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Cynthia had been walking around, trying to get some more pictures of the season, and had noticed a carriage ride currently giving some strangers a drive through... well whatever it was that their route went through. She had thought about ignoring it, but believed that it might make for some good pictures while she was "dashing through the snow". And so she had waited in line for a while, wishing that she had some warmer clothes on, before she was able to make it to the front and most people were gone at this point.

But as she was taking a step onto the carriage, she slipped, apparently her boots having frozen while waiting, and managed to land on her behind in the snow. She took a few seconds to make sure no major damage had been done, but then got up quickly, more concerned about her pants being wet and covered in snow that the looks of everyone else. Now she would be extra cold while in the carriage!

She figured that she had come so far though that it would have been a waste not to go, and this time was able to make it into the carriage.

Theodore's Points: 2 + 4 + 6 + 3 + 6

Prompt 5

The wolves seem to fall back and you're grateful for whatever reason they decided to abandon their hunt... until you glance back towards the front of the carriage and see the choppy water of the cold, rushing river ahead of you. Your horse doesn't seem to think about the potential of drowning as it drags you and your vehicle into the water, splashing as he tromps his way forward.

Time to decide whether or not you're going to sink or swim!

There were few things Theodore hated more than Silk dogs and that was water. Upon seeing what was driving the wolves off, Theodore nearly launched himself after them, ready to demand that they take him to safety but the woman's grip on him was tight enough to keep him from fleeing like he so desperately wanted. Ears laid flat against his head and he buried himself as close to Queenie's body as he possibly could in hopes that he wouldn't get well.

But today was not Theodore's day and he inevitably felt cold splashes of water against every part of him.

His tail throbbed and he whined against his companion hoping the worst was almost over.

Theodore's Points: 2 + 4 + 6 + 3 + 6 + 7

Total: 28

Prompt 6

As the stallion leaves the river and climbs his way back up onto the banks, he seems to finally be tuckered out from all of the excitement and exercise. Although his trot is significantly slower, the animal seems to know where it's going and soon you're approaching a small field with an array of flowers - an odd sight to see in the middle of winter but it's there, nevertheless.

As the beast comes to a halt to begin munching on a few of the colorful flowers, a small, sparkly burst of color zips by your head and for a second, you wonder if your tired mind is playing tricks on you.

The persian only lifted his head, ears perking as things whizzed by, once he was certain that there was no fear or likelihood that he'd be tossed into rushing water and lost forever. To his relief both he and his companion were on solid ground and the horse was busy munching away.

When he got back to the Black Manor, he was going to find the name of the carriage company and leave them one nasty review!

For now, he was distracted by the whizzing lights and he wiggled, poor tail caked in blood and sore but really, really needed to catch and eat one of those things.

His pupils were wide and he was eager.

Temporarily he slipped out of her arms and leaped after one of them.

There he batted and swatted and pounced at any that came close.

ghouliboo

exit for me pls

The carriage came to a halt again, and Etoile decided to brave a peek over the edge of the carriage. There weren't anymore wolves, so that was good, and they had passed the river as well. The field of flowers was a pretty sight to see, and while Bernard may have been cross at the horse for putting the two cats through all of this trouble just for the sake of ending up here, the thought never crossed Etoile's mind at all.

Then again, Etoile had never really been the brightest star in the sky, even now.

A sparkly burst of color caught her attention, followed by a tiny giggle, and Etoile turned her head, trying to find where it was coming from. She didn't see anything, though, and her ears swiveled as she tried to pinpoint the source of the sound. In the end, both the light and giggling vanished, and Etoile was no less informed as to what was going on than before. Well, at least the horse seemed to have calmed down.

Bernard was saying it was safe to get out now, and thus, Etoile started to climb out of the carriage. She rather hoped someone would come to their rescue soon, because she was getting hungry, and the carriage unfortunately didn't conveniently have any candy laying around.

