Foreign Ground [Ripley]

[Cavallo]

Adele Rodgers & Ultimate Revenge

The dark bay colt was stunning. The warm winter sun shone brightly over the abandoned track. As far as she could tell, they were alone. Adele walked and the yearling colt followed quietly. The staff had been cautious of the colt. He wasn't the typical yearling colt. He wasn't rowdy, was rarely vocal and rarely did anything to call attention to himself, he just...watched. The colt had a stare that could make a flower shrivel up and die. He was unnerving to everyone on the staff and crew, everyone that was except Nick and Adele, but for some reason the bay Reve son wanted nothing to do with the trainer. He got a glazed over look in his eyes and just seemed to tune out the man, but with Adele it was a different story.

She had tacked up the yearling and had been amazed throughout the entire process. He didn't flinch when she tightened the girth or when she fed him the ring bit. She wasn't sure what to expect on the yearling colt, but she felt better to go safe than sorry. She didn't know if she would need the extra stopping power or steering, there was just so much that was unknown with the colt. She knew only one thing, that for some reason, be it her nature or mannerisms, the colt trusted her. He traveled smoothly over the dirt track, eyes taking in the emptiness of the track, but he wasn't intimidated. Adele sensed the calm in her mount. He almost felt too calm. She looked over at the colt walking beside her, he flicked an ear in her direction and fixed his gaze onto her, with an almost wondering gaze.

Fin, you are one odd colt. She muttered and rubbed his neck, the colt turned his attention back to the track. Well, let's see if you got some run in you... She paused and the colt stopped his progression to stand squarely. He was a proud sight, head held high and eyes sharp. Adele admired the colt, his long lean legs, large rump and deep chest. He looked like the odd yearling now, but he was already beginning to show signs of muscling. She pressed her hands on the colt's back, but he didn't flinch under the added pressure. She took a deep breath and committed, hoisting herself up into the saddle. The colt tossed his head lightly, but made no other moves.

She smiled and collected herself. She loved the vantage point she had. She looked out over the lonely track and sensed the call. Did Fin hear it? She was almost scared to find out and so she sat. Astride an unusually quiet colt, that stood resolutely awaiting a sign of some kind.

[Ripley]

A broad-shouldered figure cut between a row of abandoned barns, briefly pausing to hide from the whipping winter wind. His face was hidden by a baklava facial cover, only cobalt blue eyes peaked over the black mask. It was bloody freezing out today and for some unknown reason he had felt tempted to take a walk. Ripley had business somewhere in the more populous section of The Wire and he needed some space. Witch Creek was a fabulous barn with wonderful people, but some days he just couldn't take them. All he wanted was his yearlings and weanlings, a good coffee and a nap at two o'clock. It was hard to achieve when people were bouncing in and out all dang morning. His blue eyes flashed with irritation and a need for solitary confinement.

A swift movement to his left caught his attention. The figure's eyes narrowed with curiosity. It was a horse and a rider, female by the looks of her clothing. His solitary confinement was interrupted, but perhaps it would not be all that bad. The horse stood tall and proud, his coat sleek and conditioned. But despite his perfect form, the man immediately recognized inexperience and youth. The colt was something unnerving in this desolate area. His rider patted his neck kindly and yet he did not really react. He just stared down the length of the track, ears pricked.

An eerie keening noise drifted up from the racetrack causing a shiver to run down Malcolm's spine. The horse did not move. The rider shifted uneasily and glanced around. Malcolm's eyes narrowed and he stepped from his spot behind the barn. He was not a sneak and he did believe in ghosts. The keening noise had sounded like a young horse experiencing something horribly painful. Chicken skin erupted all over his arms beneath his thick winter suit. It was time to find some company. The horse and rider still had yet to move. Perhaps they wouldn't mind company.

With quiet steps, Malcolm approached. The woman was pretty from what he could see of her. He still was unsure of her identity. He didn't get out much from Witch Creek. Maybe next year when he could go see his babies make their first starts as two year olds. He leaned against the rail casually, really taking in the colt's good looks. That's some kind of horse. He's a yearling. It was a statement, not a question. Good looking son of a gun too. Not very nervy. But I suppose you've got that covered for the pair of you. His voice was deep and carried a lilting teasing tone. He lowered the mask, grinning at the woman. Malcolm Floyd, weanling and yearling trainer at Witch Creek. And you are?

