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 Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2015 9:40 am
The sun was hot and steady as it pelted down on the stadium, reminding the inhabitants that the wet season was steadily coming to an end. Nuri found himself glad he had forgone his tunic top today, the air still holding some humidity and punishing those who kept on the extra layers. Brushing a hand away from his brow, he glanced at the many bodies in the entrance of the stadium. Beside him, the rest of his family conversed, trying to figure out the best time to find seats for the big race. He had been dragged on unwillingly, his parents realizing he had a day off from training and wanting to show their elusive middle son off.
Biting the inside of his cheek at the thought, Nuri realized he had a quick chance to make an escape, and did just that. He smoothly walked away from his parents, ignoring the glare of his elder brother as he moved. It took only a moment for him to brush past the other nobles who sought the higher seats, few sitting low in the stadium where the heat and the stench of the race were the strongest. Lesser nobles and the working class were gathered there, using whatever they could to push away the heat as they waited for the race. On the track, it appeared that one of the show races had just concluded, and another was set to begin.
Leaning up against the low wall, Nuri glanced at the Xaraan and the racers, his dark eyes looking each creature up and down. It wasn't the first time he saw the large animals, and it wasn't the first time he questioned what it would be like to ride one. When he was younger, he had tolerated many races in this same area, and had squawked enough about wanting to race himself. Now, he dreamed of bigger beasts to tame and ride, ones more suited for war. Yet, in the heat of the moment, he couldn't brush away the wistful ideals of darting across the sands on the leggy creatures, and with that thought in mind he moved closer to where the racers were waiting, and away from the rest of the crowd.
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Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2015 12:12 pm
Today was a big day for Sanele: instead of the normal separate show races, she was racing in an opening show race for the official racing competitions! A bigger stage, one step closer to her dreams of racing on that big stage. But it was also nerve wracking; what if she and Simba preformed poorly? It'd ruin her chances completely! Simba, her lovely Xaraan that she owned (thanks to the kindness of her uncle in law/boss) had no such qualms. While Sanele brushed him and, for the third time, ran over the equipment, he merely chirped and nuzzled her; not quite understanding why she was so nervous over some simple race. "You're too calm." She whispered to her Xaraan, "Wish I had your nerves..." Movement off to the side, someone approaching made her look up. She sighed with disgust and quickly hid her expression. Noble boy from the looks of it; come to pester the riders I bet. But she had to be polite... commoners were not supposed to mouth off to nobles.. even if Sanele had done so to Nera and her fellow apprentices who were nobles. "You probably shouldn't be so close." She said to the boy. "Best iffn you went back to your seat before someone takes it."
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Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2015 12:34 pm
Nuri caught sight of the many large creatures, the colors almost as flashy as the riders. This must be the group set to build excitement for the main race - there was no way that the people here were the main attraction. He could tell from a quick glance over their riding outfits - they were bright, but they were second hand. As he watched the riders prepare, he noticed a girl much like his age taking care of a sandy and fire red xaraan. She seemed to fidget and keep checking the equipment, while the creature itself was chirping and cuddling. They were very contrasting, and Nuri couldn't help but stare in fascination. Animal companionship, the relationship between a rider and their steed was quite astounding.
All of a sudden, he made eye contact with the rider, her bright eyes seemingly agitated with his presence. He lifted himself from the wall, pulling his hands behind his back as she approached and began to lecture him. Blinking a few times, he furrowed his brow a moment as she made to brush him off.
"I don't really care about a seat at this point. I'm sure my father will make sure that one is saved." He responded stiffly, getting the feeling that she really wasn't pleased with him being before her. His eyes, however, quickly looked past her shoulder and back toward Simba, admiring the sleek marks and noble posture the animal held.
"I'd much rather sit here and admire the Xarann. You may continue prepping, I won't be a bother." He responded in the same tone she held, not looking her in the eye as he continued to watch the subtle movements the animals made.
