up on Marzio there's only a moment where they run neck and neck before Gaspard and his steed are storming past. "Perhaps let up on your spurs, My Lord!" His booming voice calls over the defeaning sound of hooves as he rides past, a well meaning smile warming his face. It's honest advice!

Gaspard checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Reese checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Merek checked command + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Merek makes his way to the finish with a nod to Rosalind!

Marzio shakes his head as Gaspard calls out to him when he goes by, and with a miraculous surge he begins to catch back up to the large Blackram man. He is gaining... but it just isn't enough as the cross the finish line and Marzio is still trailing. Once his horse is over the finish line, he lets up on the beast and leans back in his saddle, allowing the horse to slow to a canter and then eventually to a stop.

Rosalind Rosalind's horse simply decides to trot to the finish line. He turns and snorts at her, completely disinterested.

Isla, a small silver fox, Claudio, the chivalrous knight, Sofia, a saucy sailor's aide, 3 Fidante House Guards, Monty the Python arrive, following Cadenza.

Gaspard is more than fine with second! Though really, he's be just as happy even if he got last. With the finish line in sight he urges Jotun on, full speed across it before he gives a gentle tug to the reins and a low sound. His slow is gradual, swinging around in a loping gait that eventually settles into a walk, Gaspard directing him up beside Marzio to give the man a large grin. "Quite the close one! You certainly put up a challenge. My thanks for that, and congratulations on placing." Hopefully Marzio will accept the large hand outstretching to shake, one Lord to another, as a symbol of good will. He had fun!

Ryhalt continues clapping until the last horse crosses the line, though he does wonder if there is something wrong with it that it moves completely differently than the others.

Reese charges on ahead on her war horse, the princess coming out a head in the reace. When she stops her horse, she is pink cheeked and bright eyed. She murmurs softly to her animal praising Peaches before climbing down and leading her gently off to get water and a treat. She does looks over to Gaspard and Marzio, having a smile. "You both were so neck in neck!" She says.

Reaching out with a hand, Marzio accepts the shake from Gaspard with a smile. "It was very close, at least between you and I. I thought I would catch you, but the track just wasn't long enough," he says with a laugh. "Congratulations to you as well..." his eyes study Gaspard for a moment before he says, "You must be a Blackram?" Then as Reese speaks to them, he offers her a dip of his head and says, "And you were in the lead the entire race. Nicely done, highness."

Caspian applauses when Reese passes in first place, and the others follow behind her, grinning from ear to ear. "Good job everyone!" He calls to them with a wide grin. "Gradulations Princess Reese, Lord Gaspard, and Lord Marzio! Come and claim your prizes!"

Rosalind slides off her eyes and wonders a bit,"So...not a racer huh." Pretty sure that's obvious to all at this moment. She is all smiles still, and red faced as she turns to the others.

Reese looks to Caspian, giving him a smile that reaches her blue eyes and brings her dimples to briefly bloom. "Thank you, Master Caspian, it was my honor to be attend the race." She then looks to Rosalind, giving her a smile. "It takes time. We can practice riding together if you want."

Caspian gets First place horse trophy.

Gaspard's head bobs once in a small nod, smirking as he dismounts. "Fresh from the Cloudspine. Or, well, returned I suppose. It's good to know Arx hasn't lost it's fun since I've been gone." Jotun gets a terribly fond pat on his broad neck, promising a wash and a treat when they get back. For now he leads the beast off by the reins over when Caspian calls for their prizes. Along the way he beams to Reese, calling over, "Your steed is as swift as the wind, Your Highness! Congratulations!"

"I should be on my way, you all be well," Merek offers, while he dismounts the horse, and nods to the people, smiling.

Merek is overheard praising Marzio.

Merek is overheard praising Reese.

Cadenza arrives later than she had intended, but at least it was in time to see awards given. She applauds politely.

Merek is overheard praising Gaspard.

Caspian gets Second place horse trophy.

Gaspard is overheard praising Caspian.

Gaspard is overheard praising Reese.

Caspian gets Third place horse trophy.

Marzio is overheard praising Caspian.

Gaspard is overheard praising Marzio.

Gaspard is overheard praising Merek.

Gaspard is overheard praising Rosalind.

Reese is overheard praising Caspian: Yay, horse race!

Ryhalt is overheard praising Caspian.

Reese is overheard praising Gaspard: Yay, race!

Reese is overheard praising Marzio: Woots, fast!

Reese is overheard praising Rosalind: Horse racing!

Reese is overheard praising Merek: woots, racing!

Marzio dismounts as well, taking his horse by the reigns and walking it over toward Caspian along with the others who have won. He offers a smile to the man and dips his head before saying, "Thank you for hosting this. It was truly a joy to participate."

Rosalind grins at Reese,"If you wouldn't mind, I would like that! Thank you!" She sincerely Congratulates the pretty princess as well,"You ride very well! You have such a fast horse!" Rosalind holds the reigns of her horse and Congratulates the others as well,"You all rode well too!"