The Wire Fall Social. [Open to All]

[Cavallo]

The clubhouse had been cleaned out and given a fresh cleaning. All the linens had been pressed and washed, candles were burning emitting a fall scent and the bar was open and food ready to be served. The only thing missing now was the people.

The Wire was known for putting up big fancy socials, especially around times that tended to get more stressful for the stable owners, trainers and jockeys. There was a need to simply unwind and talk to people without the pressure of hoping your horse won.

The footman stood at the doors, smiling and waiting for the first guests to arrive.

[Sammy]

Samantha had received an invitational to this Fall Social to be held at The Wire. She hadn't been to any events held at these things and she felt she should go. Of course, she asked Nakita if she would be making an appearance but, she had not wanted to go. Instead Samantha asked Chris Stevens if would like to accompany her and the two headed off to this Fall Social dressed the proper attire. It would be nice to have a day away from picking races for their horses to enter. Chris was the head jockey at Nature Blues along with Terri Lane. Samantha didn't want to go to this thing alone and the others had to watch over the horses and get workouts done.

The two approached the front door of the clubhouse and Samantha and Chris smiled towards the doorman and entered seeing they were the first ones besides the host of the evening. "Well this place is lovely don't you think Chris?" Samantha said as she was a bit nervous to meet other stable owners. She had been laying low for months but, felt the need today to be social. "I agree I never been in this place before." Chris spoke holding his hands in his pockets and took a deep breath. This night would be an interesting one and these two could definitely meet new friends.

Chris went over to get something to drink for himself and Samantha and felt nervous himself. Nature Blues or the old Bowen Acres is still somewhat of a new stable that was making a name for themselves on the track and in the breeding barns. Chris himself rode two horses with feisty attitudes that he felt special riding. He had partial ownership to GS Super Charged because of their very close bond and that the colt only listened to Chris. He handed Samantha her drink and the two would await for the rest of the other guests to arrive with their nerves on edge from who they would see.

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[Cavallo]

Nick was a nervous wreck. He had no reason to be this nervous, but he couldn't help, but feel like a little school boy. He'd hoped to be the first one to arrive, but as he pulled up in his car and handed the valet his keys, he saw a man and a woman slip in through the doors. He gracefully climbed the stairs up to the door and wiped a piece of lint off of his pants. He was looking rather fine in his black Armani dinner jacket. He walked inside, through the door which the doorman held open for him. He thanked him and walked in. He quickly spotted Samantha Mack and one of Nature Blue's top jockeys, Chris Stevens. The jockey had just raced GS Supercharged into the Novozio Derby winner's circle.

He clearly remembered the day he'd sold the Admiral's Revenge colt to Samantha and her crew. He gave them a warm smile and waved across the way at them and made his way over to greet them both.

Another car pulled up and the crew came tumbling out of the luxury car. Michael handed the keys to the valet as Kyle helped Adele and Angelina out from the car. The two ladies looked stunning in their formal, strapless gowns. The men were also in their black and white tuxes as they escorted the two ladies into the clubhouse. It looked like Intrepid was the second crew to arrive. The jockey's recognized Steven and they waved politely. Adele and Angelina began to walk towards Nick and the Nature Blue Staff as Michael and Kyle left to go get the ladies their drinks.

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Amber Black was a nervous wreck. She was wearing a beautiful green dress that exactly matched the color of her eyes yet was dark enough to not contrast too much with her black hair, so she should have been lent the confidence of such an appearance. But she was being accompanied at the Wire's social by Nick Landing. Her stomach was absolutely full of butterflies of nervousness. She was no good with this stuff. She really hadn't had much practice, after all. Nick was a great friend and she still wasn't absolutely sure if he would become something more to her. She sighed in thought and was quickly accosted by her best friend and probable successor to the empire if she ever retired Krystal Yhate. You'll be fine Amber. You look gorgeous. Amber sighed, smiled gratefully at Krystal and then got out of the car. She strode confidently towards the Social, helped herself in, glanced around aimlessly and then decided to go and sit and have a drink. But before she got there she spied Nick over by the Nature Blue crew. She pondered whether to go over there, decided she was far too shy and then just found herself a seat. She would pretend to not have noticed him because she was still far too shy to just go over there.

