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Post by Marli on Jan 26, 2013 10:48:20 GMT -5
The Riders of Bayley Academy From the outside, Bayley Equestrian Academy seems nothing less than idyllic. Even from the street the property exudes a practical elegance that beckons exploration. Though the property is gated, many a tourist's vehicle have entered on the tail of another driver expecting to find one of Hilton Head's Luxury Resorts. Though the purpose of the property is obvious to those who know it (and indeed, a large sign painted maroon, white and gold, and resting in a bed of carefully manicured flowers announces the place as 'Bayley Equestrian Academy' is situated near the gate) these befuddled travelers will inevitably be drawn down the winding gravel path, shaded by trees and joined on either side by pristine white fences ambling along as gracefully and contentedly as the magnificent creatures behind them. Suddenly, what was formerly hidden by towering elms becomes visible, first a great expanse of lawn, perfectly flat and expertly manicured awaits them. The area is roughly the size of nine American football fields, empty save for two posts on either end. Such an enormity of space is a peculiarity on the Island of Hilton head, made only more peculiar by the fact that this is not a golf course, nor tennis court, nor the type of pitch used for football or rugby. If they are at all familiar with horse sports, the purpose of this field may be discovered (As you've probably guessed, this the Polo field) but likely it will not hit until further along. Now they will see rows of uniform paddocks, each with rounded corners, a few dotted with trees. Like the field before, these will be perfectly green and manicured, but unlike the field each pen will be occupied by a single equine or occasionally two. At this point those who know horses will likely grow very excited for certainly these are the most exquisite specimens they have ever seen. You won't see many crooked cow-ponies at Bayley, these are champions. A portrait of bestial grace. These are the products of careful breeding, excellent training, and generous wallets not unaccustomed to paying for a horse what others might pay for a car (and a nice car at that). Barns come into view. An arena filled with colorful jumps. Riders appear, either leading or atop their mounts, dressed all in cream colored breeches and polo's of various hues. The drivers may note how young some of the equestrians are, and how serious, and then perhaps they will finally come to their senses. They have entered one of the most elite riding academies on the east coast. But of course that’s only the surface… Because unless you live here, unless you eat, sleep, and breathe the life of a world class equestrian you can't understand it. This is Bayley Academy… And Bayley means Buisness. As You already know, Bayley is an Equestrian Academy focused on producing high caliber equestrians, particularly, Show Jumpers. Although Bayley is open to students in other disciplines, it is their Hunter/Jumper prospects who are most likely to receive national attention. While there are a few dressage riders at Bayley, a few Eventers, and of course the ever-incorrigible Polo Team it is the hunters and jumpers who dominate the Show Ring. As such, it is the top Show Jumpers who are the Kings and Queens of the school. Bayley accepts thirty students, ages twelve to eighteen, into its full-time riding program each year. Students attend classes at near bye Hilton Head Preparatory School and are released early to attend to their training. Prep works with Students to ensure that academics get taken care of even in the amidst of a heavy Show Schedule. Bayley Students live in 'the village' a small cluster of cottages, each housing eight to twelve students and a house parent (cottages are divided by age and sex, four total). Each student is assigned a roommate at the beginning of term. Needless to say, Bayley is a pretty unique environment. More competitive than a normal high-school or middle-school, its also a much closer group. In edition to the full-time rider program, Barn owner and lead trainer Ian McKinley is starting a new program this year aimed at troubled youths. The five teens in the program will live and work alongside Bayley students, will learn to ride, and will eventually compete at area shows. No riding experience is necessary for this program. Program attendees were hand-picked by Ian McKinley, and while other trainers at Bayley may interact with the teens it is Ian running the show. Rules... Just don't do anything weird really. Don't God-Mod, Wait for everyone to catch up... yea. Bayley Students start with 1 horse, Students in Ian's program do not have a horse at Game Start. Keep OT to a minimum. We do have a planning thread for that. <3 ProfilesRough Forms can be found in the OT thread, but feel free to handle your form however you see fit. Make sure you cover the basics (name, age, school year, history etc...)! Questions?I'm sure I'm probably missing something, so please feel free to ask questions in the OT and I'll address them.
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Post by Marli on Jan 26, 2013 10:49:59 GMT -5
Bulletin BoardBayley StaffIan McKinleyBarn Owner & Head Trainer {Marley}William ChaseAssistant Trainer {Marley}Student List Bradley GabrielSenior :: 18yrs Rides Athena ~ Show Jumper ~ {Ambassidor}Owen WilhelmSenior ::18yrs Rides Lone Ranger ~ Show Jumper ~ {Munster}Samantha BennettJunior :: 16 Rides Luck Be a Lady ~ Show Jumper ~ {Marley}Michael Bennett-O'ConnerJunior :: 16 Rides Spot On ~ Polo ~ {Marley}Arabella WattsSophomore :: 16 Rides On the Wings of Angels ~ Show Jumper ~ {Munster}Nikki ThornFreshman :: 14 Rides Seraphim ~ Show Jumping ~ {T.K.} Ride for Hope Students David WalkerSenior :: 18 {Marley} Chelsea CordellJunior :: 17 {Ambassidor} Zooey DarlingJunior :: 17 {Munster}Kasey HolmesJunior :: 17 {T.K.}Kade'jah WashingtonSophomore :: 16 {Logos}Roomates~ As Yet Undecided ~ If you have any ideas as to which character you want yours too room with, let me know. Otherwise I'm gonna match based on age and sex mostly. Bayley Academy Schedule** Note: This is all somewhat tentative, and if ya'll have other ideas just let me know!** ~ Arrive at Bayley Academy ~Monday Sep 2nd 2013 - Students Arrive at Bayley by 2pm - - Orientation and Other such Things - - Room Assignments / Moving In - - No Formal Lessons - ~ First Day of Term ~Tuesday Sep 3rd 2013 - Start Classes at Hilton Head Prep - - Formal Lessons Begin - ~ Willow Creek Schooling Show ~Saturday Sep 14th 2013 - 'Warm Up' Show for Bayley Students - - RFH Students Go as Grooms - ~ Elliot Acres ~Saturday Sep 28 - Sunday Sep 29th 2013 - First Recognized Show for Bayley Students - * Team & Individual Classes * - RFH Students First Show - * one or two Shows in Oct, yet to be decided * ~ Bayley Academy Fall Festival ~Saturday Oct 26 - Sunday Oct 27th - Schooling Show & Festival put on by Bayley Students - - Proceeds go to Charity picked by Bayley Students & Towards Winter Show- * 2-3 Shows in November to include Regionals *~ Bayley Academy Winter Showcase & Equestrian Ball ~Saturday December 14th 2013 - Put on by Bayley Students - (With Help of Prep Volunteers) - Open to all Bayley and Hilton Head Prep Students - ~ Semester's End ~Students Must be Out of Dorms by Mon Dec 16th at Noon (Unless Other Arrangements Have Been Made) Dunno what were gonna do with RFH students at the end of the term, but I figure if we get that far were doing pretty darn good anyways so we'll figure it out. About ShowsBayley Students Compete in Both 'Team' and 'Individual Classes'. Not sure how this is gonna work with RFH students just yet, but we'll figure it out. Though students are always representing Bayley in a way, in Individual Classes they ride their own horses and for their own gain. Where as in 'Team' classes they ride School Horses Chosen at Random, represent the Bayley 'Team' and compete against other equestrian academies & co-ops. Not sure if this is how it works at the HS level, but in collegiate equestrian, every rider at a show enters with one horse (a school horse), then all the horse names are put into a hat and participants are given a horse at random. This is so the focus of the competition is on rider skill rather than good horses. We'll decide how much or how little of all this we want to actually play out when we get there. ~ Game is Open ~If you have questions please don't be afraid to ask!
