The Social.

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Amber was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people crowding the table. She had enjoyed just having her, Nick and Hailey before. Now, the numbers seemed to have tripled. She needed to escape. But in order to do that, she would have to wrap up her conversations first. More people were coming in every moment and the place was getting to be very crowded. When was dinner going to be served? Or was it a buffet? She would escape to the food if the sheer amount of people continued coming. She smiled politely and said hi to Alice. Kacey Hill Racing, right? Owners of Instant Success....hmmm. One part of her mind was evaluating the competition around her while another sought escape. She half listened as Nick and Alice discussed some foal being born next year - which one? I must find out! - and also listened carefully to Hailey's reply.

It was mature and Amber found herself liking Hailey. Good analysis! The press certainly can be annoying. You've got to just ignore them sometimes and focus on what's actually important. She smiled as Hailey asked her a question about Sillenia. Well, less of the pressure is on me. Her jockey, Krystal Yhate - who's eating a lot of dessert, it seems - is feeling a bit pressured. She needs to defeat Smiles' curse. She also needs to make sure I don't buy dinner for Nick here. She nodded in his direction. As she was just finishing her sentence she spied Sarah Star and James coming over. Oh my gosh, an escape! Excuse me she said with a smile, nodding to Hailey and the rest at the table and walking away. Sarah! It's been so long! She greeted her old friend warmly and with a lot of enthusiasm, a wide smile splitting her face. Let's grab a table and catch up.

Meanwhile, Krystal had finished another cream puff and was going for the chocolate cake. She smiled at Kyle's remarks and then groaned as she realized the full extent of what she was doing. Oh my gosh. I have more than one horse that's going to kill me. And I think Amber will come over and stop me eventually. She's probably noticed me pigging out. But until then...I'm going to keep eating. She eyed a large apple turnover sprinkled with sugar. Want to split it? she said, nodding in the turnover's direction. There's still a week to lose weight again, after all. We should live for a bit before dying in the Breeders Cup.

Henna's eyes sparkled as Aiden mentioned Pegasus Wings. I love Asus. Even though he's five years old he behaves like such a child! Those youthful horses get to you. She became curious about Terror Smile as Aiden spoke of the similar love he felt for his own mount. Tell me about Terror Smile she prompted. I only hear what the press says, and that's usually nothing personal and all statistics.

[Cavallo]

Intrepid Racing
Attending: Nicholas Landing, Adele Rodgers, Kyle Landing,
& Michael Landing

Nick smiled and nodded his agreement with Haily's comments on the press and Amber's praise of her wise decisions to simply ignore. The talk again turned to the stress of the BC and Nick smiled at Amber's dinner reference. Then she practically leaped up from the table to rush over and see Sarah from Star Thoroughbreds. He smiled and watched the two greet each other...they must be close.

Nick smiled then at Hailey and Alice. He looked to Alice again while he listened to the foal that they had coming this year. That is a great name Alice! We'll be sure to let you know the moment that Fashionista goes into labor!

Out of the corner of his eyes he kind of kept a tab on Amber's location...okay now this needs to stop. He smiled at Ivana Babicova and said a welcome as Alice introduced her new jockey...speaking of which..Intrepid was rapidly growing and he knew that he was going to have to hire another jockey soon...he made a mental note and returned to the ladies at hand.

Welcome to The Wire Ivana I hope you race well for our friend Alice here. Nick folded his hands in his lap before continuing, So ladies, the year is almost to an end, any exciting plans you have the upcoming year?

---

Michael laughed...right loose the weight. You're right about one thing....we're going to die in the Breeder's Cup. He eyed the chocolate piece of pie as he swallowed his last bite of the apple and vanilla....he was tempted...

Ahh, what the heck. Why not?! He grabbed the pie and two forks and using his own sliced it in half.

You first. If my brother looks over here and sees me chowing down... his words trailed off as he looked to Krystal with a gleaming smile.

Just then Michael noticed that Star Thoroughbred staff had arrived. He had seen them all from a distance, but never before had he met them...and he particularily didn't care to at the moment...it would be rude to leave this attractive lady to eat a whole piece of chocolate pie...

