The /fanfare/ at the City Center is muffled and modest at best as the small crowd await the gathering of the two cows that will be racing each other down Grayson Avenue to Grayson Grounds proper. Michael is there, since his status as not a finalist means he gets to somewhat adjudicate the running of this last heat of the Bovine Grand Prix.

Having prepared for the Ball later, Oddmun is in the City Center, watching the Iron Guard clear the way before he turns back to fine Baroness Gilden and Goldie, a hand reaching up to scratch at his beard as he approaches the cattle.

A murmur goes through the daytime crowd of the City Center as one of the most notables of society arrives.

5 Silvershields, Jeeves, a sophisticated valet arrive, following Rook.

Kastelon arrives, with Resolute mindfully off to his side as he's leading his large white and brown patched cow by means of a cord. His free hand slides out to pat Bessie mindfully as he's murmuring, as if perhaps encouraging the cow in those last minutes before there's to be the bout of bovine fitness.

Despite appearances, Lady Brianna Halfshav is /not/ running in the race herself, but there to watch. She's six months along and starting to move a little less gracefully than she normally does, but not for lack of effort. She still tries to sashay as she finds her way to an excellent seat.

Carissa, a Southport bodyguard, Planchet the Lycene maggiordome arrive, following Eirene.

Siri, an attentive apprentice, Paris, a charming mercenary, 2 Keaton Huntsmen, Nomius, a deeply skeptical bloodhound arrive, following Apollo.

Having heard that there was going to be a run off between two of the ... racing cows, Rook had absolutely no choice but to make his way to the city center, to be able to catch sight of such a thing. As such, he's making his way in from the south, hands clasped behind his back as he slips into the city center, gaze playing about as he looks to those that have already gathered.

Ysabel and a stablehand are standing near the start line in preparation for the run-off, lavishing affection on the gold and white hided beast. Oddmun gets a beaming smile as the energetic Baroness beckons him over. "No matter whether she wins first in truth, or not, I am so grateful for your assistance as is, no doubt, Goldie." Her hand runs along the back of the cow before offering it some more green dried grass.

Medeia has made her way to City Center, eager to see the outcome of the Bovine Grand Prix she attended. She gives a wave and mouths'good luck' to Kastelon when she sees him, greets Michael, and then tucks herself off to the side to observe.

2 Whitehawk Guards have been dismissed.

a perlino Sanna courser have been dismissed.

Thea is dressed OUT of her usual leathers. Oh yes. She's dressed up and everything and the only reason she's here today? To cheer on Kastelon's cow. For REASONS! And not for the roast either. Seeing Brianna, Thea smiles over at her for a moment, Lady Briana. How are you,"skimming her growing bump. "You must be comparing belly's with my aunt." There's amusement on her face as she spies Medeia as well.

Gerrick arrives to the City Center just behind Lord Keaton. Then makes a sweep of the crowd and beelines for a tree to get a better view of the race.

Lisebet is merely observing on Ashford's behalf ro now. She's quietly found a spot out of the way, and is keeping out of the way. Just curious.

Apollo's crown of curls can be seen bobbing through the crowd; he's carrying a box, and he murmurs to attendants to figure out where exactly to deliver said box. He gets waved vaguely the direction of the queen's attendants, and passes off the box. Mischief managed, nothing to see here. Maybe... maybe he'll stay and watch, though. Just because.

Wrapped up tight in her jacket, Caprice is more or less just another cheerfully expectant face in the growing crowd. Once in a while she lifts a hand in greeting when some other face amongst the throng proves familiar.

Eirene is here to see if she places third or fourth, a servant leading Sprinkles the Cow along. She and her children make their way in. Like Brianna, she's also pregnant. Which, sadly, means she has to wear a dress instead of her usual leather pants. She does, however, wear a gorget in leather along with her longcoat to keep out the chill, because Eirene likes her usual clothing.

Carissa, a Southport bodyguard, Planchet the Lycene maggiordome leave, following Eirene.

Carissa, a Southport bodyguard, Planchet the Lycene maggiordome arrive, following Eirene.

A bow is offered to Ysabel from Oddmun when she speaks to him. And he offers a smile in return. "It is my pleasure to assist, Baroness Gilden." comes the response. "I may not have had the chance to work with Goldie as I did would my horses, but I get a feeling she'll do just fine." He leans in, perhaps to offer some encouraging words to the cow. "I know the Baroness bought you for Xavier's milk, but now, now is the time where you show up every other cow in the Compact. And you be the best cow you can be. Strong of stride, full of udder, tough of horn. Don't hoof around."