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Post by Marli on Jan 29, 2013 2:50:52 GMT -5
Ian McKinley & William ChaseWilliam Chase padded carefully through the McKinley's upper hallway. Ian knew he was there of course, William never entered the old farmhouse without an invitation, but it was late now and though part of the reason he moved so gently was to avoid waking Mrs. Bayley, he had to admit to himself that part of it was because of the nature of the visit itself. Though the students often called the house 'The Manor', the McKinley's private residence was really little more than a rather ornate farm house, a place of wealth certainly, but not in a way that displayed itself openly as with the barns and arenas. Though not cluttered, the tables and cabinets of the home sported a number of nick-naks and trinkets, the walls were filled with photographs of people of all ages and horses of all sizes and shapes. Certainly the house had been well lived in, even if at times its walls felt death and sadness. William opened the study door with the back of his wrist, carefully balancing two steaming mugs of tea in his hands as he leaned into the door and slipped into the dimly lit room. Ian McKinley sat at his father's desk in front of the opposite wall, a single desk lamp illuminating five manilla file folders spread out in front of him. William took a seat across the desk, set down one mug next to Ian and then took one of the folders with his now free hand. "So these are the inaugural students of the Ride for Hope Program, correct?" Ian McKinley kept his eyes trained on the folders, stopping now and then to mark one thing or another in pencil on the forms. "That they are." He breathed deeply and looked up, removing a pair of thin framed glasses from his face, "Are you intrigued yet?" "Terrified more like it." The younger man quipped, still scanning the folder. A photograph a young girl was paper-clipped to the the side of the folder, "Shoplifting. Valuables stolen from the Foster Parents. I suppose that would be the Gabriel's girl then?" Ian nodded. "I see, 'Chelsea Cordell" He sighed, and set the folder down. "I hope you've invested in new locks for the tack trunks then." "Nope. Don't plan to either. You gettin cold feet on me Will?" "I just worry that you're in over your head..." His eyes drifted over the photographs, soaking in the intensity of their gazes. One photograph in particular caught Will's attention and he drew it towards himself. "... And this must be John." "Apparently he prefers David, according to his caseworker." "I see.... Can you promise me something, Ian?" The man chuckled, "Hm?" "Don't forget about the other kids." William took a sip of his tea, forming his thoughts as the liquid warmed his throat. "I think what you're doing here is a good thing, I really do, but you've got twenty-five other kids at this academy, each with their own struggles and issues and as much as any one of them loves the horses, Bayley isn't exactly a therapeutic environment. Not to mention that they've all come here with dreams and expectations... We are a riding school first after all." Ian nodded, a wry smile forming across his lips. "I'm not gonna throw our students under the bus Will. It's like you said, they're all just kids. In straight numbers we haven't added or dropped any students at all..." "I just don't want the twenty to suffer for the sake of the five..." His eyes fell once again on David's picture. "... or the one." "These kid's don't have another shot Will. The Bayley students... well, I know as well as you that being born suckin' on a silver spoon doesn't shield you from suffering, but they've got people rooting for them. Friends and families, you, me, and all the other coaches... These kids don't" "I just hope you know what your doing Ian." The man chuckled, "I'm hoping the same thing Will. The same d*** thing." David WalkerDavid shifted his weight, shirt sticking to the warm school-bus-leather of the seat, trying to find a comfortable position. He'd been on this miserable bus for nearly eleven hours, with only a few short breaks at rest stops or to pick up another passenger. And while the ride was preferable to the shorter ride to juvie, David was growing restless. He glanced a few rows up where the portly deputy, who'd been with them since Savannah, stood chatting with the driver about baseball. Though the officer carried a gun, he didn't seem overly concerned about the four young delinquents behind him. Indeed, he'd chatted periodically with one of the teens or another throughout the morning without any agitation. He seemed to enjoy the teens actually, with only the faintest sign of annoyance coming to light when they had tried to talk with each other. "Now Listen Up," He'd said to them slowly, standing at the front of the bus and laying his hand on the butt of his holster in a posture surely meant to be intimidating. "Just 'cause I ain't got you kids in handcuffs don't mean I ain't got em." They'd kept quiet after that. Not that it had stopped them from looking over the others from time to time and trying to guess their stories. "Rise and Shine kiddies!" The deputy said suddenly, "Welcome to Pony-land." David leaned against the glass, taking in the sights of his new home. The stable-yard was a flurry of activity, students bustled about greeting old friends and introducing themselves to new ones. Some had their parents with them, some were leading elegant horses to barns or paddocks, and more still were simply milling about with no particular goal in mind. With cups of lemonade and plates laden with hot-dogs and other picnic foods they weaved through the crowds of people, only a few sparing a glance to the dusty bus coming up the road towards them. David knew from the pamphlet his case worker gave him that Bayley only housed 30 full time students, so while it there wasn't a huge amount of people on the lawn of the academy, the start of term picnic seemed to be an event open to more than just students and parents. The bus pulled back behind the barn, to a quieter area near some horse trailers and David could see a blonde man approaching them leading a gray horse. "Alright kiddies! Single File. No funny business!" David grabbed his backpack and a small duffel bag from a seat near the front of the bus. The only possessions he'd been permitted to bring with him. The deputy had them line up against the side of the bus, and David surveyed the blonde man with a cool gaze. He was smiling, but looked uncertain, and not entirely happy with the situation. "Now yall show some respect to this