[Cavallo]

<sub>The wind was biting and cold and though she was warmly bundled up, she still couldn't stop the shiver she felt as the ghosts of the track groaned. Fin didn't budge, his ears swivled in the cold, like an antennae trying to locate a source of origin. The colt huffed, his warm breath looking like white curling fire. She heard a voice out of nothing and she couldn't help, but startle slightly in the saddle. Fin, stepped forward slightly, but stopped to fix a simple stare at the bundled form leaning on the rail.

She had expected the colt to bolt. He was, after all, only a yearling, but she was slightly even more unsettled that the colt seemed to be more calm than she. She did not get this horse and did not get why he had picked her. Nick had been drooling to get his hands on the bay, but he wasn't having it. She had given a gasp of air and had prepared to rein in a wild horse, but had bee surprised when he reined her in. She felt like a green novice at this moment and now there was a human to witness how much this colt unsettled her. She quickly looked over to the source of the greeting and the cause of her moment of humiliation. Only her flashing blue eyes were viable, there was a slight flare of fight lingering in her azule depths. She was glad her face was hidden behind the black face mask. She surely felt the blood rushing to her cheeks. Partly from embarrassment and partly because it had to be a man and a good looking one from what she could tell. He
was leaned up against the rail casually watching her and her colt. "That's some kind of horse. He's a yearling. Good looking son of a gun too. Not very nervy. But I suppose you've got that covered for the pair of you." She lowered her right hand from her heart and realized that she had grabbed her coat instinctively. She relaxed slightly, as he pulled his mask down, revealing to her further a fine looking man. She felt the heat continue to pool on her cheeks, but blamed it on the cold. She pulled the mouth part of her mask down, revealing her full face. Her eyes danced with slight amusement, she had rebounded quickly from her embarrassment, especially when she heard his teasing tone. This was a type of behavior she was used to. She gathered the reins again in her hands, the dark bay colt still standing and now fixated on the man. She had no idea how Fin was going to react to the man, but she was prepared for whatever could or would happen.

Thank you. She accepted the compliment for the yearling. She was still trying to figure him out, but in her book Fin was already her horse. He's 22 months. She stated factually to confirm his assumption. She was tempted to roll her eyes at his teasing, but he was right. She was nervous and it threw her off. She had some of the most aggressive rides in the barn. She was used to outright and visible rebellion, but Fin was rebellious in a completely different way. His was a quiet rebellion. Normally, I would have a witty comment for you Malcolm, but I'm thinking that there isn't a way that I can fool you or myself of anything else. She smiled a half-smile, almost a smirk. Pleasure to meet you Malcolm. I'm Adele Rodgers, jockey at Intrepid Racing. Her right eyebrow raised coquettishly, daring him to make a witty remark about her barn. The dark bay colt, made a movement. He shifted his weight and angled his head to better see the foreign man. She looked back down briefly at the colt, checking to make sure that he was still awake before looking back at the man on the rail. Oh, what in the world does he think of me and this odd colt?</sub>

[Ripley]

Mal tilted his head to the side, getting a good look at the pairing. Quiet horse. More like a Stride of Perfection horse than a hot-blooded Intrepid runner. He leaned his chest against the rail, crossing his legs at the ankles. His dark eyes were sharp and curious. He loved analyzing horses and people, taking them apart, finding out what made them tick. He understood body language. Had noted the unease of the rider and the eager cautiousness of the horse beneath her. Maybe... eager cautiousness was the wrong set of words. The colt was confident in his ability, prideful and in control. He acted like Alucard, a colt Mal had trained briefly as a yearling before he'd been shipped to SOPS. All sorts of horses came through Witch Creek and he'd met plenty before he'd taken up his position at the famed stable.

His eyes flickered up to the rider, watching the blood as it played havoc beneath her cheeks. Embarrassment. And nervous. He wondered at that. The woman, Adele, was a confident sort of rider. Maybe a little out of her element in this slightly spooky place. He clasped his hands together, smirked as her blue eyes flashed with interest. He was a man who knew what he could do to women. Shoot him.