Dolores is here, with a Michael standing there doing the exact OPPOSITE of Ysabel and others. He plantively ignores Dolores who lols and mooooooos up at Michael in seeming confusion. How dare he not pay her any attention. Dolores is a single color of rugged ruddy brown...but its long fur, with hair coming down over her eyes.

Liara shows up from further along Grayson Way, evidently dressed for the ball rather than the cow race, though she's here all the same. She and her retinue retire to the roadside, the Grayson peering on along towards the assembly around the cows.

Kastelon does notice Medeia and her well-wishes when he's coming to a halt in the open, as if looking to see where he should be bringing Bessie as a starting-line. Another pat's given to the cow's flank as he looks about at the crowd, a look of surprise on his features at just how many people seem to have come out to see this race.

An attendant is standing in the midst of a growing opening in the crowd, and begins to ring his bell. "Bring the cows to me and we'll get this race under way, Thaankkkkk YOU!" Down the road, the Iron Guard begin clearing the avenue of people and the sight of Grayson Avenue being entirely clear in the middle of the day is a stark difference to every other day.

Oddmun says, "Don't you mean... Udder way?" Oddmun asks."

Lifting a hand to give an idle wave in the direction of Kastelon and then one to Ysabel, Rook is moving to stand off to one side. He does happen to catch sight of Medeia, though, and moves over in that direction.

"Udder way!" Ysabel laughs at that before handing Oddmun the lead to Gilden's Golden Moo and steps to the side to let the Sanna Lord do his thing. "Make Gilden proud Goldie!"

Sapphira shoots a 'look' right over at Oddmun, groaning softly and shaking her head. "Really, love, are you determined to milk all you can out of these jests?" she retorts. However, her deep blue eyes twinkle with mirth as she gazes at him.

Eirene nods to the kids and they whisper encouraging words to their cow. She nods and her attendant takes the beast to the starting line. She closes her eyes, looking pained by all the bovine related puns. "Never let it be said I don't love you two," she says to her children. "This is all for you..."

Smiling at Rook's approach, Medeia waves him over and begins to engage in conversation about the race. While chatting, she nods or waves to several others, including Thea and Eirene.

Thea hears Oddum and smirks. Then hears Sapphira and her milking comment. "Was that an intended pun,"she can't help but ask. Her gold-flecked green eyes turn toward the cows and spies Rook as well. She bows her head to him with an amused smile as she watches Eirene's twin chatter away.

Poppy doesn't have a cow, but that doesn't matter. Spotting a gap in the crowd, she pushes her way through the crowds. "Pardon me. Moooove, please. yes that's it." She pushes her way through until she's satisfied with a spot where she can see the action.

There's a glance towards Sapphira and he smiles slightly. "Baroness Ysabel Gilden, may I present Lady Sapphira Whitehawk, one of the best bards in all of Arvum." he offers. "Lady Sapphira, this is Baroness Ysabel Gilden."

The attendant's shout draws Kastelon's attention away from perusals of the crowd, of Rook's wave and Gerrick's absconding towards a tree... and there's another tug to the cord as he's bringing Bessie in the direction of the apparent starting line. "For Gloria, Bessie," he can be heard saying lowly, as if the cow cares one way or the other. He seems convinced that she cares.

Michael leads Dolores to the starting line and has her settle there. "Go when the others go, Dolores. And everything else will be fine!"

...but only for a minute. Apollo has work to day - he scoots on along.

Siri, an attentive apprentice, Paris, a charming mercenary, 2 Keaton Huntsmen, Nomius, a deeply skeptical bloodhound leave, following Apollo.

Brianna makes her way over to Lady Eirene, ruffling the hair of the twins. "They look happier than they have any right to be," she remarks with a grin, before saying something softly to her friend.

1 Saik Guard arrives, following Neilda.

"Lady Sapphira, a pleasure to meet you!" Ysabel offers her arm to the other woman. "Do you think Lord oddmun can beat Lord Kastelon? Oh, I hope the Marquessa doesn't get upset when Goldie bests Bessie." As if that thought only just now flitted into her mind.