gentleman, you hear me?" He turned to the man, "You're Chase right?" The blonde man nodded and motioned to a name sticker with 'William Chase - Assistant Trainer' written in neat black sharpie. "And your officer Adams correct?" He didn't wait for an answer to continue, "Thank you for bringing them here, please feel free to grab a plate and some sodas before you head out... you as well sir." He said to the driver. The driver nodded thanks and stepped off the bus immediately, but the deputy seemed unsure. "I can handle them from here officer, Thank you." The deputy grunted and turned to follow the driver, keeping one eye trained on the teens even from a distance. "Good afternoon Ride for Hope students, my name is William Chase, I'm one of the coaches here at Bayley and on behalf of the rest of the staff I'd like to say Welcome to Bayley Academy." David raised an eyebrow, the words were obviously scripted, but the intent seemed genuine enough. He glanced over at the others, who also seemed to be sizing up Chase. "At Bayley Academy, we pride ourselves as producers of excellent equestrians but more than that we prize ourselves on producing teens and young adults of excellent character. While I realize you have all come to Bayley by less-than-ideal paths, I want you to know that while at Bayley you are more than just a number or a temporary guest. If you need anything at all, please, feel free to ask myself or one of the other staff and we will gladly accommodate you how ever possible. As you live, work, and learn alongside Bayley students I hope that you will allow yourselves to be open to all experiences, including that of really becoming part of the Bayley Family." "We like to begin and end each term at Bayley with a celebration of sorts, a chance for students, their parents, trainers and alumni to gather together and catch up with one another before continuing on to our busy lives. At two o'clock, so in about an hour, we will have our orientation in the main barn." He gestured to the largest of the immediate buildings, "But in the meantime I encourage you to grab lunch and visit with your new classmates. We ask that you stay in the main yard, and not go into any of the barns until orientation starts. You can leave your bags in the back of that jeep over there..." More motioning. "... And they will be brought to your assigned cottage before orientation." The man sighed obviously uncomfortable with what he was about to say, "You should also be aware that all Bayley Staff members have been instructed to keep an eye out for the five of you... one RFH student is already here... these first few weeks. You will find no armed guards at Bayley, however the faculty have been instructed to notify the police if any one of you are seen leaving the property without a staff chaperone. Keep this in mind as you explore the grounds." He forced a wry smile, "So on that note, do any of you have any questions?" -- Game is Open! --Notes: The 'One RSF student already here' is Chelsea, I assume since Brad's parents are taking care of her currently that she wouldn't need to take a bus. Other students would have probably gotten their horses settled, but would not have been to the cottages or received their room assignments. I'll post with Sam and Michael sometime tomorrow. Your free to post whatever characters you like, but lets try to keep things at a reasonable pace these next few days. People are busy and I don't want to see any players left behind because of RL issues. Enjoy! Oh! Also, because I know T.K. likes pictures... Here is a picture of how I'm imagining the McKinley farmhouse. --> www.signaturepropertiesvt.com/ezstatic/data/re2/images/a/3392/Farmhouse.jpg
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Ambassador
Full Member
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidance of things not seen.
Posts: 130
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Post by Ambassador on Jan 29, 2013 21:39:46 GMT -5
Chelsea & Bradley
Dust swirled around the tires of the white SUV that pulled the Gabriel's horse trailer, as it crunched to a stop on the hard gravel. Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel had both come to see their son and foster daughter off. Carley Gabriel sat at the wheel as Seth Gabriel sat in the passenger seat, neck craned as he faced the back seat, focusing on entertaining his car-seat bound, 6-year-old daughter Ashlyn. Sitting next to Ashlyn, not in a car seat, was 18-year-old Bradley, the Gabriel's son, sitting slightly slouched but relaxed and confident as he surveyed Bayley's familiar sights. In the next row back Chelsea huddled by herself, glad for her confinement from the rest of the family.
"Brad." Mrs. Gabriel turned around in her seat, looked past Ashlyn's flailing arms and made eye contact with her son. "Help Chelsea with her bags." It was a gentle but rhetorical command. Neither teenagers were very happy about this arrangement, but only one showed it. Chelsea shifted uncomfortably in her seat as Bradley grinned at his mother.
"Sure thing, mom." The whole clan piled out. Carley worked on unfastening her daughters car seat while Seth made a bee line for the horse trailer. Bradley and Chelsea opened the back of the SUV. "So, don't take this the wrong way, Chels." Bradley persistently called her Chels even though the response was always steely eyes. "But maybe it would be best if everyone else didn't know you were my family's foster girl. That way I don't have to be responsible for you, and you don't have to worry about my status overshadowing you." Bradley opened his arms charismatically and flashed his trademark ladykiller-slightly-mischievous-but-dorky grin. "Everyone wins!" With that he dropped Chelsea's bags in the dust at her feet.
After a month, Chelsea was used to Bradley's oximoronic behavior--his seemingly being nice but really being a jerk attitude. It didn't faze her. She'd dealt with people like him all her life, besides she preferred it that way. It was better than him pretending to be nice or trying to form some kind of fake connection with her. "Sounds fine to me." she replied in the same sarcastic tone of voice. She scooped up her bags of the ground and flung them over her shoulder. "Thanks for the help." she muttered under her breath.
Chelsea
The trainer, William Chase, had told her in his accent to stay out of the barn until after orientation. So naturally, she headed straight to the barn. Of Course Brad had gone straight to where he was suppose to chill till he got his room assignment, the image of a model student. Chelsea huffed. "Oh please."
