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 Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 12:52 pm
She watched Fallon pull herself up onto the mare, trying to keep the critical, considering gleam from her eye. After all, this was possibly a future friend. And a future competitor. As Fallon pulled up next to her, she nodded in approval. "Alright, this way." She knew where she was going, having ridden through here more than several times.
She kept Lady Luck tight, not letting her out just yet. There was an open field not far off the beaten path, one with a gorgeous view. People were able to picnic there if they liked, and it had the room to let the horses go; the area was clearly marked where the people were expected to picnic. "Not always, but more recently yes. Originally she was boarded on our own property, but my parents decided to move in closer to town and had to take something smaller. There wasn't enough room to keep our horses at the new home." She looked over at Fallon as they rode. "I've been competing since I was a child. My mother and father actually had something they agreed on with my upbringing in this."
"What about you? You said you had ridden horses before, but did you ever compete?" She couldn't be the only one answering questions, that wasn't fair at all. It put her too much on the defensive, even if there was no aggression in the questions.
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 1:16 pm
The path was easy, and it was clear Lucky Star had tread it a thousand times from her easy gait. Would Fallon's horse be like this? Hardly. She was in the market for young horses -- young but not as practiced. She would have to work with her stallion to teach them these paths, to teach them to listen. The thought was enthralling.
Nodding along with Jada, Fallon tossed a glanced her way. Jada certainly had the signs of good breeding -- right down to the years of equestrian experience. The Novette-Naims had money, but they were new money. Her father had the patent on a new bit of technology, and it transformed them from middle class to upper class overnight. Despite the full bank account, the Novette-Naims had to learn about the "finer things." It made Fallon less pretentious than some of the other Crystal girls, but certainly not humble.
"I competed locally in dressage from time to time. The horses I rode were part of a rehabilitation program. The sponsors took them from abusive homes and then reconditioned them to be fit for competition. Those that weren't were typically sold off to people who already had horses and could simply provide the necessary care for the more damaged animals. Several rebounded nicely though. I would ride them in competitions when we were trying to sell them. It helped convince buyers that they weren't damaged goods," she explained, moving her hands to guide Lucky Star to the left where the path bent.
Sitting up, Fallon adjusted on the saddle, straighting one corner of the blanket. "I'm still new to competition," she said. "Why don't you ride for Crystal?" The Academy had one of the best teams in the area. It surprised Fallon that Jada didn't ride for them, especially if she liked to compete.
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 1:37 pm
Good breeding indeed; Her father's side of the family, the Chamberlyn's, were new money; but her mother's side, the Montgomery's, were old as it got, regardless of the name. Blue bloods, the lot of them, and proud of their own snobbery. Luckily she'd been saved from most of it by her father. He came from very humble origins, but one thing he'd had going for him was that he loved that little snob he'd married.
"I'll have to file you under competition then." Jada teased lightly. "Especially if you do go with the lovely Friesian for a dressage focus in your stallion." she listened carefully to Fallon's further words, nodding thoughtfully. "I actually am not aware if we have any rehabilitation programs in the area. If you'd like to continue the work, it would be a possibility. While we may not be able to find many competitive homes for them, unless a Meadowview student wants one, I'm sure they could find a peaceful place to live out their days."
The next question that Fallon had asked was harder to answer. "The reason I don't ride for Crystal... really, it is because I don't have the time. I graduate soon, and I need to make sure I am towards the top of the class. I also have obligations to my volunteer job, my musical studies, and I've been debating between a formal finishing school or going to a college. Whether to be a debutante or a business woman, so to speak. I don't really have the time for the amount of practice a club would require. I just haven't had the time for competition, or much time to ride even for leisure. It is probably a bit vain to even call myself a competitor at this point."
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 4:51 pm
An idle hand brushed Lucky Star thoughtfully, fingers intertwining in the rich brown of her mane. "I would like to continue it," she said. "But I couldn't be in charge. The program in France was run by my friend's parents." It was difficult to run a program like that since it was done largely out of charity. The organization in France managed to survive off some community and government grants and then later off the sale of rehabilitated horses. Though Fallon would enjoy it, she doubted that she would have the power or ambition to create a program here. Besides, more selfishly, it would only take time away from her training with her horse-to-be.
"Yes, the practices are time-consuming," she said. Fallon had to rearrange her schedule to make room for the four practices a week, and it hadn't been easy. From the sound of it, the task might be impossible for Jada.