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Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2015 12:57 pm
Definitely a rich boy, she thought with an inner sigh. Only a noble wouldn't worry about someone taking their seat... which meant he was no minor noble! She was jealous of that; her family always had to hoard their spots and never leave because they had seats in the lower stands. Closer to the animals and tracks (which she loved smell and all) but also packed. He's a bother just being here, she groused to herself but didn't say. "Kinda hard to prep while being watched..." Though talking was calming her down, taking her mind off the fact she was about to ride on the big stage even if only as an opening act. "Why're you down here with the commoners instead of your fancy family?" Try as she might, Sanele couldn't help but be impolite.... Plus most nobles stayed away from the crowds, noise, and smell. Simba gave another chirp as he tugged on the lead that kept him by his stall. He wanted to see the stranger his jockey was talking too! Maybe there'd be treats....
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Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2015 2:30 pm
He felt a bit taken aback when she mentioned he was a distraction, and was about to actually begin apologizing when she asked her question. Raising his brows, he blinked at her for a long moment, somewhat taken aback at how brazen she was. Maybe it was the nerves, or maybe she disliked him, but either way he was beginning to feel a bit snubbed.
"I've always been interested in Xarann...well, any riding creature. My fancy family didn't believe in soiling our fancy clothes with race birds." He let out a rare half-smile after the comment, feeling quite happy with the come-back. It seemed she thought he was a bit over privileged, but that wasn't the case. His father saw more interest in the haul animals than the race ones, and only fancied watching them from afar.
"From what I saw, you seemed quite ready for the race...and it's really only a show...it's not like there is any money on the line. These races are really only a warm-up."
His voice was soft as he spoke, but honest, and he really didn't understand why she felt the need to triple check and then check again. Maybe it was superstition.
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Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2015 2:42 pm
She couldn't help but bristle as he spoke. So his family didn't like being ear the smell or mess of animals ehh? Spoiled rich people! What's wrong with dirt? But he... did like it. So as much as she wanted to snap at him, vent her nervousness through spite... she couldn't quite do so. he was down here with the animals, was where the mess and smell could soil his fancy clothes.
"Clothes just need to be washed, silly nobility." She muttered as she was never one to just let things go peacefully. his last comment brought a scowl to her face and she drew herself to her full not too impressive height. "Just a warm up? Just a show?" Did he not realize just what this was? "This, in case ya didna know, is the first step all racers take afore they go race in the big races." She glared at him. "Anyone ruins their race now aint ever gonna be racing for long. ya gotta do a good showing now iffn ya want to go race professionally!" Her accent, the accent Lan had been trying to train away, came back in force.
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Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 2:33 pm
He grinned again at her comment at nobility, finding it quite humorous at how outgoing and honest she was. In fact, he could really associate with it because he too felt comfortable speaking his mind and letting people know what was going on. He couldn't be too upset, especially since she was quite right with the idea of washing their own clothes. As a solider, he was a bit humbled by what he needed to do in a day-to-day setting after all.
As she began to react, he really could tell how stressed she seemed to be. His face smoothed out at her scowl and glare, before he glanced away and looked back at the racers.
"Sounds big..." He said slowly, before adding, "Well, if you made it this far, you clearly are made to go farther. No use getting worked up, just do what you've done to get this far and you'll be fine."
It was a thought he often had when debating about being a solider. There was no use worrying...if he made it this far, he could keep going. She probably was the same.
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Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 2:46 pm
She gave the other a put out look. "Ya think if I'd be this messed up if it was some small thing? I can do the small show races, been doing them for a bit now."She took a deep breath and look out over the track. It was where she wanted to be... and yet not quite. For this was just the opening show not the true races. Normally she just shrugged and kept on going, bull through the obstacles that stood in her way. It was just that this was soooo close. One mistake and bam! She'd be years getting another chance this good! She was going to respond when she heard the warning bell. "That's it, time to get ready." Her eyes focused and a small smirk replaced the scowl. She could do this. She would do this. She looked back the boy and grinned. "Nerves aren't gonna stop me. Never have before and I won't let it now." With that she turned and walked back to Simba and walked her xaraan out to the starting line before mounting with quick grace. She heard the rumbles of the crowd; quiet for now as they relaxed and prepared to enjoy a good show before the main feast arrived. It was hot out under the sun; hazy mirages warping the faces of the farther crowds. She knew her family was in the closer crowds watching her. I can do this, she told her self as crouched over Simba's neck as the official stepped out. Lets do this.