1 Saik Guard leaves, following Neilda.

Sapphira smiles at Ysabel, dipping a deep curtsey, her cheeks darkening at the effusive compliment from Oddmun. "My Lady, an honor and pleasure to meet you. Though I fear, perhaps, that my Lord Oddmun is too quick to praise that which is only a gift from the Gods, and no true talent of my own." A quick flick upwards of finely arched golden brows, and a widening smile is perhaps answer to Ysabel's question, accepting the Baroness' arm. "My Lord Oddmun has a way with animals. I've no doubt he will do well."

As Sapphira glances over at Thea, she grins impishly. "And that's no bull."

Standing in the crowd with the other spectators, and wearing a look of absolute delight - nay, absolute amusement! - Kalani Seliki shades her eyes with one hand and eyes the bovine line up with a grin.

Michael has rolled 4 10-sided dice: 1, 3, 7, 9

Kastelon has rolled 4 10-sided dice: 5, 6, 6, 8

Eirene has rolled 4 10-sided dice: 3, 4, 6, 9

Oddmun has rolled 4 10-sided dice: 2, 7, 8, 8

The Attendant moves to the wooden barricade that the cows have lined up in front of and he holds one hand up while reaching to the barricade with the other. His steely-eyed gaze casts amongst the cows to ensure they are ready before he drops his arm and shoves the barricade over to let the cows 'race' free!

Michael's cow is absolutely not bursting forth to race the wind. It lolls at Michael who promptly swats its backside to get it moving at the very back of the herd.

After leading Goldie up to the line, Oddmun moves to lead it forward. "Let's win this." he tells the creature before he spurs it. "Yah!" he calls out. And then he gets out his secret weapon. Pulling out his bow, he has a head of cabbage tied around the end of it. He holds out his bow, just out of reach of Goldie's mouth. "See the cabbage? It's a nice, juicy, ripe cabbage. Get the cabbage!"

And off they go, Goldie at a quick trot to try to catch the cabbage to eat.

Eirene shouts, "Hi-ya, Prime-Rib, away!" She's loud and authoritative but the cow doesn't give a... patty. The twins, in their little Malvici red and black tunics, look a little upset that mommy just called their pet dinner. "I'm joking," she reassures them. "We won't eat Sprinkles," the woman promises. But the cow just sort of stands there mooing in confusion until the others start out the gate and begins to follow because the rest of the herd has.

With the barricade pulled aside, Bessie ambles forward even without the Kastelon's urging, the Keaton cud-chewer ambling forward with a rolling pace that hardly inspires any thoughts of a cavalry charge. The intensity instead comes from her owner, who's huffing himself as he's trotting long side, his lips moving with low muttered words, perhaps prayers, perhaps invectives to encourage the beast.

Michael has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 1, 3, 5, 8, 9

Eirene has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 1, 1, 1, 7, 9

Oddmun has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 3, 4, 5, 5, 10

Kastelon has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 1, 2, 2, 9, 10

having found a decent tree, and some grunting and trying to explain to those in the crowd closest to him that he's perfectly fine, Gerrick has found purchase midway up a tree. He is yelling, "Ah, la vache, Bessie!"

Harlan slips in and stands with Lisebet, trying to pretend he was here the whole time.

Brianna wraps her arms around the little Malvici twins. "See, Sprinkles didn't mind the joke. You met Xander the goose, yes? We joke about eating him all the time. Grownups are odd like that."

Kastelon has rolled 4 10-sided dice: 5, 6, 6, 9

Poppy shouts out and cheers brightly. Who cares who's winning. There's cows in a group!

Michael has rolled 4 10-sided dice: 1, 4, 4, 6

Oddmun has rolled 4 10-sided dice: 8, 9, 10, 10

Eirene has rolled 4 10-sided dice: 1, 3, 8, 10

Lisebet is purely quietly watching, very curiously. She's out of the way, and relaxed, as she watches the follow up to Harlan's fabulous idea.

Thea just groans at Sapphira. But she turns toward the other cows and--laughs. "Oh Gods. This is like watching Pork when HE tried racing." Thea hears Poppy and asks,"How much does that feed?"obviously joking. Because--twins.

Poppy turns at the sound of Thea's voice and has to ask, 'Who's Pork?" she admits with no shame. "He sounds delicious."

Eirene's cow is just ambling along. Eirene doesn't seem to care too much one way or the other, but Idris and Iris are yelling at the cow and giggling at all the jokes. They shake their heads in unison about Xander the not-eaten goose. "Pork was Thea's cow," the Riven lady tells Poppy with a snort of dry amusement.