Krystal sighed and followed her best friend. At least she could try to cover up for Amber's seeming loss of mind should Nick see it as an insult. She took a seat by Amber and feigned interest in the food. Tall, athletic Henna Turath took one glance at the people and another at the food before going straight for the dessert, her sweet tooth craving some of the chocolate cake. And Valencia looked at all of them, grinned and carried herself with her usual cocky arrogance right across the room to join the Nature Blue team in their conversation. She was shadowed closely by young Kylie Silverstar, the nineteen year old apprentice youngstock manager who doubled as groom for all the youngstock. The enthusiastic young woman was excited to be at a public outing and chatted animatedly with Valencia as they made their way over.

Bringing up the rear was young Christopher Black. He was Amber's young cousin and he lived on the dream of becoming a real jockey one day. He was here because he was going to school in the area and Amber had invited him to stay at SOPS during the year. And now he hoped to remain. He felt small in this room full of people fully invested in the racing business, but attempted to look casual as he strode across the room in his fine tuxedo and took a seat by Amber. Amber sent him a warm smile of encouragement before engaging once again in conversation with Krystal. Yeah, I'm sure the social will be great. It looks like we're pretty early...

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[Ripley]

Maggiletti Reynolds, did you seriously have to drag me here of all places? You said this was a girl's night out! It looks like a dinner with all of my closest competition. Ripley was seething with fury as she stepped into the race track clubhouse. She wore a copper gown that complimented her long, wavy auburn hair and lit up her brilliant green eyes. Her heels were four inches and she looked more than the hard-working trainer. At least for tonight. She'd been talked into going to the Hall of Fame today. For dinner. What she was doing was mingling with her cohorts. Some welcome some not.

Maggie rolled her eyes, patted Ripley's shoulder. She looked stunning in silky gray gown, her blonde hair twisted into a classic updo. It's good to get out sometime. And look Brooks isn't here. You could relax for a change! Ripley shrugged, eyes darkening. She nibbled at her fingernails until Maggie slapped her wrist. Ripley glared. We're not going to be here late Reynolds. No drinking. Maggie's blue eyes narrowed, slightly hurt. She turned on her heels, curtly saying, Let me get you glass of water to cool off that hot tongue of yours.

Ripley huffed out a breath, shoved a hand through her thick, wild hair. Well, wasn't this just great. Her best friend was feeling touchy today. She'd dragged her to an event that had kept her away from her planning books and comfortable couch. As if Ripley wanted to socialize with these people right now. She sighed. That wasn't really fair. Nick Landing was a good friend on account of the horses he'd given to Witch Creek. Amber, an enemy when she wanted to be, was also a good friend and a conspirator. Valencia was nice. Ripley glanced around spotted the SOPS crew and sent a wave in Valencia's direction. She tried to lighten her moody look, but wasn't so sure of its success. Rolling her shoulders, she stalked over to Nick Landing's side. Hey Nick. You're looking dashing in a tux tonight. And as nervous as a raccoon surrounded by traps. What's up? I know this isn't a usual affair for us. It's not mine either. I'd rather be in a barn with Cross and Mastermind than dressed up in some tube of a dress. Ripley stopped her babbling. She was a little nervous. These social affairs weren't for her. She glanced at the new people and smiled uneasily. I'm not sure if we've ever met in person before? We had agents come and take The Rising away. I'm Ripley Marsh... and you all are?

Maggie glared at Ripley when she settled in with Nick and the Nature Blue crew. She switched the fierce look in the direction of Henna Turath of Stride of Perfection fame. Bosses. I'd take a drink, but I'm not allowed to so I might as well feed my face. How is the world of Henna Turath and might you be able to tell me how Alucard is fairing?

[Deleted]

Ivana || Beth || Amira || Jacey

It was the day after Paradise Island had collected yet another second place onto her record, after being defeated yet again in the Babbling Brook Handicap by Euphoria's Warrior. The filly's patience was wearing thin, but so was Jacey's. Her little daughter, Amira Lily Kira Lanning was coming with her to the fall social. After her seventh birthday, she was growing up incredibly quickly but after the issue of no one to look after her after the death of her father due to cancer, Jacey didn't have a choice. Her daughter was her husbands legacy. It had been a huge shock to Jacey and Lucas too, who was also expected to attend tonight.