She walked down the wooded corridor silently, running her hand along the sides of the stalls as she did, looking at the name plates of every horse. The soft nicker of horse voices, the clip-clop of their hooves, the musty sent of hay mingled with manure. Even as a city girl she had to admit, she liked the distinguished, country feel of the place. It seemed...calm, welcoming almost. But that was only because of the horses. Chelsea decided then and there to avoid the other students as much as she could in favor of her hoofed friends.
Chelsea's fingers lingered over the name plate. Because of her dyslexia, it looked something like "eSe otsp un". Her eyes obsurved the owner of the name plate, a small, friendly looking horse with spots on his rump. Chelsea had always liked the spotted horses because they reminded her of Dalmatians. "Pony." she murmured aloud as she allowed the spotted pony to sniff her hand. "You're a pony." she recalled that equines under a certain hand height were ponys.
OT: Thanks for thinking of Chelsea ^_^ those arrangements were the exact ones I had in mind.
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Post by Marli on Jan 29, 2013 22:41:43 GMT -5
Michael
Michael breathed deeply as he hung Spot's training bridle on one of the hooks of his tack locker. He and Alex had arrived at Bayley early that morning to talk get their horses settled and to help Lyla (one of the female trainers) round up the pony-clubbers*. Though the younger students obviously knew their way around a horse barn, it always seemed inevitable that that someone would lose something as they started meeting with long lost friends of last semester. Horses were placed in the wrong stalls (temporarily of course... sure) while summer horse camp stories were exchanged and without fail somebody would leave a bridle, a helmet, or grooming box in some bizzare location and then proceed to panic about it. The busyness suited Michael however, as it gave him a chance to avoid Jessa.
His heart had dropped into his stomach when he saw the girls show mare peeking out over its usual stall and had turned heal immediately lest its owner be nearby. It was stupid. He would have to see her later at orientation anyway, but for now he didn't want to chance the 1x1 conversation so instead of mingling with the other students he had been muddling about in the polo barn for the last hour or so, straightening halters, sweeping the isles and trying not to think about Jessa and her beautiful horse... or her beautiful eyes... or her...
He grabbed a pitch fork leaning from a hook on the wall and moved towards walked back towards Spot's stall.
"You're a pony." Michael looked up at the voice and was surprised to see a girl at the front of Spot's stall. Must be one of the new students. Bayley's program was small enough that Michael would have recognized her if she'd been there the year before. He moved towards the girl.
"He's just shy of 15 hands, so not quite a pony, technically." He leaned the pitchfork against the stall and smiled at the girl, "We call'em 'ponies' in Polo, of course, but true pony breeds stand under 14.2... Spot here is kind of a mutt, half Appie, a little pony of the americas, little quarter horse, bit o Thoroughbred and who knows what else but I like em alright..." Michael broke the girls gaze and looked down Spot's shoulder, suddenly embarrassed. "but you probably didn't want to know that... Can I help you find something?" He smiled again, blushing slightly. "Don't take this personally but I think you may be lost... main barn's up a bit that way, past the barbeque... I can show you... you know, if you'd like."
OT: *By 'Pony-Clubbers' I'm using 'Bayley Slang' term for the 6th-8th grade students, not actual members of a pony club. ^_^
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Ambassador
Full Member
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidance of things not seen.
Posts: 130
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Post by Ambassador on Jan 30, 2013 0:12:07 GMT -5
Bradley
After leaving Chelsea in the dust, Bradley had led Athena into her stall in the main barn. After letting her snuffle around a bit he led her into her stall and personally saw to her fresh hay, food, and water. He normally would be too important to do stable hand work, but for Athena, nothing was degrading. He scritched her ears and fed her a carrot.
"I bet you'd rather be romping in the fields, too." He patted her neck and nickered while giving him a sideways look. "Yeah, it is against the rules to go out yet. But later...we can get to showing everyone that we have the full package: brains, strength, and grace." Athena snorted approvingly.
Chelsea
"He's just shy of 15 hands, so not quite a pony, technically."
Chelsea looked over her shoulder, expecting the usual reprimand from a self-righteous adult. What she saw was completely different. The first thing that hit her in the eye was a mop of fiery red hair. The boy smiled at her. "We call'em 'ponies' in Polo, of course, but true pony breeds stand under 14.2... Spot here is kind of a mutt, half Appie, a little pony of the americas, little quarter horse, bit o Thoroughbred and who knows what else but I like em alright..." the boy looked down and his voice dropped. "But you probably didn't want to know that... Can I help you find something?" He smiled again, blushing slightly. "Don't take this personally but I think you may be lost... main barn's up a bit that way, past the barbeque... I can show you... you know, if you'd like."
"Um..." obviously this guy didn't know who she really was, or he wouldn't be offering to be so nice. He probably just thought she was another rich student. Despite the fact Chelsea had vowed off socialization for her time at Bayley, the main barn did sound like it promised more excitement. Besides, if this boy continued to talk this much, she could remain silent. "Sure." she replied. She waited for his next move. The guys seemed like he was genuinely having a good time discussing pony trivia with her--most of the time people's conversations with her were delicate and forced like they were afraid if they talked to her she would break into a million pieces like a dropped dinner plate.
OT: I don't mean to overload post: Just trying to get Bradley's post in there and set the scene ^_^
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Post by purplemunster94 on Jan 30, 2013 1:06:49 GMT -5
Zooey Darling
Zooey smiled and waved to her mom. She was surprised to see her mothers eyes fill with tears, "Don't worry, it's only for a semester. I wont get into any trouble. I promise." Her mom embraced her, shocking Zooey even more, they had never been a family that showed any kind of affection toward each other. Zooey patted her mother on the back, not sure what else to do, then grabbed her backpack and duffel, and headed onto the bus. She noticed a few other heads on the bus, but not all of the students were there. It wasn't hard to find a seat, so slumped into one, and waved to her mom out of the window one more time.
Zooey talked to the deputy for awhile, but eventually silence took over. She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her head against the window watching the trees and buildings pass by. Soon she nodded off, hoping this was a new beginning.