Jada was older than Fallon. It was clear even before she revealed it. The way she spoke of the future and school was much more focused than Fallon. The cinnamon-haired girl was just a sophomore. She knew she wanted to seek further study in the culinary arts, but she'd rather work in the kitchen of a renowned chef than attend an actual university.
After a moment, Fallon glanced over to the dark-haired girl and asked, "Do you really want to spend the rest of your life as a debutante?" It might come off a bit harsh, but the idea was distasteful to Fallon. She could only picture Stepford wives twirling in big white dresses. Sure, debutantes of today had more options, but it made Fallon feel like Jada was selling herself short. "I love people with manners and finishing, but I have a great deal of respect for businesswomen," she explained, trying to soften the hardness of her original comment. She didn't want Jada to find her unpleasant.
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 8:50 pm
"Well, I'm sure that if the issue of a charitable program such as the rehabilitation were approached correctly to a few of the influential people at school, and trust me when I say our school is full of them, that something could be started. They wouldn't put the running of such a program into the hands of children, not when it could be so advantageous. The Crystal Academy Equestrian Rehabilitation Program, or some such." She smiled wryly. "Some people have nothing better to do than throw money at other people, and Destiny City is a prime location to do so, especially with the Academy here."
What an interesting idea. Her eyes gleamed with considering interest, one she didn't bother to hide from the other girl. Having a hand in a rehabilitation center like that would be something that would intrigue her mother considerably. It would also satisfy the need her father seemed to have for Jada to "get out there," and the need her mother had for Jada to be rid of her "nasty" part-time position volunteering at the library. Potentially. More consideration would need to be done of her daily schedule.
Fallon's question seemed to surprise her, and she looked partially confused for a moment. ""Well, I'd hardly be a debutante forever. And it would be a good opportunity to find a husband." it was clear in the tone of voice the enthusiasm she really had for the option. Not much. "My mother is a bit old fashioned. I'll be having a coming out party for my eighteenth birthday no matter what I choose to do." Most girls had it at sixteen, but Mr. Chamberlyn had put his foot down on his oldest daughter being auctioned like a prize bull at such a tender age. "As for going to a formal college..." she bit her lip. "I'd likely go to school so I could take over my father's place."
She guided Lady Luck off the main trail at this point, down a small side path. "What about you, Fallon?" her eyes were on the trail. This part could get a little tricky, so she wanted to pay attention for any surprises. Rocks, rattlesnakes, other things that could put a damper on a pleasant afternoon on the trail.
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 8:46 am
Jada had a point. Part of Crystal Academy's willingness to accept her into their midst had to do with the charitable aspect of saving a girl from a terrible organ theft ring. Maybe they got some kind of tax break for it. "You have a point," she said, smiling. "They are vultures for good press." The twinkle in Jada's eyes told her that this might not be the last time they discussed the program for rehabilitating horses, but she didn't press the issue.
Thankfully, Jada didn't seem to take offense to Fallon's comments about the usefulness of debutantes. Her reasoning, however, did not sit well with Fallon. Husband-shopping? Disgusting. At least Jada seemed to think so too. "Marriage is an outdated practice," she said, shrugging. "I don't think it's necessary for any woman." Look at her parents -- they fought all the time, but refused to get divorced because of a single piece of paper. Ludicrous. Fallon's choice of partner would keep her out of marriage in some churches too. What was so bad about just loving someone and living with them? Why did it have to be sealed by the government to have legitimacy?
Her eyes found Jada's. "I've heard debutante balls are lovely though," she added, trying to soften her previous comment. Lucky Star snorted and gave her ear a shake. Bugs. Fallon gave her a sturdy pat and then directed her attention back to Jada. "I want to own my own restaurant. Probably a French fusion cuisine. High-end. I'm not certain if I want to attend culinary school. If I could choose, I would want to spend years working in the best kitchens in the world instead." She shrugged, tossing a chunk of hair over her shoulder. "But we only get so much choice in the matter."
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 9:02 am
"The plus side to money is that eventually some kind soul will find they have nothing better to do than throw it at the less fortunate, be they human or beast." She said it coolly, a moment before she pulled lightly on Lady to have her delicately hop over a thin tree trunk in the middle of the trail. A low jump, but not one that could be stepped over.