Jacey sat in her room applying her make up to her slowly aging face. She was 32 years old but slowly getting older. But despite that fact, she was as beautiful as ever. "Mummy!" Amira shouted from her bedroom. The door handle from the room opposite turned, and out came the seven year old girl in a beautiful purple ball gown, holding a matching purple bag. Her hair was down and curled. After Jacey stepped out, Beth also stepped out, wearing her beautiful hot pink dress with a split running down the side from half way down her thigh.

Ivana came out of her room too. She was wearing a long floor length shoulder red dress which went well with her curled beautiful copper red hair.

Nearly done. Sorry...

[Deleted]

What am I doing? It was the same question which had been haunting him since he had agreed to go to the social. The same question he had asked himself a thousand times since Matthias had died. Whereas Alexia, Alana and Jacob had all disappeared him and Tanya had remained near the Green Horse Fields and The Wire tracks, watching from the edges until eventually they had joined with a new stable. Now he was a jockey - something Matthias had always been against - and riding a lot of the horses he had once worked with as a handler.

He pulled on his suit jacket, straightening out the outfit as Tanya walked in - looking as stunning as ever in her emerald dress - and straight over to him, smoothing a tuft of hair which had escaped the neat hairstyle. "Well look at you, never thought you'd brush up that well." she teased, not mentioning the thing which was on both of their minds - he looked very much like Matthias. Except Matthias was gone.

"Yeah, well." he tried half a smile, which failed as he caught sight of himself in the mirror. "We should just go. The quicker we get there the sooner we can leave." Tanya shook her head. "Don't be like that, you know Amira will be just dying to see you." He sighed and nodded. His niece was growing fast - too fast, perhaps - and was a beautiful little girl. Tanya took his hand, squeezing it reassuringly before dragging him out of the house.

Lillith wasn't there when they arrived - she hadn't even told them if she would be in attendance or not - and so the two jockeys walked into the social hall quietly. Tanya spotted several people she knew, whereas less-known Lucas recognized only faces. He stood in a corner, watching and Tanya smiled at him. "You need to speak to someone at some stage, you know?" she told him.

[Sammy]

Chris stood next to Samantha as the others started to show up. The two had not met the other owners or jockey's before so this was all new to the both of them. Samantha did recognize the first one to arrive as Nick Landing or so she hoped that was his name. Chris had returned with the drinks and handed Samantha hers while the two were then waved by Nick they walked halfway to greet the Intrepid Racing's owner with smiles on their faces. "We are sorry if we are early we haven't been to events like this before....I'm Samantha Mack and this is Chris Stevens." She said with a polite smirk on her face.

She then managed to watch everyone else enter the room as she took a step back to grab a hold of Chris's arm gently. Samantha was a very shy girl when it came to meeting others and that was why she was around the animals more. Chris was her best friend and the two had a bond together. She looked towards the Stride of Perfection crew and she nodded towards them with a gentle smile and Chris shook the hands of the other stable owners. Ripley Marsh had introduced herself and while Chris left Samantha to dwell in the greetings he went over to find himself another drink that would suit him better. Samantha turned her attention towards the Witch Creek's crew and extended her hand towards Ripley with a smirk. "Yes, I'm Samantha Mack it's a pleasure to meet you Ripley Marsh and I assure you The Rising is in good hands and he will make a proud stud next year." She said not wanting to seem rude towards the group.

"I was a bit nervous to arrive today actually it was Chris who urged me to come." She said as she took a deep breath looking at everyone coming near her. She didn't mind meeting new friends in fact she wouldn't mind parties like these she just wish it was a smaller party. Chris managed to make his way back to Sam's side fixing the tie to his suit and looked towards Nick. "I want to say thanks Nick, Ben has been a joy to ride. I never thought I would be riding a horse with War Admiral lines. He's a moody one that's for sure." He said trying make conversation with the group around him.

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Ooc: Sorry its so short

[Cavallo]

Nick smiled and went to shake hands with the Nature Blue crew. They seemed to be a rather shy lot, but he hoped he'd be able to put them at ease, while he waited for Amber. He smiled and received their welcome with a smile and waved off Chris' thanks Pleasure to meet you Samantha and Chris and please don't worry about it I'm hearing great things about Ben and the other horses I've sold you. He turned as his two female jockeys came in by his side and they politely introduced themselves.