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Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 5:36 pm
As the bell rang out, it seemed like the volume of the stadium hush. He watched as she moved to walk away, calling out a fleeting "Good luck" as she moved. He took a moment to watch her finish her prep of Simba, before moving to walk away. The crowd began to pack heavily into the stadium, and he found it difficult to move as he got closer to the finish line. It seemed like others were surprised to catch a noble this low in the stands, and they made some room for him to sneak through before standing near where she would finish.
It wasn't the best location to see the entire race, but he could catch sight of her nearing the finish. In fact, he moved well beyond the group near the finish, to where she would possibly end after the race. He couldn't see where she was now, but he had a feeling she had the same type of face he did when preparing for battle.
Now, all he needed to do was enjoy the show.
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Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 5:52 pm
Elyessi as I have never actually gone to a horse race before.. I have no clue how they end XD Simba crouched down, tail slowly weaving side to side in eager readiness. He and Sanele had been training for this and he knew the drill as well as she did. The larger crowd and all the sounds that came with it didn't phase him at all. he was going to have fun! Racing to him was a game; a game he'd come to love. He didn't understand why his rider was so tense but maybe she was trying to impress a mate? He couldn't understand half the things the small straight ones did, but maybe that was it. Well, I shall give a good showing today, help her impress whoever she's eyeing, he thought to himself as he took off when the bell rang. Sanele, unaware of her mounts thoughts, was fully focused on the track, the official, and the Xaraan. The Crowd's sights and sounds faded as she focused; she and Simba needed to be on the inside track and needed to get that first burst to get outside of the pack. Simba was off like a shot, using his slightly larger size to force the other Xaraan to give way to him. He was heavier than the smaller females next to him, but he had longer legs and the muscles to make up for their lighter weight. The crowd, still half chatting and not as engaged as they would be for the official races, still gave their cheers and cat calls. It was a good showing too; with a nice range of xaraan sizes as sponsors were trying out different Xaraan in a show race instead of the more important ones. Simba found himself chasing after a small dark female, the two of them racing ahead of the pack with another large male right behind. Now Simba's competitive side came into play; it was more than a fun race.. it was him versus another male for the lovely female in front. Sanele, hearing the rumble in Simba's throat, gave him a quick tag with her foot; she knew where his mind was going! She smirked though, the grumble, barely heard was enough to startle the other male just a bit... and a bit was all she and Simba needed to get that extra distance in front of them. The finish line was coming up and she urged Simba on to greater speeds, trying to get that last spurt of speed out of him to over take the last Xaraan... but Simba could only close the gap, not pass her. She saw the brightly colored lines pass beneath Simba and sat back, letting him know through her position that he needed to slow down and stop. Simba gave a slight grumble as she didn't let him follow the cute female. Second place; she kept a smile on her face. It felt.. sour to her. She wanted first! But.. second was good enough.. for now. "We'll beat them next time." She whispered to Simba as she lead him away from the track. Awards would be given at the end of the day's racing; Now it was time to clear the way for the official racers who were already lining up. She cast a jealous eye towards them before riding Simba back to his stall.
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Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 6:14 pm
Nuri held his breath with the crowd as the racers prepped, all of them waiting for the start. As soon as it occurred, Nuri was jostled by the noise. The sounds were deafening, so much louder than the appeared when he was higher up in the stands. He almost lost track of the race as it thundered past, and he had to strain up on his toes to see where Sanele and Simba shot past. As soon as he caught sight of their forms, he made sure to not look away, painfully aware of just how close they were.
As they rounded the last bend, and raced to the finish, he couldn't help but groan. They weren't making up the distance fast enough. It seemed like any speed they had the leader also had, and as they raced past the finish and past him, he saw her finish and shook his head. Second.
Well...at least it wasn't last.
Watching the Xaraan move back toward their pens, Nuri debated for a long moment if he should go back and meet her once more. Glancing back to the stands, he tried to not catch sight of his family, or the mass of nobles that pushed through to see the main show. It was amazing how few seemed to care about the race, and yet the girl made it seem like it was the most important moment of her life. Remembering her stress, her excitement, and her frustration, he figured it might be worthwhile to meet her and congratulate her on a job well done.