When the bus pulled to a stop she shot up from her sleep, and looked around the bus. They had picked up the rest of the crew and made it to the school. How long had she been asleep? She looked out of the window and was in awe of what she saw. It wasn't as big as she had pictured, but, it was so much more. It was so pristine, and picture perfect. As they were led out of the bus to a man with the name tag that said William Chase. Zooey tried to listen to what he had to say, but she found her eyes wandering to all the students running every which way, trying to get settled in. She was pulled back when Mr. Chase said they wouldn't be able to leave without an escort. She shouldn't have been surprised, they had all done something to deserve that. As Chase asked for questions Zooey looked around the group, it was strange to think, that they were all here for one reason, even if they looked so different.
Owen Wilhelm
Owen stepped out of the car, his father was working, so he simply left a note on the counter saying goodbye. Owen had left the note, and driven with their butler. Owen really liked the guy, he was very friendly, and more motivating that Owen's own father, but it would have been nice to drive with his dad. He didn't let it bother him too bad, soon enough his studies would pick up, and training would take away all of his cares. He turned and smiled at Melvin (the butler), before grabbing his bags and loading them on to one of the jeeps. Once finished he walked to Melvin's window, "Thanks again, for the ride. It really means a lot." Melvin nodded, and Owen went to the trailer to get Ranger. Slowly and steadily he unloaded Ranger and led him away, as Melvin closed the door, and got back in the car, to drive off.
Owen sighed, and turned to pat Ranger. "So, I hope you were comfortable back there." She smiled and started leading Ranger to the Barn. So many familiar faces running here and there, trying to get settled in. The first day was always so crazy, with everyone trying to find where to go, and trying to get situated.
When he got to the barn, he led Ranger into his stall, and made sure he was set. Giving him new hay, fresh water, some food. He knew he should probably head back, but he couldn't bring himself to leave. He pet Ranger, on the side of the neck. "You know boy, I feel this year, is going to be our year. I think something great is going to happen. Maybe Pop's will finally be proud."
OT: Will post for Arabella, either tonight or tomorrow...haven't decided...
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Post by Bhunivelze on Jan 30, 2013 9:48:48 GMT -5
Kasey
Of course, I’m the one to enter the bus with a cop… now I probably look like a challenger to these guys Kasey glanced around the bus trying to figure out the backstory of the people he’d be calling ‘classmates’ and honestly, He couldn’t see anything that looked too ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’ about any of them. I guess you really never know who the troubled ones are until you really know them. That still didn’t help the fact that he came on the bus with a cop. The worst part was that he knew who the cop was. It was the man that booked Jess and Emmet. He didn’t seem to remember Kasey so he just stayed quiet and avoided I contact with him. He put his earphones in and listened to some Coldplay for the rest of the ride.
When the bus pulled up to the stables he looked out the window, it looked bright and happy. Meaning Kasey would stick out like a sore thumb for months. Kasey did ‘happy’ in his own unique way and he honestly didn’t know how he was supposed to look at the bright side of this. Speaking of ‘happy’ it had been a full day since his last smoke and it was driving him crazy. He had read online that drinking water was a way to stop smoking. He had brought three bottles of water with him and bought two more at every stop. He knew he needed to stop smoking, but it was killing him not having any nicotine.
When he stepped off the bus he was greeted by some guy with a name tag and an accent. Great, not only are we dealing with rich jerks we’re dealing with British rich jerks. When ‘William Chase’ dismissed the group Kasey just looked around. I’m going to be living here for a full semester?
“…kill me now” he murmured under his breath.
He started off not knowing what to do. He just stood there kind of awkwardly. He decided to take his bag over to the jeep. As he walked over there he saw the main barn up front. It was beautiful. Like something you’d see in the Canadian country side. He dropped off his bags and walked over to the barn seeing a taller guy, around his age talking to a horse. Not wanting to start conversation he decided to walk back to the lawn and just wait for orientation to start. Then suddenly, BLAM. His arm smacked a beam right by the door, hitting the ‘sweet spot’ on his arm. The pain seared through his entire right arm until he started whispering profanities. He grabbed his arm and looked at the damage. Besides hitting the already massive bruise that refused to go away on the bend of his arm there wasn’t any other noticeable wounds. When he saw the ‘Horse Whisperer” looked his way Kasey just shook off what he could and tried to withstand the pain.
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Post by Marli on Jan 30, 2013 15:35:46 GMT -5
Michael
The girl seemed to hesitate, "Um... Sure..."
"Alright'y then." He turned, took the Spot's nose in his hands and said seriously, "All right Spot, I know I've been out a while but no wild parties while I'm gone right?" The horse wuffled softly, "No means no Spot, I don't care how beautiful Sushi's coat looks today, nor how how well she 'moves from her hindquaters'. She's man-eater mate. Your better off without her. Ok?" He kissed the horse on the nose, then turned apologetically towards the girl. "Sorry 'bout that... Poor chap has a habit of get'n his heart broken... Where were we? Oh! The main barn, right!"
He walked out of the polo barn, blinking slightley in the afternoon sun and slowing his pace to make sure he didn't lose the girl. Though the students still moved about busily, the parents by this time had left or were chatting idley in the shade of the barn giving the picnic a more leisurely feel. "Have you eaten...?" Michael asked, suddenly purusing the tables and stuffing multiple cans of Dr. Pepper into the pockets of his sweatshirt. He slid a can towards the new girl and opened one for himself. "Mrs. Bayley's all about 'Good Fuel' and whatnot... keeps a vegetable garden... you won't get another chance at a can of pop less you buy it yourself..."
Michael realised he was talking too fast to really invite conversation, but he was keeping a wary eye on the other students and the girl didn't seem to mind. "Bayley has four barns, but you'll probably only ever spend time in two of them." He moitioned towards a brick and mustard yellow building, "The main barn houses all the Student Horses and some of the schoolies... That building behind it is the School Barn, its got our indoor arena attached to it... which is where orientaiton will be. Theirs also the McKinley's private barn closer to the main house, but I don't think they keep any horses there currently... and of course the polo barn." He could see Owen leading his horse Ranger to the barn, but didn't call out to him. He hadn't see Sam yet, but she could already be in the main barn. Will, holding his horse Topper, was speaking to a group of four in front of an old school bus. That's weird. Michael thought. It suddenly occured to him that this girl was curiously lacking a horse. Are they from Prep?. "So yea... that's basicly it..." He realized suddenly that he didn't even know the girls name... and hadn't really allowed her to speak for the last several minutes. "... I'm Michael, by the way. What did you say your name was?"