The colt stepped forward and Malcolm felt drawn to him. This was a colt who knew himself. He looked like a horse that would round into his mature form quite early. Mal was drawn by his intense gaze and hardly spoke as he gracefully leaped the rail. His boots landed softly in the dirt, his gaze locked on the colt. Twenty-two months, huh? He wasn't going to answer the daring challenge of her raised eyebrow. Stable competition was for Brooks and the others, not for him. He had a feeling that Adele was not quite in tune with this particular mount. It was to be expected. He was just a young one and their partnership was as new as a springtime bud. You seem tense like he is going to hurt you Adele. That's not a good way to start a relationship. Mal did not move for a second, two feet away from the dark colt. He held out his hand, slowly and easily, offering his companionship to the unnamed colt. He adverted his gaze to Adele, met her eyes. My riders know that whatever I stick them on is not going to hurt them. All young horses are foolish but none are so imminently dangerous. If you take a breath, close your eyes and feel the horse you'll understand him. You've got to speak his language. What do you feel? His voice was low, confident, not cocky or demanding. It was a good voice and it moved in a pace that could lull both horse and rider.

[Cavallo]

<sub>She looked up to see the man, Malcolm, jumping the rail gracefully with ease. It seemed he hadn't gotten flabby or rusty on the track life while chasing his weanlings and yearlings around. She thought that would be all, but then he moved closer and stopped two feet in front of Fin. She held her breath. The last experience she'd had with a man coming towards Fin had resulted in her coming to the rescue and landing her in this position in the first place. She'd wanted Tera. The grey colt had been loud, vocal...predictable. She had replayed the moment over and over again in her head. She berated herself for interfering with the boss. She'd just acted. She hadn't thought. She just did what she instinctively knew was right. She'd touched the dark horse with calm assurance and he'd recognized her calm. Beth had seen it and written her down as his ride. That was two days ago. She barely knew the colt. So she'd had the brilliant idea to tack the colt up and take him out for some bonding. She had chosen the abandoned track because she hadn't wanted the prying eyes or the risk of hurting anyone. This wasn't what was happening.

She watched him as he stood assessing Fin. It was like he saw things she didn't. Like he already knew her colt better than her. A green envy rose up within her. He was talented. She could already see it. Talented in reading horses and so it seemed, people. She schooled her features, her pride now injured as he began to lecture her, "You seem tense like he is going to hurt you Adele. That's not a good way to start a relationship." He wasn't telling her anything new. She knew she wasn't comfortable yet with Fin, though he seemed to tolerate her just fine. It was almost infuriating. Then he extended his hand to Fin and she was about to warn him. To warn him that he was a War Admiral lined horse, that he was unpredictable, that he could hurt him, but before she could say a word, the bay colt stepped forward, closed the gap and sniffed the man's hand. He let his warm breath and lips caress the man's hand in curious exploration. The colt had no fear. His curiosity satisfied, he tossed his head dismissively and went back to staring down the track. This wasn't the same colt who had gone wild in the barn when Nick approached, this was a colt that was at peace with himself and just simply knew what he wanted.

Adele snapped her bottom jaw shut, realizing it had been open in her unvoiced protest. " My riders know that whatever I stick them on is not going to hurt them. All young horses are foolish but none are so imminently dangerous. If you take a breath, close your eyes and feel the horse you'll understand him. You've got to speak his language. What do you feel?" His voice was like a soothing rumble and for the moment it soothed her hurt pride. She gave him a wary look, her pride warring within her. Did she do it? Dare she take this man's advice? She thought back quickly to the scene she'd just witnessed and forced herself to gradually close her eyes. She inhaled and listened. He saw something in her horse, understood him fairly well and she was starting to catch glimpses. She knew Fin wasn't going to hurt her, she was afraid he was going to hurt others. Fin trusted her, but she didn't trust him. She was the problem. She felt Fin shift slightly under her, not in impatience, but rather in comfort. Fin was fine with whatever. He owned the space around him, commanded it. She opened her eyes, surprised at her own revelation. Fin wasn't lazy, apathetic or unbalanced. He had been labeled with the Admiral title and he simply wasn't that wild vocal horse. Fin was something more...complex, but just as exhilarating. She smiled ruefully down at the man, her nervousness fading and her confidence returning. There was no fear in that which was understood and she was getting a better handle on Fin. Fin is at peace. Confident. He is a colt that knows what he wants. And she knew that each word was true.