Zachary's Points: 9

Quote:

As you stand next in line for your turn for a ride, a beautiful stallion soon arrives to the waiting area, pulling behind it an ornate, elegant looking carriage cart. Despite having taken several rides before you, the horse seems to be full of energy and the driver as cheerful as ever. The party before you leaves the ride, so now it's your turn to hop on!

7-10: You rise up into the carriage effortlessly and settle in onto the comfortable seat cushion. A vibrantly colored cardinal flies down, perching on the side of the cart before serenading you with a delightful tune. What a way to start a fun adventure!

Zachary had thought out his date carefully. Van would meet him over by the carriages, and he would say something witty and present her a giant snowman he'd won with his manly hand-eye coordination, custom decorated with a little top hat, and she'd be so impressed and wooed that she would totally want to go on a sleigh ride with him and say something like 'gosh, Zachary, your hand-eye coordination is so virile, I can't take it'. Then they'd go for cocoa, maybe walk around the carnival for a little bit, and if Van wanted to they could swing by the Mockingbird for a little bit, if for no other reason than to harass Dan.

There was just one flaw in his contingency--the top hat he'd won wasn't meant to sit on the snowman's head. Try as he might, the little accessory just kept slipping off, until with an aggravated huff he just placed it on his head instead. He didn't think of the effortless way that he entered the carriage, or even much about the cardinal that greeted him once he sat down. His eyes were glued to the screen of his phone, where he was typing away:

To: SuperVan

I'm over by the carriages, saved you a seat

Then, with some time to spare, he scooted over and leaned back, trying to pose the snowman casually in the crook of his arm. Was it stupid? Would a fire goddess even like some frozen golem, stuffed as it was? Zachary frowned--he was starting to overthink.

Just as he made it to the bottom of the carriage, it seemed that another carriage had arrived and the driver had noticed the driver-less carriage that had carried the two kitties through the terrifying ride. The driver looked confused as he saw the two cats inside of the carriage, but seemed to realize that they shouldn't have been there.

He asked his current passengers if they would be okay with riding with the two cats back, which the others agreed to, and eventually they made it back to where they had started. Bernard got out of the carriage as soon as he could, and waited for Etoile to join him. When they were finally out of earshot of the humans he said to her, "Well my dear, I enjoyed meeting you, but I did not like that carriage 'ride'. If you are willing, I can walk you back to wherever you may live, but if not, then I will head back to my own dwelling, and hopefully we will meet again!"

Van has 6 + 3 points.

--

I won him for you.

Vanessa had had to walk by the ring toss on her way to the carriage, and she'd seen the prizes dangling from the booth, so Zach's explanation wasn't a huge surprise - but it was unexpected, and a delight. Sometimes he was so thoughtful that it was infuriating - like when he refused to hit her properly in a spar, or left enough space for Jesus during movie nights, but mostly he was very sweet.

"Thank you," smiling so big it hurt her face, Vanessa dipped at the waist to kiss Zach's cheek, but the horse took off the instant before her lips made contact. The carriage lurched and Vanessa tumbled backwards, cracking her head on the edge of the carriage. She winced and felt the back of her head, but the bump there didn't hurt half as bad as her pride.

Her cheeks blazed red with embarrassment.

Vanessa has 6 + 3 + 2 points

--

Vanessa's grandparents had a farm. She'd lived there for a brief stint when she was very small. Too small to handle the horses, but she had loved them all the same. Admired the strength and the power in their necks and their legs, and she admired this stallion now as he surged into the forest with their lives in his reins.

She clung to the lip of the carriage, woozy from the crack to the back of her head. Aware of Zach's arm above her, and the branches as they swooped over head, splitting breams of sunlight that penetrated the trees. She appreciated the shield. Shifted on her seat to get out of the way, so that he could worry about himself. And then - almost out of nowhere- another, thicker branch collided with the side of her head.

Vanessa swore. Her vision swam. She slithered off the seat to the bottom of the carriage, clutching her head.