Nick's eyes smiled as Ripley came in close to his side and compared him to a raccoon surrounded by traps. It couldn't have been closer to the truth. He was anxious to see Amber and yet nervous at the same time, it was just an odd mixture of emotions and it was starting to get to his stomach. Ripley Marsh. I barely recognized you! You're in a dress! He teased her lightly. He knew Ripley wasn't the type to be dressed up, he like her was too used to the barn life and being around the horses, but as an owner you had to attend these things to keep up good relations with the competition. He gazed around the room and saw Henna with one of Ripley's jockeys. He felt the butterflies. If Henna was here that meant... His eyes did an immediate sweep of the room and his crystal blue eyes landed on a ravishing looking Amber. Pardon me Ripley, I'm going to drag a certain stable owner over here. He bowed out and made a beeline over to her.

Adele and Angelina smiled as they watched their boss sweep in on the kill. The staff didn't talk about it to his face, but they all knew what was going on. Adele took point as the oldest staff member, until Nick returned with his prize.

Ripley, I don't think we've officially met. I'm Adele Rodgers, a jockey and this is our newest addition to the team Angelina Voldaire. The small Argentinian smiled winningly at the reputed stable owner. It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Marsh. She spoke with her thick Latin accent and secretly hoped it wouldn't be counted against her tonight. Both ladies smiled over at Samantha and Chris, It is a pleasure to meet you both as well. Nick talks highly of what you are doing with his legacy, Ben.

Nick zeroed in on Amber with deadly accuracy. Amber you look stunning. Krystal, you won't mind will you if I whisk her away? We have some friends we must taunt. His eyes twinkled with mischievousness. There was no reason why this had to be awkward. They were friends and he immediately wanted to put Amber at ease. He knew this thing he had with Amber was going to take time and he was willing to go at her pace. I simply must have you present when I tell Ripley Marsh that we have the Anarchi lines back in circulation. He smiled, but thought at the use of his own word - we. He looked at her, hopeful, hand extended. With time...with time.

Michael and Kyle goofed over by the drink table and watched their brother/cousin make his move. Gosh. She has to be blind if she can't see that he is HEAD over heels for her. Michael ribbed his cousin as they watched and quickly looked away so as not to be obvious. They watched Henna and Maggiletti Reynolds. Their interest piqued. It wasn't a secret on the tracks about who was competitive with who. They stayed at the table sipping casually in interest...hoping for a show.

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Henna Turath grinned at Maggiletti Reynolds. The jockey from Witch Creek was a darned good one who had a habit of turning horses around and making them into great racehorses. But that was also why Henna was not all too friendly with Maggje or the Witch Creek crew at times. She was just too competitive. But tonight, with dessert in front of her, Henna Turath was darned friendly. Not to mention she had been getting plenty of doses of speed from her horses lately. Her long blonde hair and honey colored eyes matched her dark orange dress perfectly. Perhaps that was also giving her a lot fo confidence. So her response to Maggie reflected this attitude.

No alcohol? Jeez, our bosses can be such tyrants she teased, eyes glinting. Well Amber is far too nervous to actually care about what her jockeys are doing...though if any of us do anything stupid we all know what happens. You can find the remains in the back. Anyway, I'm doing great, and Alucard is amazing. He's such an athlete, and a handsome one too. He's been really picking it up out there for us. We intend to send him as a contender to the Juvenile Sprint in December. She smiled warmly. Just the thought of a Breeders Cup sprinting race made her tingle with excitement. So much speed! So much exhilaration! It made life worth living.

During this time, Kylie and Valencia had finally reached where the Nature Blue crew and Ripley were conversing. Valencia, dressed in a black dress that complimented her black hair and light brown eyes, was cloaked with pride. And young Kylie's curly brown hair made her seem even more young than she was. Valencia exuded confidence. Kylie exerted youthful excitement.

Well hello there Ripley Marsh! And friends. You guys are from Nature Blue right? And hey Adele. Though I don't recognize the woman you have with you! Oh yes, Valencia was slightly familiar with the Intrepid crew. Kylie turned with rapt attention to Ripley Marsh. The Ripley Marsh? She was awestruck. Wow, Ripley Marsh from Witch Creek? I've heard so much about you! Do you have any advice in the training of young horses for me? I mean, James obviously knows what he's doing,, but I want to know what you have to say!