I still think you're nuts. She said with a tease, she was already beginning to feel her body relax further into the saddle and Fin responded to the growing sense of faith she was giving him. He turned his head slightly to his right and huffed. It wasn't a nicker of excitement, but rather a subtle acceptance of the new found trust. She rubbed the colt's neck and wasn't offended at his lack of response. He didn't need the human affection and she understood it now. She looked back at Malcolm. You haven't seen Fin go after someone like I have. It was hard to believe that the stoic looking colt was the same colt that had nearly ripped out of the cross-ties in the barn. She understood though now that it was lack of understanding. Nick had assumed too much with the colt and she wondered if Fin would ever forgive him for the offense. She turned her full attention to the dark featured man. She was okay if he never spoke in that bewitching voice again because she was almost certain she wouldn't be able to hold out against it for long. She begrudged the power this man had over horses and humans. He was dangerous and she immediately recognized it. Thank you though... She spoke the words softly. She felt a little childish, she was a twenty-four year old woman and had lost her confidence for a few hours over a misunderstood yearling. Great. He must think I'm a dunce. The admission of thanks had pulled a lot out of her pride, but she wasn't one to withhold proper thanks.

But please, don't ever use your witchcraft again around me. She teased back, salvaging the situation and feeling again like she had some kind of leverage in the conversation. Ripley is fortunate to have such a talented magician on her staff. Her eyes danced with merriment and Fin snorted as though to mimic her sentiments. She suddenly realized she hadn't even told Malcolm anything about the horse. Duh, Adele...he's not here for the human. She continued to steer the conversation back to a safe topic; horses.

Fin thanks you too it seems. Fin... she paused wondering exactly how he had gotten his nickname. The handlers and breezers before her had given the colt his nickname...it in no way correlated to his name and she wondered...Now I don't know yet how he got this nickname, but he's Ultimate Revenge. By Admiral's Revenge and out of Charisma. She gave the man the facts and looked intently down at him. She should ride away. And fast before he opened his mouth again and entranced her and her horse. This is ridiculous Adele. And yet she wasn't moving.</sub>

[Ripley]

Malcolm did not have to watch Adele to know that a war was going on inside the pale-faced woman. A war of pride and humility. If he'd embarrassed her, she would have to get over it. He was more than a little arrogant, but even he had known constructive criticism a time or two before. However, when it was something you loved to work with and do, the criticism always seemed to have a sharper edge like a knife through the heart. Mal stood with his body slack, showing no sign of threat. He liked this colt before him. This nameless, gorgeously put together animal that demanded respect. Coddling was not Malcolm's way. Coddling ruined animals. Humans were only coddled when they were children and then as they grew older they became spoiled if coddling continued. The same could be said for horses or any other animal for that matter.

From his periphery vision Mal saw the tense, horrified look light up Adele's features. He did not show any sign of that same alarm on his face. The colt reached for his hand, his nostrils flaring out to take his scent. Soft, warm lips rubbed over rough masculine hand. A light smile touched on Mal's features, but dimmed into oblivion. Satisfied, the colt turned away to gaze down the track. Mal followed his intrigued look, but saw nothing. He wondered if horses could see ghosts, wondered if that was another gift of an equine that humans had not been entitled to.

He pretended to ignore Adele as she followed his instructions. He sent a furtive glance her way when he eyes were completely closed. She was a gorgeous woman. Perhaps solitary confinement would have to wait another day. She was intoxicating and Malcolm was not so sure he appreciated that fact. He glanced back away when she opened her eyes. He felt satisfaction calm his stomach. She'd felt what he'd needed her to felt. Her entire form settled into the saddle, relaxed. Confidence makes you beautiful. He half-smiled at her, not caring if she thought he was out of her league or if he was flirting with her outrageously. He shrugged and nodded with her assessment of the horse she called Fin.

Sometimes you have to forgive and forget what they might have done in the past. Sometimes it benefits people to switch their horses. Bad relationships are not going to get the most out of a racehorse. Like Brookson. He was on Hourglass at first, but she ran off with him. Ripley gets on her now and she's an absolutely controlled filly. But Ripley is talented in angsty horses. Brooks needs a blue collar animal. Ripley would die if I stuck her on a blue collar horse. Mal grinned at the thought. He could just his boss' face at such a suggestion. I am a little nuts, but I approach every horse as though he were the same. When he proves otherwise then I change the way I think and handle myself. This one doesn't need an overly cocky rider. He needs a supportive person who will stand by him no matter what. In the end, Adele, when you need him most you will have the horse for it. How many other riders will be able to say that?

