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 Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:00 pm
Karothdra crossed her arms, watching Meadowlyn with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. The courtyard bustled with activity as racers and their mounts darted through practice runs, but her focus remained on the young woman standing before her. She'd come to see some of the beast tamers after the instructor, a friend of hers, had asked her to pass by briefly for a chat. He'd been giving this young woman a lecture when another student had almost gotten bitten and so left them.
"So," Karothdra began, her voice calm, "you want to race xaraans. A bold ambition, especially for someone new to this kind of work." She nodded toward the training grounds where several xaraans—a species known for their speed and temper—darted around. "They're not just fast, they're smart. And stubborn. Taming them is one thing. Racing them? That's an entirely different beast."
Karothdra’s tone softened, but there was a glint in her eyes. "It’s not enough to be determined, you know. Xaraans have a mind of their own. You’ll need more than persistence to make a true connection with one. Are you ready for that?" She tilted her head, genuinely curious if Meadowlyn understood the difference between being a beast tamer and what it meant to race something as wild and unpredictable as a xaraan.
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:02 pm
Meadowlyn felt the usual flutter of nerves in her stomach but quickly pushed it aside. She wasn’t here just to be a tamer. She wanted more than that—she wanted the thrill of racing. The wind in her hair, the connection with the xaraan beneath her, the competition.
"I know they’re more than just fast," she said, her voice polite but steady. "I’ve watched races. I’ve seen how the best racers work with their mounts—it's like they’re reading each other's minds. That’s what I want. I don’t just want to win; I want to understand them, to be a real team." Her gaze flicked over to a xaraan mid-sprint, its sleek body moving with effortless speed. "I’m ready to put in the work," she continued, clasping her hands in front of her, "to earn their trust and their respect. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I’m not afraid of that." She smiled softly, hoping her calm determination would show Karothdra that she wasn’t just chasing a thrill—she was committed to the long journey ahead.
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:09 pm
Karothdra listened, her eyes narrowing slightly as she gauged Meadowlyn’s resolve. It was clear the young woman had done her homework, but watching races and being part of one were two different worlds.
"You’ve got the right mindset," Karothdra admitted, her tone grudgingly respectful. "But theory only goes so far. Xaraans are unpredictable. You’ll never fully control one, no matter how well you train. They can feel your doubts, your hesitation. The best racers don’t command their xaraans—they negotiate with them."
She watched a nearby rider make a sharp turn, barely holding onto their mount as the xaraan bucked unexpectedly. "If you think you can walk into this and stay calm all the time, you’re wrong. These creatures will push you, test your limits. There will be times when everything feels like it’s falling apart, and in those moments, it won’t be skill or training that saves you. It’ll be instinct."
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:10 pm
Meadowlyn didn’t hesitate, her chin lifting slightly as she met Karothdra’s gaze. She knew she wasn’t as experienced as the others, but she also knew she had something that many of them lacked—an unwavering belief in her instincts and her ability to adapt.
"I trust myself," she said simply, though there was a quiet confidence in her words. "I know xaraans are unpredictable, but so is life. I’ve dealt with situations where nothing went as planned, and I didn’t fall apart. I think that’s why I’m drawn to them." Her eyes shifted back to the racing grounds, where another rider was coaxing their xaraan into a tight sprint. "I don’t expect this to be easy, and I don’t expect the xaraan to follow every command I give. But I do expect to build something with one—something mutual." Turning back to Karothdra, she smiled a bit more. "I’m ready to let go of perfection if it means building a connection that works. Even if it’s messy. I’ll be frustrated, sure, but I won’t quit."
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:15 pm
Karothdra raised an eyebrow, a flicker of respect crossing her stern features.
"Confidence is good," she conceded, "but don’t confuse it with arrogance. The track is littered with those who thought they were ready, only to learn the hard way that xaraans don’t care about your expectations." She let out a soft sigh, looking Meadowlyn up and down as if seeing her in a new light. "But maybe you’ve got what it takes. The bond between racer and xaraan isn’t something you can force, and it’s not something you can study in a book. It’s earned, and it takes time—longer than most people have the patience for." Karothdra glanced at the track, watching the xaraans move with their distinctive, almost alien grace.
"Let’s say you get your chance. You’ll have to show that xaraan you’re worthy, and that’s not done with words or gestures. It’s in every choice you make out there, every moment you spend understanding its nature. Are you really prepared for the moment when it pushes back? When it decides it doesn’t want to listen?"
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:17 pm
Meadowlyn considered Karothdra’s words, her heart racing at the thought of that first pushback from a xaraan—the moment when she’d truly be tested. But instead of fear, she felt a spark of excitement. This was what she wanted. The unpredictability, the challenge, the chance to prove herself not just to Karothdra or the other racers, but to the xaraan itself.