Continuing her conversation with Rook, Medeia's gaze flicks between Dolores and Bessie as the cows leave the gate. Her expression says she might lose a bet.

"Come on, Oddmun! Show them how it's done!" Sapphira cheers as enthusiastically as any in the crowd, propriety be damned. She was going to cheer on her man and that was all there was to it! Grinning at Ysabel, she chuckles. "As I mentioned, he does have a way with animals." Her cheeks darken, and she drops her voice a notch or two. "He's also quite a thief, skilled at stealing hearts. He stole mine, but I do not wish it back."

Brianna slides a glance over at Eirene. "...was?"

Poppy grins at Eirene, "Better than it being her horse. I don't think horses would be so delicious."

"They might even make it to the end in time for the ball," opines Liara as she watches the cows go, though she doesn't seem terribly optimistic about the matter.

Harlan cheers loudly for no one in particular. He looks to Lisebet, "Who do we want to win?"

The cabbage, oh the cabbage. That is smart!" Ysabel bounces up and down in glee as Goldie takes the hint and looks to Sapphira. "With that beard? I am unsurprised. A match of love then is it? Will you be joining Sanna or will he be joining Whitehawk?"

Michael had apparently taken the entirely wrong method of encouraging his cow, ignoring Dolores just put her in a mood and she canters lackdasically after the other three cows without much of a care as to being in first. Not even the slightest care. Michael begins to walk after the pack in order to keep up with the herd.

Lady Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, 3 Thrax Guards, Marquessa Pudding, a doughy dog, 2 Thrax Elite Guards arrive, following Sorrel.

Lady Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, 3 Thrax Guards, Marquessa Pudding, a doughy dog, 2 Thrax Elite Guards leave, following Sorrel.

Lisebet nods in agreement with Liara, laughing softly. "I think we've all won, just from the amusement."

From the look on his face, it's rapidly clear to Kastelon that his method's not working, that invoking higher powers matters little to a simple, milk-giving animal that probably understands little about how important this is. "C'mon, Bessie," he cajoles more earnestly. "For GLORIA. And more of the flowers you so love on our grounds. Win this and I'll look the other way if you eat some of the flowerbeds."

Apparently cabbage is the answer. Holding it out on the bow, Oddmun has the cabbage swinging back and forth on the bow as Goldie is trotting, focused solely on that head on cabbage to devour as they run down the street, a quickness to the step as he keeps encouraging the cow. "I'll send your Baroness a whole cart of cabbage if you win!" He keeps whispering encouragement to the cow.

Oddmun checked command + animal ken at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Thea grins over at Brianna, amused,"Well--Pork is now in the stables. Since the twins now like cows and I don't want to listen to them whine about their death." She didn't have to answer Poppy since Eirene did. "My horse now has a name, thank you!" Telling Brianna, Poppy, and Eirene,"Her name is Soxette. Lady Neilda even made her a sock for her other leg." Hearing Kastelon, Thea snorts as he bribes the cow with a flower bed..."Is that really all it takes?"

Michael has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 2, 3, 5, 9, 10

Kastelon has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 2, 5, 6, 10, 10

Oddmun has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 4, 5, 5, 6, 7

Eirene isn't on the cabbage track. Nor does she invoke the Gods. Nor does she invoke the fear of the gods instilled through her commander's mien. She just lets the cow do it's thing.

Eirene has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 1, 4, 6, 8, 8

Michael has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 5, 5, 6, 8, 10

Oddmun has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 1, 3, 4, 4, 9

Kastelon has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 2, 3, 4, 5, 8

Eirene has rolled 5 10-sided dice: 1, 3, 4, 5, 8

Poppy questions Thea hesitantly, "Did you find someone to break them in?"

Liara laughs as one of the cows picks up speed and then calls, "Just keep it going in a straight line! I'm sure we don't want a repeat of the pig race." A beat of pause and then she muses, "Or perhaps we do, but not when there's a ball happening."

While Rook converses quietly with Medeia, he does keep his attention on the events that are transpiring, as well as the others that have gathered to watch.

A murmur goes through the daytime crowd of the City Center as one of the most notables of society arrives.