Mal shrugged, blue eyes sharpening. I don't need to be thanked Adele. He's a neat horse. I like neat horses. And if you better understand him he will do for you. He narrowed his eyes and snorted with laughter. Witchcraft? Oh that's a good one. I wish it was witchcraft. Think how easy it would be to win races. But it'd be cheating and I don't cheat. His eyes darkened seriously and he gazed down the track. Ripley does well on her own when they reach the age of two. She is a very good woman. She just doesn't have the time to work with horses who are relatively immature and when she has a loaded barn of racers.

Malcolm glanced up at her when she revealed the identity of this dark colt. His eyes sparked with interest and envy. Admiral's Revenge. Fantastic. Charisma was a good horse as well and beautiful. He'd seen her pictures and had to admit she was one of the most mesmerizing horses he'd come across. Ah, so the reason why Fin has a reputation is more to do with his breeding and one-sided attack than his actual personality. Boy am I glad I found you Adele. I've just found a secret I don't intend to keep for long. His eyes were bright and they flashed down the track with eagerness. Have you galloped him yet?

[Cavallo]

<sub>"Confidence makes you beautiful." Her blue eyes locked onto the man's with a touch of intrigue and surprise. She saw his half-smile and her mind started racing. Is he flirting with me? Usually when a man hit on her, it was some smart butt at the tracks - commenting on her slender frame or tight seat. She knew how to handle that kind of attention. She pressed her lips together, slightly pursed as she processed what exactly was happening here. She had no idea. All that she knew is that at any moment she could gallop away on her green yearling and yet she had stayed. She had allowed this quiet man with easy confidence to bewitch her into place. Maybe there was a reason he came from Witch Creek Stables. She felt a magnetic pull to this man and it was something she hadn't felt in a while. Quickly an image of the handsome Jeff Saunders flashed through her mind. Her fellow jockey mate was devastatingly handsome, but she had been too shy to even think about pursuing that. She didn't know what was wrong with her. She was the girl that was sweet at the barn. She wasn't the sassy one. She had always been the quiet one that understood the high tempered horses and calmed them with her soothing touch and now in her own moment of high spirits and nervousness, this man had emerged from the shadows along with the ghosts of the track and was soothing her. Had he meant to? Had he meant to cloud her mind with lustful thoughts or was he really just here to help her on this odd horse.

She let his half-smile touch her own features and she replied in like. She didn't discourage his complimentive attention. She should have dissuaded his attention, after all, she barely knew him. The wind blew and whipped a strand of her blond hair and she moved a feminine hand to tuck it back in as she laughed along with Malcolm. She watched his mannerisms, one moment joking lightly with her and the next his eyes grew serious. He didn't hesitate to share the wisdom of his approaches and she completely understood.

He studied her colt further as she explained his pedigree and watched as his eyes lit up with understanding. "Ah, so the reason why Fin has a reputation is more to do with his breeding and one-sided attack than his actual personality. Boy am I glad I found you Adele. I've just found a secret I don't intend to keep for long..Have you galloped him yet?" Why did she feel like she was sharing stable secrets with this man? She suddenly wished that she knew nothing about the future stock of Intrepid because she knew she wouldn't be able to hide anything from those deep intensive eyes. She felt exposed, like a lamb before a wolf. She secretly hoped the old adage of lambs becoming lions was true, because if not she was about to become lamb stew. She hated and yet at the same time, loved the powerless feeling growing in her gut and spreading up into her chest. Did he have any idea the sway he had over her and probably women in general? She had a sneaky suspicion, but she didn't give away any indications of her secret thoughts.

Horses Adele. Keep the conversation to horses. She grounded her mind back to the safe anchor and tilted her head slightly to the left, looking down at the man, Malcolm. Malcolm, why do I feel as if I'm giving you insider information? Her eyebrow arched. I don't need you to go rushing back to Ripley and sharing some of Intrepid's secrets. I like my job. She teased, but her eyes filled with the same kind of eagerness when she thought about galloping the dark colt. He had stood patiently the entire time, his head occasionally twisting to look down at the man, but even a yearling as controlled as Fin had his limits. He stomped a leg impatiently. Adele's eyes flashed. She knew that kind of body language and she knew it well. She wanted to see this colt fly to the tracks as much, if not more so, than Malcolm. Not yet. Her eyes were dancing with fire, blue sparks about to catch on fire. But I'm dying to try him out. She spoke the words and subtly realized she meant those words in more than one way.</sub>