On the other side of the tree, once Lucky Star would have enough room to leap over, she turned to look behind her at the other rider. "Marriage can be outdated, but enough people hold to it. From both a legal and emotional aspect, it still holds value. It might not be necessary, but it makes some people happy." her voice was neutral, nigh unreadable. Even Jada herself wasn't quite sure what she thought of the institution. Marriage did not equal love, or passion, but it meant financial security, a guarantee for a woman or a man that should they invest in such an endeavor together, neither would be financially 'left in the cold.'
"As for the debutante balls, they can be quite charming. Or old fashioned. Mine will be held in a few months. My mother is thrilled." So thrilled that everyone in Crystal Academy, quite possibly the city, may be receiving an invitation. Well, the point of the ball was to make parents happy, and for her to be formally presented to society.
The other young lady's choice of career seemed to surprise her. "A chef, really?" she sounded intrigued, distinctly interested. "I like to eat? Not so much... cooking." she gave a delicate shiver that seemed to communicate itself to the animal below her. The black mare quivered, stamped a hoof, flicked her tail. "And yes, there is a story there." her voice was dry, the faint grin she gave Fallon very self-deprecating.
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 5:16 am
When Jada and Lady jumped, Fallon followed suit with Lucky Star, though not as fluidly. It was an easy jump, one she would have made gracefully on a more familiar horse. The horse landed neartly, exhaling a puff of air from its nostrils. "I wish you didn't have to be married to get allowances from the government -- tax cuts, for one." Her eyes were unreadable, but the situation irritated Fallon. Why did things have to be legimitized by the government to hold Fallon? Absolute rubbish.
"I attended a friend's ball back in France. They held it outdoors, which I never understood. Is that customary? I don't think so. By the end of it, each girl in a puffy white dress had a ring of green grass stains decorating her hem." Fallon smirked, remembering the girls and how they whined. She would have felt sorry for them, but it was a silly mistake. Fallon would never cook spaghetti in a white frock for the same reason.
A low branch passed overhead and Fallon ducked to avoid it. "I would cook for you," she said. It was a flat offer, no emotion behind it. Fallon would cook for almost anyone at a moment's notice. She thought of it as training for her future as a chef -- a true chef can find the right meal for the right person at any time. Of course, Fallon was still perfecting her skill, but she liked to think she was well on her way to that level of success.
"How do you like Crystal? I only just started. I'm trying to get more involved."
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:34 am
Jada wrinkled her nose, then grinned. "Some places are allowing insurance benefits for domestic partners now." she said finally. "It isn't a tax break, but it is at least useful. Doesn't much help the heterosexual pairs, unfortunately." She quietly guided Lady Luck down a small path on the left side of the trail. "We're not that far from the picnic field now." she told the other woman. "Want to let the horses out a bit?"
And then she laughed at Fallon's talk of the coming out party her friend had held. "I don't believe outdoors or indoors matters, but it is a little silly to have had it on bare grass. And really, a white dress?" Who could have been so silly? The dresses that were customary were long enough to trail the ground, surely they should have anticipated the stain!
"And in regards to the cooking, I'll certainly have to take you up on that offer. I do like a good meal. I couldn't really return the favor, the extent of my culinary expertise is at a fondue restaurant. Have you been there yet? Or have you not had the opportunity? Crystal is a nice enough school. Most of the students I have met are very proper. Not too wild." she smiled wryly. "Good social connections. Aside from that, I've not had much time to meet anyone."
She did have shopping plans for tomorrow night; she and two companions, daughters of a business acquaintance of her father who also went to Crystal were going to go shopping before they returned to the Academy. "How long have you been in the town? If you haven't been here long, I can show you a few things on Tuesday evening. I get out of my volunteer position around five o'clock."
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 7:31 pm
Fallon didn't like to discuss politics and so she happily avoided it, nodding along with Jada's words. "I'm sure Lucky Star would like a moment to relax," she said, sliding from the saddle. Of course, Lucky could go on for miles without tiring, but it was the kind of small talk saying that Fallon defaulted to in times of speechlessness.
Looping the reins around the hold of the saddle a few times, Fallon gave Lucky Star a sturdy pat on the rear and then crossed over to the low wooden fence. "Which fondue restaurant?" she asked, racking her brain for all the spots in Destiny City. "I don't eat at chains." The last time Fallon stepped inside a chain restaurant was a Bonefish Grill for her aunt's engagement party. She picked at a salad for over an hour and then made pork chops at home.