"I’ve always believed that respect has to be earned, and I’m ready to earn theirs," she said, her voice firm but respectful. "If a xaraan pushes back, I won’t see it as defiance—I’ll see it as communication. I’ll listen, I’ll adjust, and I’ll keep pushing forward until we understand each other." She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her decision settle around her. "I know it’ll take time, and I’m prepared for that. But I also know that when we do find that connection, it’ll be worth every challenge. I’m not here for an easy ride. I’m here to build something real, something lasting." Her eyes shone with determination as she met Karothdra’s gaze. "And I won’t back down from that."
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:17 pm
Karothdra couldn’t help but smirk slightly, finally sensing the depth of Meadowlyn’s resolve. There was a fire in the girl, one that had the potential to grow into something formidable. The officer had seen many would-be racers come and go, but something about Meadowlyn’s quiet confidence set her apart.
"Alright," Karothdra said after a long pause, her voice shifting from skepticism to something more approving. "You’ve convinced me. You’re not just here for the thrill. You’re here to build a partnership, and that’s rare." She glanced toward the paddocks, where several xaraans rested between training sessions. "You’ll start small. Observing, learning their behaviours, and seeing which ones might respond to you. The process is slow, and frustrating, but if you stick with it, you’ll get your shot." She gave Meadowlyn one last hard look. "But understand this—you get one chance with these creatures. They don’t forgive easily, and if you lose their trust, it’s gone for good."
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:19 pm
Meadowlyn nodded, her expression unwavering as she absorbed Karothdra’s warning. She wasn’t here for quick results or a superficial connection. Everything she’d worked for in her life had been earned, and this would be no different.
"I understand," she said simply, her voice calm but resolute. "One chance is all I need. I’m not going to rush into anything. I’ll take my time, learn what I need to, and when the moment comes, I’ll be ready." She glanced toward the xaraans in the paddock, already imagining the possibilities ahead. "Thank you for this pep talk," Meadowlyn added, looking back at Karothdra with sincere gratitude. "I won’t waste it." For the first time, she felt like she was truly on the path she was meant to follow. Racing a xaraan wasn’t just about speed or victory—it was about trust, communication, and partnership. And Meadowlyn was ready to dedicate herself fully to that journey.
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:22 pm
Karothdra gave a curt nod, but before she could respond, Raedin appeared at the edge of the training grounds. He approached them with long, purposeful strides, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“Karothdra,” Raedin greeted her again before his gaze shifted to Meadowlyn, assessing her with a practiced eye.
Karothdra’s expression softened just slightly, the respect between them clear. “She’s got potential, but we’ll see how far she can take it.” She glanced at Meadowlyn. “Raedin’s is one of the best, I hope you know that. You listen to him, and you’ll learn more than just racing.”
Raedin studied Meadowlyn for a moment longer before nodding. "We’ll start simple again. Today’s not the day for taming or riding. You’ll observe some more, and we’ll talk. Tomorrow, you’ll start getting hands-on experience.”
Meadowlyn opened her mouth to respond, but Raedin cut her off with a gentle but firm gesture. “For now, you’re dismissed. Go rest, clear your head. The real work begins tomorrow.”
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:24 pm
Meadowlyn blinked, slightly thrown by Raedin’s abrupt dismissal. She had been ready to start again, but she understood the need for patience. With a polite nod, she said, "Thank you. I’ll be ready tomorrow." She cast a final glance at the xaraans before turning to leave, feeling both excited and a little deflated at the abrupt ending.
As she walked through the bustling training grounds, she couldn’t help but think of Karothdra’s words. One chance. It echoed in her mind, but rather than fill her with doubt, it solidified her resolve. She was ready to learn, to observe, to be patient. The city was lively as she wandered back toward her temporary lodgings, her thoughts filled with everything that had happened. But then, as if fate had intervened, she bumped into someone familiar in the marketplace. She looked up to see Karothdra, out of her usual stern demeanour, holding a few supplies.
"What are the chances?" Meadowlyn replied, unable to hide her surprise.
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:26 pm
Karothdra regarded Meadowlyn with a raised brow, her posture relaxed as she carried the supplies in her arms.
"Small city," she replied, her tone as direct as ever even if it wasn't a small city at all. "You’ll find that paths cross often here." She shifted her grip on the basket she held, glancing around the marketplace. The usual bustling crowd of vendors and buyers milled about, haggling over wares or catching up on local gossip. She didn’t ask why Meadowlyn was out and about, though a part of her was curious. It was common for those dismissed to take their lessons to heart in silence, retreating to ponder what went wrong or what could be done better. But this girl, no, this young woman, was a persistent one. Karothdra appreciated that.