[Ripley]

The haunted tunes of horses and people calling over the track touched Malcolm's ears as he looked Adele over. Did the previous animals and people know exactly was happening in real time right at the moment? Or did they stay in their own time, ghosts just showing up now and then to remind the living of what occurred before? He glanced to his right uneasily when he caught a flicker of movement back along the rail. His cobalt eyes were narrowed, but he shrugged off the "being-watched" feeling. There was a gorgeous, sweet woman in front of him and a stellar horse. Thoughts about the past and the dead would have to wait for solitary time. Which clearly wasn't going to be today.

He grinned at her theory of him being a spy. Honestly, he was just curious. People didn't really open up to one another these days. This was his first true conversation with another person from another stable since he'd arrived. The only time he saw any of these people was on t.v., news reports or gossip from the girls at home. He tilted his head, a grin lighting up his face. She was fantastic this Adele. So quiet, kind, not prickly. So the opposite of every woman that Witch Creek seemed to attract. Malcolm pulled his mask over his face as the cold beat his features mercilessly. He would hang around for a while, certain to get "secrets" out of Adele. Maybe not all of them about Intrepid and Nick Landing's hidden treasures.

I wouldn't want you to lose your job then I wouldn't have a person to talk to again. You can't let that happen, right Adele? His cobalt blue eyes softened for dramatic effect, but a moment later the teasing lilt had over taken them. Perhaps I have secrets as well. Eventually Adele, all secrets come out whether in public or in private conversations. It's only the reactions of the people around us that make it betrayal or just plain fact. Ripley has all her records up in the barn. Her pride and joy. Surely its not a secret. But you Intrepid folk have always been more sneaky.

His gaze switched to the Ultimate Revenge colt. His muscles were coiled for activity. He'd had enough of this talk. He was a full-blooded racehorse with a need for speed. Looks like he wants to flex some muscle. Will Nick care if you gallop him or is that fact so secret even you have no idea as to the answer? His voice was loaded with sarcasm and eagerness. He was still an eighteen year old boy at heart. Even if he was in a thirty year old's body. There was nothing like the first run of a youngster.

[Cavallo]

<sub>She felt her heart squeeze as his eyes softened toward her. He laughed at her teasing and set her at ease. She had known Malcolm for only a few minutes and she already knew that these few precious moments wasn't going to be enough. She heard the whispers on the wind of voices long gone, but she was having issues hearing over the beating of her heart. She felt Fin come to life underneath her and she handled him with a firm touch and strong legs. The dark bay danced sideways away from the man, his gaze locked onto the track, head tucked into his chest, ears pricked and attentive. He was breathtaking.

"Perhaps I have secrets as well. Eventually Adele, all secrets come out whether in public or in private conversations. It's only the reactions of the people around us that make it betrayal or just plain fact. Ripley has all her records up in the barn. Her pride and joy. Surely its not a secret. But you Intrepid folk have always been more sneaky. Looks like he wants to flex some muscle. Will Nick care if you gallop him or is that fact so secret even you have no idea as to the answer?" She laughed out loud at his dripping sarcasm. She knew exactly what he meant. Intrepid was notorious for their secretive breedings. Nick definitely had the flare for surprises and he coveted his secrets, but he couldn't possibly control them all and he certainly didn't control her.

Nick care? She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, as she held the flood waters of a colt at bay. For some reason I find that the Boss doesn't mind whatever I do... She pulled up her face mask, her breath now warming her face as Fin took more anxious steps forward. She loved the power she felt at her complete disposal. Fin was like a sleek automobile, revving its engines in a pregame show. She wanted desperately to take him out over the dirt track, but she had a fear that as soon as she unleashed her mount this man would disappear like the ghosts of this track. Her eyes were dancing with eagerness. Care to stay and watch? She smiled under her mask and knew her eyes were too. Fin was about to explode underneath her and she couldn't be cruel to the colt any longer. Maybe we'll see you when we come back. She sincerely hoped so as she let the colt break.