Samantha
Taking care to close the door quietly (she hated the sound of stall doors slamming in a quiet barn), Sam fastened the latch on Lady's door and looked back at her work. Sam had meticulously groomed mare till she shone like a copper penny and now Lady was munching contendedly from her hay rack, swishing her tail at the occasioanl stray fly. Sam grabbed her grooming box and walked out into the main isle of the barn. She'd arrived at Bayley that morning in the back of a taxi. Since the summer tour ended just two weeks prior to the start of term she'd ask her parent's not to send her all the way back to London, and instead she'd been staying with a friend from Prep whose family lived on the island. Her father had stopped into visit for a few days on the tail end of a business trip, which had been enjoyable, but was by now half-way across the atlantic. Michael had made his own arrangments, flying back with Alex.
Though she desperatly wanted to see him, her annoyance with Michael's summer escapade had kept her from seeking him out. Though she understood his reasons, Sam had felt almost betrayed when Michael announced that he would not be attending the summer tour as a groom. And more than betrayed she was terrified. Michael was her best friend, and though she knew all of the other students that had toured, she still found interacting with them somewhat awkward. He was her buffer, her listining ear, and also her bridge into conversation. Without him, she'd been somewhat lost and had kept to herself most of the trip, talking mostly with the trainers and students from other barns. Horse talk was fine. She could talk to Jessa about Missy's slight lameness or grumble with Brad about how incompetent the staff was at any given venue but small talk was difficult. Deep conversation nearly impossible.
She could see Brad talking to Athena across the ailse, further back Owen was settling Ranger in his stall. Her stomach fluttered as she moved closer to Brad. He was a brilliant rider, but he also exuded a confidence that Sam couldn't help but be attracted too... and he was good looking. There was that too. Relax Sam. She coached herself, Just be friendly."Hey Brad!" She said, forcing a shy smile and letting her eyes drift towards Athena. "How was the trip in?"
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Ambassador
Full Member
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidance of things not seen.
Posts: 130
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Post by Ambassador on Jan 30, 2013 17:25:23 GMT -5
Bradley
"Hey Brad! How was the trip in?"
Bradley turned his head toward the familiar voice, his hand still on Athena's neck. "Sam!" A broad smile broke out across his face. His genuine smile that truly showed what he was thinking, reserved for those he actually cared about. "The trip in was easy as pie, as usual. Took about five minutes." his smile transformed into a grin. Living close to Bayley had it's advantages. Bradley held out his other arm in a welcoming manner. "Good to see you! How was your trip here? Your summer?" Bradley noticed that Lady was simply glowing with muscle and grace, looking almost as gorgeous as her rider.
A sudden thunk forced Bradley's attention away from Sam "Wha...?" he looked up just in time to see a scruffy looking guy around his age ram right into a beam and collapse onto the barn floor, uttering profanities. Bradley peered around Sam's head to get a better look at the guy. Straggly hair, faded jeans, dusty cloths, no horse. And Bradley certainly didn't recognize him. He was probably a stable hand. "Hey, are you alright?" Bradley asked. The guy must have a very overactive funny bone. "You should be more careful." Bradley said, though not sounding rude. "If you keep running into walls, I don't know how you're going to handle a pitch fork."
Chelsea
"Alright'y then." The red haired boy turned and took Spot's nose in his hands and said seriously, "All right Spot, I know I've been out a while but no wild parties while I'm gone right?" The horse wuffled softly, "No means no Spot, I don't care how beautiful Sushi's coat looks today, nor how how well she 'moves from her hindquarters'. She's man-eater mate. Your better off without her. Ok?" He kissed the horse on the nose, then turned towards Chelsea . "Sorry 'bout that... Poor chap has a habit of get'n his heart broken..."
Chelsea raised an eyebrow, actually feeling slightly amused at this horsey conversation.
"Where were we? Oh! The main barn, right!" Red walked out of the polo barn, slowing his pace as Chelsea fell in stride beside him. There were other highschoolers running around busily, barely sparing the two of them a second glance. "Have you eaten...?" Red swiped several cans of Dr. Pepper and stuffed them into the pockets of his sweatshirt. He casually slid a can towards Chelsea and opened one for himself. "Mrs. Bayley's all about 'Good Fuel' and whatnot... keeps a vegetable garden... you won't get another chance at a can of pop less you buy it yourself..." Chelsea gave Red a second glance, and a second opinion: so a bit of a rule breaker, and a swiper. Chelsea decided that she might just be able to handle that. Then it hit her that he was actually looking out for her soda drinking habits.
"Thanks..." she hesitated and decided to give talking a go. "I actually prefer Pepsi." For the first time, a ghost of a smile played across her lips. She swiped a Pepsi herself and handed him back the Dr. Pepper. "Second helpings." she commented, then looked at his Dr. Pepper laden pockets. "Or forth or fifth." she observed.
"Bayley has four barns, but you'll probably only ever spend time in two of them." Red continued the tour and motioned towards a brick and mustard yellow building, "The main barn houses all the Student Horses and some of the schoolies... That building behind it is the School Barn, its got our indoor arena attached to it... which is where orientation will be. Theirs also the McKinley's private barn closer to the main house, but I don't think they keep any horses there currently... and of course the polo barn."
As they walked toward the main barn, Chelsea noticed that other horse guy, William chase, talking to some kids her age outside a yellow school bus. Not only did they look her age, but they had the same look...and all had what looked like case workers or cops with them. Four kids. There were five kids in this Mcikinly's ride for hope program, as she remembered the Gabriel's calling it. She was the fifth. It looked like she had found her counter parts.
Red was looking at them too, then he looked back to Chelsea, a curious expression on his face. Looks like the made the connection finally... "So yea... that's basically it...I'm Michael, by the way. What did you say your name was?"
"I didn't." commented Chelsea, then, "Chelsea. So..." She opened her mouth again, for the sake of taking Red's (Michael's, now) attention away from the other teenage delinquents. "You can give me the tour of the Barn, right?" Her eyes flickered eagerly toward the horse laden barn, eager to leave the sights of the other Ride for Hope kids. If William saw her again, he would probably force her come over and meet the other kids. And that would surely ruin her chances of Red ever slipping her a Pepsi again, or a Dr. Pepper for that matter. Chelsea quickly turned her back on the yellow school bus and began marching determinedly toward the Barn, not even waiting for Red's consent.