And, he chided himself, he forgot to provide his name.
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Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 9:37 am
Sanele kept her sulk off her face, instead wore a smile. It was only half fake.. while she hated to lose she had gotten second.. and since it was her and Simba's first time ever racing officially it was a good place! But the part of her that was super competitive was unhappy. They could have gotten first! I need to do more she thought, Simba did his best so I must have done something to slow us down. She saw the noble boy on his way over. She smiled and waved at him; "So how was your first race?" She asked with amusement. "Though if you want to see real speed and hear how loud that crowd can get.. wait a few minutes and the official one will start." Her voice was wry for she could hear the voices of that crowd start to raise in excitement as the real stars began to line up.
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Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 5:39 pm
As Nuri neared the location where the racers were cooling down and removing the dressings of their Xaraan, he couldn't help but take in the energy of the stands. Now that the show race was over, it seemed as if the fans were even more excited. Sanele had been right, it had been a big job, but not just for her in terms of her job. It had been a big job to get the energy up and get the people excited, and now it was time for the real races to begin. Even with a second place finish, she had done well. She had made it exciting, and hopefully she had caught some eyes in the process.
As he found his place once more on the low wall, he leaned his frame across it and nodded back to her wave.
"Your race was exciting. Even I got caught up in how close it was between you and the front runner. It's a shame that you were unable to overcome her in the end." He said it with honest, and he looked her in the eye as he said it. It was out of respect.
"But in terms of speed and loudness...I think I've got quite enough. Today is my day off and my parents dragged me here away from my training. I need to keep up with my training if I want to improve at all, just as I'm sure you will head off and keep training yourself. I guess we both have something in common despite out difference in standing." Nuri couldn't help but wink at her as he said that.
Finally, after a long pause, Nuri determined it was time enough to provide his name, "I have nothing to give you for a race well finished, but maybe you will accept my name? You may call me Nuri, and maybe you will reward me with the gift of knowing your own?"
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Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 2:59 pm
Sanele felt slightly better; compliments were always nice! And she had done well. Simba had raced his best....next time they'd just do better... "Pfft! Our race was quiet and tame... The racers and their xaraan can get really nasty when money and fame start coming into pay." She said with a laugh. "Maybe next time you can stay the whole race and see what all the cheering is about." Simba, she was certain, would do well in that cut throat race. He was big for a racer and while normally calm could be quite aggressive when riled. "Can't believe you'd not want to keep on watching!" She said with a shake of her head as she finished pulling off Simba's tack. "As for training, you need to relax every now and then. No sense in burning yourself out!" It was something she had learned as a trainer: you did not wear your animals out with training them. If you wouldn't do it to an animal, then why do it to yourself? Besides, rested people and animals did better. She rolled her eyes when he gave his name; apparently being fancy when introducing themselves was a thing nobles did. "You nobles! All sorts of fancy talk when giving your name. I'm Sanele Kubu and I'd prefer a drink instead of your name as a reward." She laughed, most of her upset going away. Broodign would do her no good, so instead she'd just tease the silly noble boy.
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Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 4:52 pm
Nuri gave a bit of a shrug, reluctant to admit that it was more of his family he was wishing to avoid. The whole concept of the family outing was one he didn't quite want to seek on this afternoon. He quite enjoyed spending time with his family when they were at home, able to speak in a quite setting. Yet, when his father and brother were keeping business, and his mother was grooming his sister with her friends, he was often the odd one out, and it left him to wander about like he did on days like these. Glancing behind him yet again, he knew he would be the shadow of his family, with minor questions being passed and others wondering what he would bring to the family.
Once day, he would bring them some glory, and in order to that, he would need to train.
"I do know my limits" He said with a bit of a pout, sending her a look, "...it is the first thing they train us on, understanding what we can and cannot do with our own body. I'm sure it is what you learn with your Xaraan, you understand his limits and learn when to push and when to hold off..."
All of a sudden, Nuri began to examine the sandy-orange creature again, almost missing when Sanele teased him and introduced herself. Swallowing, he turned back to her as he heard her laughter, and swallowed his pride, "If I may be forward, would it be possible for me to assist you with undressing your Xaraan?"
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