"How are you feeling after today?" Karothdra asked, her voice steady but with a slight edge of curiosity. "I imagine Raedin wasn’t what you expected." She knew Raedin could come off as cold, too practical for his own good, but he was the best in the field. If Meadowlyn could handle his lessons, she’d be on the right track. She waited, wanting to gauge Meadowlyn’s reaction. The true test of someone’s character wasn’t in the excitement of starting—but in how they handled the pauses in between.
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:27 pm
Meadowlyn smiled a little, shrugging. “It was...abrupt,” she admitted. “I was ready to dive back in, but I get it. He’s the teacher, and I’m here to learn.” There was a quiet determination in her voice as she spoke, one that had carried her through tougher situations than this. “I want to earn my place, not rush it.” She glanced toward where the training grounds were, where the xaraans would be resting now. The day had been a whirlwind, but Meadowlyn knew that the real work hadn’t even begun. That’s what excited her most—the idea that everything ahead of her was still untapped potential.
"I’m not going anywhere," she added, her gaze sharp as she looked back at Karothdra. "Raedin can take his time, and I’ll prove myself when it’s right." There was a flicker of something in Karothdra’s expression—approval, maybe? It was hard to tell, but it encouraged Meadowlyn nonetheless. She shifted her weight slightly, feeling the energy of the bustling marketplace around her.
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:30 pm
Karothdra shifted the basket in her hands, her sharp eyes studying Meadowlyn for a moment longer. The determination radiating from the younger woman was unmistakable, and though Karothdra wasn’t one to offer praise lightly, she could appreciate the fire burning inside her.
"Good," she said simply, her voice as measured as ever. "Because you won’t get many chances with Raedin. He’ll test you—not just your skills, but your resolve. If you’re not serious, he’ll know. He has no time for anything less than commitment." The marketplace buzzed with life around them, but Karothdra remained a steady presence, seemingly unfazed by the chaos. Her years of military service had trained her to focus amidst distractions, and she now brought that same discipline into her current role. She wasn’t a racer, nor had she ever desired to be. Her place had always been on the battlefield, where orders and strategy determined success or failure.
"I’ve seen too many come and go," Karothdra continued, her tone harder now. "People who thought they could handle the pressure but crumbled when it got too real. You need to be different. You need to be stronger." It was especially true of new recruits in the military. Not that this was exactly the same, but this girl was obviously not from around here and she ought to know or at least be told.
Her gaze locked onto Meadowlyn’s, a challenge in her eyes. "Are you?"
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:31 pm
Meadowlyn felt the weight of Karothdra’s question settle over her like a tangible force. There was no malice in it, but the challenge was clear. It was the same unflinching intensity Karothdra had carried from the moment they met. Meadowlyn understood now—this wasn’t just about racing or taming a xaraan. It was about proving that she had the strength to endure whatever was thrown her way.
"I am," Meadowlyn said firmly. She didn’t need to shout or dramatize the words; her conviction was enough. She wasn’t here for an easy victory or fleeting glory. "I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t prepared to put in the work." She shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing as she thought of Raedin. "Whatever test he has for me, I’ll face it. And if I fail, I’ll keep coming back until I get it right."
It wasn’t just her determination speaking—Meadowlyn had spent her life navigating strict expectations and demanding tasks. Racing might be new, but hard work wasn’t. She wasn’t afraid of failing as long as she could learn from it. She hadn't come here only to turn around and return home. She caught Karothdra’s gaze again and held it.
"I’m not someone who crumbles."
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2024 1:32 pm
Karothdra felt a flicker of satisfaction, though her face remained impassive. Meadowlyn’s resolve wasn’t a mere boast, but a promise—a personal one. Karothdra had learned long ago that the people worth mentoring were the ones who understood that real strength came not from brute force or quick success, but from persistence and the willingness to rise after every fall.
"Good," Karothdra said, her voice gruff but not unkind. "You’ll need that attitude. Raedin isn’t someone you can win over with words. It’s all about action with him." She adjusted the basket in her arms, glancing briefly toward the direction of the training grounds. "He’s a hard man, but not unfair. He’s looking for someone who won’t give up when things get difficult, someone who understands that a bond with a xaraan isn’t just about control—it’s about trust, mutual respect. You’ll need to prove that to him." Her gaze returned to Meadowlyn, searching. "You’ve made it this far. Just don’t get complacent."
With that, she nodded slightly, as if sealing some unspoken understanding between them. "Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow won’t be any easier."
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