[/color] And just like that, Kylie bubbled over with enthusiasm. Valencia smiled almost affectionately at that. She was just so young sometimes.

Amber felt her heart speed up. There was Nick Landing, even more handsome up close than he had been from across the room. She blushed as Nick complimented her and almost didn't catch the rest of the sentence. She immediately honed in on the word "taunt". That was what she liked to hear. And that mischievous look in his eyes? Oh, she couldn't help but know that whatever Nick had planned would be ridiculously fun. And not awkward. So she grabbed his hand with a grin, saying You're right, I simply MUST be there to torture her in an appropriate fashion. And prepared to walk across the room hand in hand with Nick Landing.

Krystal smirked. She knew her friend would be fine. She caught sight of Christopher zeroing in on Nick Landing with protectiveness lighting his gaze. Oh, Amber's young cousin definitely had a lot of heart. She caught his gaze, indicated Michael and Kyle by the drink table and then left to join them in their talk. It seemed like they had been keeping tabs on their brother. Not to mention she had a better vantage point of Henna's conversation from that area. So she walked right on over. Hey Michael, Kyle. Is anybody else as amused by this evening as I am? Jeez, Nick and Amber. Finally.

Christopher Black was left not really knowing what to do. He sat there, pondering his horses. He was the groom of quite a few great horses. Sweet Inferno, Ventura, Innocent Passion...Alucard...he grinned thinking about all of them, and wondered if he would ever get the chance to ride the horses he loved and groomed every day.[/blockquote]

[Ripley]

Ripley Marsh found herself swarmed in a matter of seconds. Her green eyes swiveled anxiously around the ballroom, searching for Maggie. Her blonde friend was busy speaking with the enemy in the form of Henna Turath. Maggie lifted her gaze from Henna when she felt Ripley staring and lifted her glass of water in the boss' direction. Ripley scowled, turned away. Maggie grinned into the glass, barely stifling her amusement. She looked at Henna, finally tuning into what the SOPS rep way saying to her. Maggie shrugged. Some things are in my best interest. Rip's my best friend and she's got my back. Doesn't make it any less annoying though. She flicked a long curl of blonde hair over her shoulder. I'm glad Alu is doing well with you. He's got a personality and I sure loved him even though he's not the loving sort. I hope we have something to breed him to in the future.Maggie was plenty confident that Alucard would turn into something special. There was just something about the great ones. It was that eagle eyed look, the cockiness in their stride, the effortless way they moved. Alu had that unknown quality. Laura is enthralled with Fly By Darkness. Her lines are impeccable and she's a tough cookie out on the track. Laura just knows how to handle a horse. The sarcastic jab was there. The social may be a truce, but competitive fires could be lit up in a split second. Especially when your enemy was downing the alcoholic fuel.

Ripley felt a little abandoned by Maggie, but she supposed she deserved it. The auburn woman shook Samantha Mack's hand, noting the woman's smirk. This was a woman who could turn out to be sneaky good if her recent two year olds were a testament to her training. Nature Blue Stables would be watching. Her eyes flickered in Nick Landing's direction as he excused himself from the grouping. She crossed her arms, narrowed her eyes on his retreating form when she realized his destination. Amber Black? Oh good God. Ripley wasn't the only one to notice. Maggie practically coughed up her water from the drink table when she saw Nick reach Amber. Her mouth widened into an "O".

Ripley turned to Adele, Angelina, Valencia and Kylie. Four pairs of eyes were on her, one pair prickly and familiar. Ripley sent a smirk and moved to a hip shot stance. Well, hello there Valencia. Fancy seeing you at these occasions. She grinned at Kylie's openness, modesty flushing her cheeks. Well, if it's young horses you're after you'd be better off speaking to my yearling and weanling trainer Malcolm Floyd. My forte is two and three year olds... Perhaps he would meet with you at some point and give you some tips. Ripley nodded to Adele and Angelina. It's nice to finally meet you as well Adele. How is Intrepid faring since your boss is too caught up in his date? Her voice ended in a high note. Her eyes were focused warily as Amber and Nick made their way to them. That was a combination that would be dangerous in the future. She flicked her gaze to Angelina briefly, smiling. You are joining a very good team. We have had a lot of success with Intrepid bred horses this season. And you're starting at the source. You and Kylie are miles of steps ahead of where I started my career.[/b]