He didn't need encouragement. The eerie keening of the wind and ghost reached a new decibel level in her ears as the yearling colt found his stride confidently in a gallop. She smiled as all thoughts faded from her mind besides the fluid firing powerhouse under her guidance. There was nothing like the first gallop with a horse. It was here that the bond was sealed, that trust was established. A mile gallop. Nice and easy. Fin knew his body, knew his limbs and the drive and desire to run was aflame within the deep caverns of his chest and expressed in the pumping haunches and reaching forelegs. Adele's breath was taken away at the beauty of her mount. She felt as though she was a mere guiding force and reassurance for the colt. She sang words of praise and though the colt didn't seem to respond, she couldn't help, but feel that he took her encouragement to a deep reserve within himself. He was so complex and yet so simple. It was going to take her ages to figure Fin out completely and she was okay with that.

They raced only the wind, but that was all the motivation Fin needed. His drive to run and to run well was not dependent upon others, it was bred into him, into his very nature. The mile gallop seemed to fly and as they took the final turn, Adele asked for more. She was hungry to see what the colt would reveal in a three furlong chase against time. His turn of foot was natural and sure, his head naturally extended, but not overly. Adele was wild with delight. He was a natural, a breathtaking natural. As his stride surged to life with quick acceleration, the wind pierced through her face mask and she gasped at the piercing sharpness of it all. She checked her watch and started the count, one, two, three, four, five...The three furlong blitz was just as exhilarating as if raging competition was breathing down their necks, but Fin wasn't phased. The cold air coursed through his lungs and filled his cavernous depths with power. Her ears were singing, the blitz soon reaching it's end and she knew that Fin had so much more to give. She checked her watch and smiled.

With flash and flare the dark bay colt crossed his finish and Adele attempted to reel in the still hyped Fin. She pulled back and the colt with a wild toss of his head settled down from his mad dash to a gallop and then a canter. The colt shook out his head powerfully and then he reached into the air with a little leap of his own before she turned the colt back on a dime. She slapped the lathered neck of the colt, his coat dark with perspiration, but even she could tell that the colt was full of fight. Her eyes were bright from the adrenaline rush and the thrill of a ride like Fin. She was suddenly very glad that Fin had chosen her. Her eyes searched for Malcolm, wondering if the man had stayed to see the yearling trial. Fin danced underneath her, his action animated and eager for more. His cold eyes danced, but still minded the tall, slender woman on his back. You, my Fin, are quite the ride. She praised the colt with affection, not caring if Malcolm was there or that the colt didn't care. She was too pleased otherwise.</sub>

[Ripley]

Malcolm did not respond to Adele's curious question of whether he would stay or not. He just cocked an unseen brow and aimed his gaze down the track. Oh he would be there. If you came for the entertainment, it was only respectful to stay for the encore. He leaned against the rail as the powerful son of Admiral's Revenge strode down the racetrack. He did not need a psychic globe to figure out that Ultimate Revenge, or Fin, was going to be trouble for Saintly Touch or Sun King in the coming season. The colt's confidence in himself was overwhelming and almost rivaled the bold arrogance of Sun King. Saintly Touch had a ways to go to develop his confidence. Malcolm knew Ripley would have the colt ready by the Year Fifteen Triple Crown, but Mal wasn't so sure Saint would be ready to take on the precocious group including Ultimate Revenge.

His breath caught in his chest as Fin rolled into a long-striding, powerhouse gallop. He was a thoroughly impressive individual to watch, looking more at ease with his speed than was his natural right for a yearling. They had one of those back at the barn as well by the name of Casualty of War. Malcolm mulled a match race between the two over. While Saint and Sun King might need time, Sultan was ready to run up against this Intrepid lined horse right now. He rubbed his gloved hands together in anticipation. Intrepid Racing would meet their match come Year Fourteen and the threat would come from their very own well-bred stock.

He nodded in approval when Ultimate Revenge streaked through the three furlong blitz well in hand. No doubt about it, this colt was going to be freaking tough in next year's races. Mal shook his head when the adrenalized colt was brought down from his impressive run. Malcolm started to move toward Adele and the colt as they doubled back his way. Wait until he told Ripley Marsh exactly what he had seen on the track today. He shook his head, eyeing the contented colt. He'd gotten to run and wanted to do a heck of a lot more. Mal pulled his face mask down, warm from his own excitement.