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Post by purplemunster94 on Jan 30, 2013 18:52:37 GMT -5
Owen
BLECH! I thought Kasey was talking about Owen, then I guess I was writing my post when Ambassador wrote her's.....I will edit....eventually....
Zooey
When Chase dismissed them, Zooey picked up her duffel bag and walked it over to the jeep they had been told to put it in. She was hesitant to leave her bag, she had too many things stolen from her in her life, not to mention she had stolen a few things, meaning who knows what the other RFH kids had done. After finally deciding to toss her bag in the jeep, she wasn't sure where to go. Back home she would have been able to talk to anyone, but these kids were from a completely different world than hers. She felt an urge, one she only got when she was really nervous since the rehab, to drink, or any substance that would calm her nerves. She sighed and looked around the new foreign place, how did she think this was going to be a good thing, at that moment she was regretting ever agreeing with her councilor to come here.
Chase had told them to eat and stay in the main yard, but as she looked around the students arriving and talking with her friends she felt sick. How was she ever supposed to be considered equals with them. She looked down at her worn out jeans and hand-me-down t-shirt and hoodie that hung loosely on her light frame. She knew she would stick out like a sore thumb, and everyone would judge her before even talking to her. She knew it was harsh to think of people like that, but even if people want to say that they don't everyone had judgement on others. She knew she wasn't helping herself by just standing there frozen in her tracks, but she had no idea what else to do. She wanted to run, but leaving was not an option, as Mr. Chase had clearly pointed out.
Arabella
Arabella looked out the window as Bayley came into view. She couldn't hide her smile, even though she was used to something so outstanding and big, something about Bayley made her feel more at home than, home. When her dad stopped the car she practically flew out, taking in everything around her. Her father stepped out of the car behind her beaming, "I'm glad you are happy to back dear, this place is definitely something." Arabella turned around and gave her father a tight hug, before he turned to grab her many bags out of the back of the car.
Arabella went to the back of the trailer and opened it slowly, so as not to startle angel, then led her out with the lead rope. When she was finished leading Angel out of the trailer, she walked around the car, as her father was coming back from the luggage jeep. She smiled and gave her dad one more tight squeeze. "Make sure you tell mommy, I said I loved her. I know she couldn't be here, so just let her know." She watched as her dad climbed back into the car and drove off. She noticed that as soon as he was back in the car, he was on his phone, most likely with a client. She shrugged and lead Angel out to the barn. Smiling and waving to her friends as she passed them. When she got to the barn she noticed a few older kids from Bayley, and one guy that she didn't know. He didn't look like he belonged, so as she led Angel into her stall to get her settled, she watched him, trying to figure out if she had seen him before.
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Ambassador
Full Member
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidance of things not seen.
Posts: 130
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Post by Ambassador on Jan 30, 2013 21:17:08 GMT -5
Jewels
Jewels was atop Hunter, riding around and directing traffic like some kind of cop. She wore casual clothing for now--A Bayley T-shirt under a leather jacket, with well worn but comfortable jeans and riding boots. The truth was, she just loved being in the saddle. Besides since she was petiet and looked younger than her age, she found it was eaiser to preform her instructors duties when she was taller than everyone else. Jewels had just been posting the roomate list on the orientation door, when she saw the yellow school bus pull up. She smiled. Her students were here!
She had volenteered to take most of the responsibility for keeping track of and training the ride for hope students, since she knew that Will and Ian would be up to their eyeballs with everything else. Now, Jewels turned Hunter toward the bus. William had gotten there before her, and was just finishing his introductory speech when she rode up. Jewels simultaniously pulled Hunter to a halt while dismounting him with such grace, speed and agility she seemed to be jumping out of the saddle. Her curly hair, worn loose today, bounced around her head and shoulders. Even when it was put up, it was hard to contain.
"William! Glad you're giving our new students the welcoming speech. However, I was promised five new students, and I see only three. You aren't holding out on me, are you?" her light tone and the twinkle in her eye let her know she was teasing him. She turned to the three students that stood before her, a boy and two girls. "As I'm sure my co-trainer has just finished saying, welcome to Bayely. I'm Julia, but you can call me 'Miss Jewels' or 'Miss Walsh'. I'm the second assistant trainer here, and I'll be overseeing most of your training and activities at Bayley." She smiled at the kids, and her eyes twinklied at each one of them as she studied them with a non-critical eye, already assessing their personalties.
"Orientation is going to be starting soon, so feel free to head that way or mingle with your fellow students. I can give you a tour on the way over if you'd like."