"I've only been in town for a bit," she said, keeping it vague. Barren Pines had taken up half of her school year, but she had only known Melinda outside of the BP students. As far as she was concerned, Fallon had only just truly arrived in Destiny City in January when she started at Crystal Academy. "I'm seeing the town little by little. I lived here when I was younger, but things have changed so much. I'd love it if you showed me around. I'm free after 6:15PM. Would that work for you? I could perhaps cook dinner for us afterward, if you would like." Yes, that would be nice. Jada could show her new things, and Fallon could cook. It brought a warm smile to her face.
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 9:56 pm
Lucky might want to relax, but Lady was eager to run. Almost the moment they touched the grassy turf of the three-acre clearing, the mare tossed her head, starting to surge forward until Jada pulled her in sharply. This displeased the mare, and she took a step to the left nervously. Jada dismounted with Fallon, tying the reins to the saddle before letting the mare go. And the mare was gone, flinging her body into the air and racing across the small area. "I don't believe it is a chain, it is a little too 'rinky-dink' for that; But it is clean and enjoyable. Small tables and a good atmosphere."
She clambered onto the low wooden fence, remaining atop there and watching the two horses in the pasture. "6:15 would be fine." Jada couldn't help but respond to Fallon's genuine-seeming smile with one of her own. No one was in the picnic area at the moment, a fact which surprised her. "Normally it is a little more active here this time of the week. There is an old man who will sit over at that table in the corner and gamble with games of checkers. One dollar to challenge him, three dollars if you beat him. He always throws games for the little ones. He won't be coming for another hour or so, however."
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Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 5:00 am
Fallon watched Lady take off at a canter. Lucky glanced in the other mare's direction, but seemed uninterested and instead bent to nibble some grass. "I think I know the place you're thinking of. Is it The Green Ladle? The Green Spoon? Something like that." She couldn't be certain, but she vaguely remembered an odd sign with a bright green utensil plastered in the center. If her memory served her (which it so often didn't), that place was a fondue restaurant.
The wind was blowing lightly, but it brought the cool air seeping into the knit of her sweater. Fallon walked to keep her circulation flowing. "I live on the third floor. Room 315," she said. "Would you want to meet there? Or perhaps at your room?" All the details needed to be in place before Fallon could solidify the plans in her calendar. Her eyes wandered back to the little field. An old man playing games? Fallon doubted she'd like it. Chess was her game of choice, and it wasn't because she was good at it. She just liked how many rules there were.
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Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 1:13 pm
"You might be right. I'll have to take you by there on Tuesday. Even from the outside, the restaurant has a lovely attitude about it." She gave a faint shiver as the wind blew, having no jacket herself, and when Fallon started moving about to keep warm, Jada went with her. She reached up and let down her hair from the thick braid it was in as they walked. Letting it down would allow it to keep the back of her neck warm and help to insulate her much more than anything else she currently had at her disposal.
"Room 315." she repeated, and nodded. "I'll meet you there at 6:15. Do you mind walking, or would you prefer taking a car?" she was sure that she could cajole her father into loaning her the driver for an evening. It would be cheaper than taking a taxi, and she was sure her father would appreciate it if she approached the situation with a claim of frugality. And the vehicle would be nicer. "Naturally if we are out too long after dark, we will take a car or taxi back to the school."
When she gave another shudder, Jada turned her gaze back towards the horses. "I think we should get back on. It is more chill out here than I really thought it would be, and I have a few other things I would like to show you before we turn back in. Unless, of course, you'd like to go back now?" Fallon seemed to be wearing only a sweater.
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Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2010 5:25 am
Fallon liked plans. Plans made her happy. Already a smile was working its way across her features at the thought of penciling it into her calendar. "It might be cold. I am fine with walking, but if it's too cold, we can just grab a cab," she said, watching as Jada took down her hair. It had a lovely texture, and Fallon thought Jada looked much lovelier with the long dark strands framing her face.
As much as Fallon was enjoying this, she was awfully cold. In the stables, it wasn't bad, but out on the trail, the wind bit through her sweater with little effort. It was a shame, but Fallon didn't think she could last. "Maybe you can show me when my horse arrives? I'm so sorry, I know we only just came out, but I... I'm underdressed." She laughed, wrapping her arms around herself and rubbing to keep warm.
Lucky Star hadn't strayed far, and Fallon crossed to the horse, hopping back into the saddle with more grace than before. She waited for Jada and then headed back to the stables, calling a cab on her cellphone on the way. It was a pleasant encounter, if short, and Fallon was excited to see Jada again for their planned shopping-dinner date.
(( Hope it's okay that I wrapped it up! If not, I can edit. ^^ ))
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