You know... the only distance horse we have right now that rivals him in the barn is Casualty of War. You remember him, don't you? The colt Nick didn't have the room for. He's a tough son of a gun, but let me tell you, he might just blow the doors off of even the best horses I've ever handled. And there have been several nice ones in that bunch. Mal felt like a proud papa over his most prized child. He had a right to brag. Bragging created competition which therefore created tension and excitement on the track. You and your colt fascinate me. He is an absolutely grand animal out on the track. I cannot wait to see my boys and girls face him and the rest of IRS' babies next year. He had been thinking a lot since Adele had guided the big handsome animal out to gallop. This next section had been a minute lapse in thought, but Mal knew it was important for him personally. Without taking a breath or another moment of thought, he said: Adele... do you want to grab some coffee sometime. Maybe come over for the births we have coming in Year Fourteen. The Devil's Touch looks beautiful in foal to Anarche. As do Apache's Shadow and TizNow. I know the births will go well and we'd love to have a representative of Intrepid be present for all of the births... That is if Nick can spare you from your own birthing season? 

[Cavallo]

<sub>She halted the lathered colt at the sight of the approaching Malcolm. She was already on a high from the run, but now she was approaching a new kind of high as the weanling and yearling handler from Witch Creek sauntered her way. Her crystal blue eyes lit up with an added high as she saw that Malcolm had remained to watch her...err..Fin's run. She continued to rub Fin's lathered neck absentmindedly, her full attention focused on Malcolm. Her ears perked up as she heard Malcolm begin to sing praises about a similar colt in Witch Creek's barn. Casualty of War, yes, she did remember the Man O' War x Flight of Fancy son that had briefly stayed at Intrepid Racing Stables. She remembered the black colt, remembered the dominating look he had to him and she felt a stirring of excitement at having to pit Fin up against this intriguing prospect.

Her eyes danced with a new competitive fire at they very thought of the prospect. Fin hadn't even reached the tracks yet and she already felt a rivalry growing. She couldn't wait until the two colts faced off. From the way Malcolm was describing this colt, he was going to be something fierce to contend with on the tracks, but she had a feeling Fin would only respond exceedingly well to high caliber competition - at least that was her hope.

"You and your colt fascinate me. He is an absolutely grand animal out on the track. I cannot wait to see my boys and girls face him and the rest of IRS' babies next year." She smiled at the thought. What must it be like in his situation? She wondered silently. She was a jockey. She handled, helped train, exercise horses and race them, but wasn't the one who helped lay down the primary training foundation. I wonder what it is like to train these horses in their raw form...How does he know the good from the great at such a young age? He had to of had a keen eye for horseflesh. She knew though without a shadow of a doubt though that she was looking forward to racing up against whatever the competition had to throw their way. She chuckled at his statement and her eyes confirmed his sentiments, she was eager to face off with WCS' babies.

Her smile paused slightly realizing that Malcolm was about to say something else. She watched his features carefully and struggled to decipher what was going to come out of his mouth next, but what came out of his mouth, she hadn't been prepared for. "Adele... do you want to grab some coffee sometime. Maybe come over for the births we have coming in Year Fourteen. The Devil's Touch looks beautiful in foal to Anarchi. As do Apache's Shadow and TizNow. I know the births will go well and we'd love to have a representative of Intrepid be present for all of the births... That is if Nick can spare you from your own birthing season?" She was left slightly speechless. She knew that she had been devastatingly impacted by Malcolm's good looks, but he had been a hard read. She knew that she was a beautiful woman, but she didn't flaunt that to her advantage. She was used to the rude cat-calls and lewd looks, but that wasn't the treatment she was getting at all from this dark featured man. He was treating her with respect and though he had a flair of arrogance, she guessed he was entitled to be proud about the work he did for Witch Creek. She really didn't have to think about her answer, but she bit her lip as if pondering her reply. She slowly broke her pondering face with a flattering smile. I would love to do that. Besides, I don't do much with the birthing anymore, Nick's hired a new guy to solely handle the yougstock, much to Beth's relief. I don't think I've ever even been over at Witch Creek before. I'd love to come. She felt her cheeks blush slightly in a becoming way. Fin stomped an impatient foreleg, but minded his rider's wishes to remain. She was loathe to leave. When would you want to meet? She asked innocently, the wind tugging at her blonde strands peeking around her face from under her face mask. She played with the reins in her hand, and smoothed out Fin's tousled mane.</sub>

[Cavallo]

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