Soot, a gray foxhound puppy, Violet, a shopkeeper, 1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant, 2 Iron Guardsmen, Briar, a young Oakhaven black and tan bloodhound arrive, following Petal.

While it seems that towards the end Goldie is slowing down -- but at the end, the cow travels across the finish line first, her udders swinging idly as she sashays across the finish. Bringing Goldie to a halt, Oddmun slips off the of the cow and moves to untie the cabbage from the bow even as the cow is nosing in to try to get it. "Hold on, hold on!" he laughs. "A promise is a promise." he offers to Goldie as he sets the cabbage down for her to eat as he turns to look around for the others.

Thea watches the cows and is still amused when she tells Liara,"I think a coupke are drunk,"before looking at Poppy. "She isn't quite trained yet.. " No she like the term.

Michael seems crestfallen as Dolores the Highlands Cow stops to make friends with Iron Guardsmen along the way, who pet her until they notice Michael and begin to steadfastly ignore the cow who wants their attention. As they get closer and closer to the Grayson Ward, the cows separate further amid the small herd so that Dolores is the last to arrive in the Grayson Ward.

Petal make her way into the market while carrying a basket that is filled with items. The tiny seamstress glances over the area and looks suprised to see and event going on. She blinks and looks to the cow. "I hope they are still selling silk with this all going on." She says half to herself.

"GOLDIE WINS!" Ysabel nearly screeching, turning to embrace Sapphira if the woman doesn't dodge out of the way, overjoyed with the run. "he brought her to victory!" Letting go and clapping her hands loudly. "LORD ODDMUN! CAITH THANKS YOU!" She yells quite solidly and loudly.

Poppy sort-of hides the smirk at Thea's words. "Oh." She refocuses on the race with bemused disappointment. "I thought the cows would of been more..you know. Scary or something."

Despite the cheering from the two little Malvici children, their cow Sprinkles doesn't seem to be too enthusiastic about running. To be fair, their mother Eirene doesn't seem too enthusiastic about encouraging their pet along either. She does yell at it from time to time to move its stupid leather hide but not much more than that. Pregnant lady isn't going to chase after a cow while in a dress, no. So it's no wonder the cow places so poorly in the standings.

"And before the party has even started, at that," Liara says to Thea, with a soft 'tut' at the passing cows - once they are indeed well past, though she can't at all see which one won (though she can definitely see the losing Dolores), she offers some light applause.

Bessie's well across the finish line before Kastelon's reaching out to take a good firm hold of her lead cord again, his arms visibly tightening as he's not dragging her to a stop but encouraging her to pull up and come to a halt... and then he's gently, mindfully patting her flank, even as Resolute catches up with him and circles about behind him for a few long moments. "I think," he says simply to her, "next time I follow perhaps after your competition's trainer and bribe you during the race, rather than with after. I'm still proud of you."

Oddmun is overheard praising Ysabel: Caith cows are quick cows!

Sapphira laughs, not even bothering to dodge the embrace, returning it in full measure. "I told you he could do it! Haven't you 'herd' he's the animal whisperer?" For a moment, the two ladies dance about, celebrating the victory of Goldie over the rest of the creatures in the race. "THREE CHEERS FOR LORD ODDMUN!"

Medeia applauds the cows and their owner's, though seems displeased at the results. Either way, she has a ball to get to and begins to head off.

Sapphira is overheard praising Oddmun: Son of the Northlands, skilled with horses is he, In the race of the cows, rode on to victory!

With Goldie in the lead, Rook's offering a smile and a quick cheer, along with a clap of his hands.

Kalani is overheard praising Oddmun: Bovine handling is no easy task, excellent job!

Harlan cheers for Ysabel. He was TOTALLY rooting for her the whole time.

Poppy applauds too, though not too sure who won. "Yay cows!"

Lisebet just cheers in general, providing good natured congrats to all the participants.

Kalani is overheard praising Kastelon: Bovine handling is no easy task, 2nd place is nothing to shrug at!

1 Saik Guard leaves, following Medeia.

Ramona - A Guard in Ashford House Colours, Bigsby - A Thoughtful Looking Young Man in Nondescript Clothing, 2 Ashford Archer, 1 Ashford Scout leave, following Lisebet.

Lisebet leaves, following Harlan.

Kalani is overheard praising Eirene: Bovine handling is no easy task, 3rd place is still finishing the field!

Ysabel is overheard praising Oddmun: Sanna cow trainers are the best trainers!