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Logos
Full Member
Posts: 172
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Post by Logos on Jan 31, 2013 0:44:53 GMT -5
OOC: I enjoyed doing the first person POV for the bio, so I'm gonna play with it awhile, see if it works for me in the RP. Kade'jah:I di'n't say nothin' t' any o' the other kids on the bus an' they di'nt say nothin' t' me neither. I di'n't need no talk 'bout handcuffs t' know that the Man di'n't want us talkin'. So I spent th' trip readin' this book Ra got me, 'bout English ridin'. It's got these pictures showin' how to hold th' reins and where to keep yo hands, how you s'posed t' sit an' all. When I couldn't see nobody lookin', I even practiced sittin' like I got a stick up my a** an' holdin' my hands like them white girls in th' pictures. But ever now an' then I'd take a break an' just sit back or lean 'gainst the window an' I'd look t'ward one o' the other kids, but not like I was lookin' at 'em. Figured I better git t' know they faces. We might need t' look out fo each other. "Rise and Shine kiddies!" The deputy said suddenly, "Welcome to Pony-land." I looked out the window. The place was all white painted fences an' grass like a golf course an' barns that looked like they di'n't even know what dirt was. Then there was the kids. They's all dressed up nice, they hair all neat, and some of 'em was leadin' 'round them fancy horses. Now I give it to 'em, those was th' most beautiful horses I ever seen. 'Cept, I could jus' tell, by the way them rich kids posed an' preened like peacocks...they didn't have them horses jus' 'cause they was beautiful. They got 'em fo the same reason a pimp puts a solid gold hood ornament on his Merc--t' show how much better than ev'rybody else they is. If beautiful horses was cheap, and butt-ugly horses was expensive, they'd all have horses so ugly you'd turn t' stone if you looked at 'em too long. "Alright kiddies! Single File. No funny business!" I put my book in my backpack, shucked it over a shoulder and grabbed my duffel. Officer Porkins got us all out the bus an' lined us up 'gainst it like we was 'bout t' get mugshots taken. Oh, tha's right. Make sho the rich folk know who's trash! Jus' line us all up fo 'em like we's a bunch o' freaks! You wanna give 'em a few minutes t' point an' laugh, just so's we know our place?! Put on yo poker face, Kade'jah. They gon' be waitin' fo the nigga to get uppity so's they can slap her down. I jus' gotta be smarter than them. Beat them at they own game. There was this blond dude waitin' fo us, lookin' like he was nervous. Like maybe he thought we was contagious? Or maybe he jus' di'n't know what t' say. "Now yall show some respect to this gentleman, you hear me?" Oh, yassuh, I be sho t' shows my new Massuh lots o' respect! I hate this place already. ****ing cornpone fascist b*tch! Poooker faaaace, I thought. 'Chase'--who names they baby boy 'Chase?' Better hurry up an' catch him!--stepped in t' take over, but Cornpone was watchin', like maybe he was expectin' us t' dogpile the dude or somethin'? That was funny enough that I was able t' relax a little, an' not want t' punch Officer Piggy's face in quite so much. "Good afternoon Ride for Hope students, my name is William Chase, I'm one of the coaches here at Bayley and on behalf of the rest of the staff I'd like to say Welcome to Bayley Academy." Well, at least he sounds like he's trying 't sound like he means it. "We like to begin and end each term at Bayley with a celebration of sorts, a chance for students, their parents, trainers and alumni to gather together and catch up with one another before continuing on to our busy lives. At two o'clock, so in about an hour, we will have our orientation in the main barn." He gestured to the largest of the immediate buildings. Oh, I jus' can't wait fo that! I thought. But on the bright side, at least he was British. I ain't never met no British folk before, but they gotta be better than sons o' the Gloooooorius Confederacah with eye-holes in they pillowcases dreamin' o' the day the South gon' rise again. Right? "But in the meantime I encourage you to grab lunch and visit with your new classmates." I tried. Really tried, not to stare at the dude like he'd jus' grown another head. After makin' sho t' single us all out an' treat us like **** in front of 'em, now we all s'posed t' jus' go trottin' over to 'em an' " mingle?!" 'Course we all gonna be singled out anyway 'cause of our clothes, and me--the only person here who ain't white?--but still, they di'n't hafta have that ******* cop line us all up like we was about t' get strip-searched an' handed orange jumpsuits so Mr. Chase could give his "Welcome to Devil' Island" speech in front of 'em. They coulda had him come on the bus at the gate, then drove us up here t' "mingle." Finally set loose, I went an' put my duffel bag in the jeep. There was this chick with some piercings, an' I could tell by the way she di'n't wanna let go of her bag that she was scared of her **** gettin' stolen. I could understand that. The only stuff I had that I was worried about losin' was my ridin' book, an' my jewelry an' beadwork kit. Those were in my backpack, an' I was keepin' that on me, long as Mr. Chase di'n't tell me different. The chick finally let go of her bag, an now she was jus' standin' there lookin' like a deer in th' headlights, all scared t' death. I thought maybe I should jus' try t' stay by myself, 'cause I know I'll have more than enough o' my own problems t' worry 'bout, tryin' t' make it here. But I couldn't jus' leave her like that. We might need t' look out fo each other. "Hey. You OK?" I asked.
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Post by purplemunster94 on Jan 31, 2013 2:03:32 GMT -5
Zooey
Zooey was drawn from her thoughts when she heard a voice behind her. She turned around to see the other girl who had been on the bus. She managed a slight smile, "I think I'll be alright, eventually." She ran her fingers through her hair, nervously. She thought if she was going to make friends with anybody, it would be the girl in the same boat as her, if not worse. They were completely different than everyone around them, but this girl was more so. "I was just wondering what made me decide to come her, again? I guess, I didn't imagine it would be anything like this." Zooey sighed, "I'm sorry, I ramble when I get nervous, and well, this," She motioned to all of the Bayley students, "Is definitely making me a bit nervous." Her eyes traveled across the crowd in front of her, taking in the whole scene, they were all just people, no matter how different. They had to have something in common, but she wasn't positive they would see that, "I'm Zooey, by the way. I think it would be a good thing if we knew each other. A place like this, we'll have to stick together as much as possible."
Owen
Owen turned away from Ranger when he heard the noise, and leaned over the stall door, to see a kid that he didn't recognize start cursing under his breath. He raised an eyebrow, and walked out as Bradley was addressing him. He smiled, and Brad's sarcastic comment, "Don't listen to Brad, he's probably run into that bar a few times, I know I have."
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Logos
Full Member
Posts: 172
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Post by Logos on Jan 31, 2013 3:55:01 GMT -5
Kade'jah:
"Yeah, I know," I said, all quiet, so only Zooey could hear. "I keep tellin' myself, none o' these little silver spoon babies'd last a day in my life. Prob'ly not yours, neither. I'm Kade'jah." As I spoke, a chick rode up on this gorgeous big brown horse. She was all big smiles an' twinkling eyes, an' gave her own little welcome speech. With her lookin' me over, I jus' kinda went into 'boot camp mode' without even thinkin'. No expression, standin' up straight, but jus' enough short o' 'Atten-SHUN!' t' stick a thumb in the Man's eye, not quite enough for 'em to come down on me hard. But, she jus' kep' on smilin', then turned t' look at Zooey.
'Miss Jewels' offered us the choice of a tour with her an' her pretty horse, or 'mingle' with the spoonies. "'Tour' sounds good to me, how 'bout you?" I said to Zooey. I figured she'd be 'bout as glad as I was for a chance to put the 'mingling' off as long as possible. Plus, 'not wanderin' 'round the place lost' sounded like a real good idea to me.
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