Adele and Kyle had also seen the Star Thoroughbred crew walk in and Kyle's eyebrows arched. What do you think Adele? Any single ones? He had a crooked grin on as his right shoulder leaned towards Adele.

Adele looked the crew over...Hmmm I think two of the girls are...unfortunately for me....no guys....only you and Michael. She glanced over again at Michael.... still at the desert table. She chuckled, glad that someone was having fun.

Kyle's eye was caught by the girl in the red dress, but he made no moves. Rather he watched the Star Thoroughbred crew, sipping his drink next to the flashy Adele.

The music then gradually began to fade as one of the managers of the club house stood on the platform with the band. Ladies and gentlemen, The Wire would like to officially welcome all of you to this year's Social. Please avail yourself to whatever you wish to eat or drink...the dance floor is open and in approximately 30 minutes we will commence the mystery auction. Thank you and enjoy yourselves.

Nick listened to the announcer and nodded as he relaxed a bit more into his seat. He watched the room and then spotted Michael stuffing his face with deserts....great.

[Deleted]

TRIPLE KROWN RACING

^{Characters; Hailey Levine, Aiden Smith, and Becky Andrews}

<sup>Hailey adjusted herself in her seat watching everyone who seemed to be swarming the table now. It seemed like everyone was here. She looked back at Amber who was now speaking. Good analysis! The press certainly can be annoying. You've got to just ignore them sometimes and focus on what's actually important. Hailey liked Amber. She was smart and mature. Two things that Hailey loved. Well, less of the pressure is on me. Her jockey, Krystal Yhate - who's eating a lot of dessert, it seems - is feeling a bit pressured. She needs to defeat Smiles' curse. She also needs to make sure I don't buy dinner for Nick here. Hailey laughed lightly. "Yes, her curse... If anyone can do it, it would be Sillenia. To tell you the truth, I have been having nightmares about this race for weeks now. Krystal is a very nice jockey. I wish that she could be one of our stable jockeys."

Hailey followed her nod and glanced at Nick before turning back to the door. The Star Thoroughbreds crew had arrived. Excuse me, Amber nodded to Hailey and Hailey nodded a goodbye. She glanced at Sarah Star before returning her mind back to the table. Nick seemed distracted by Alice and she thought it would be a polite time to escape. "It was nice meeting all of you, but you must excuse me." Hailey nodded to Nick and then Alice. She then got up and walked over to Becky who was now helping herself to a glass of wine. "So, you enjoying the party?" Becky nodded, "Yes... I think I have to go steal Aiden away soon though." Becky shot a quick glance over to their previous table where Aiden and Henna were chatting. She gave a slight chuckle and Hailey smiled good natured.

Aiden paused at her words. Tell me about Terror Smile. His eyes lit with love, "Well, she is the biggest pain in the butt to handle but I think it's just her personal game. She does listen when I ask her to but I believe it's just a big game for her. She loves running about as much as I love riding and that's what makes her a champion in my eyes. Not her amount of wins or placing percentage." He shrugged, "I am rambling on." With those words suddenly, Becky appeared at his side holding out a glass of wine, in her short blue dress. "Here, I brought you a drink." He took it and smiled at her before looking back at Henna. "Would you like something? I can go get it." He asked as he took a sip of his wine.</sup>

[Snowflake]

ooc: Sorry for the slow reply! :/

Characters: Sarah Star, Marissa Star, James Bryant, Stella Mackenzie, Blaze Bryant, Olivia Reynolds

I know! Sarah exclaimed, How have you been? She felt a bit guilty. It seemed she was getting busier and busier, and hardly stopped to talk to anyone outside of Star Thoroughbreds anymore. She was glad for this night, because she needed to let her hair down for once and have a good time. As they sat down at a table in a quieter area, Sarah remembered her husband. Squeezing his hand, she said, Amber, you remember James, I'm sure?

James smiled at Amber. He certainly remembered her. Although he was quiet in social settings, he always remembered names and faces. Who could forget the face of one of Star Thoroughbreds' biggest rivals, anyway? He squeezed Sarah's hand back gently, and remembered their wedding day. It hadn't been anything big, just a few family members and close friends at home. More horses had in fact attended than people.

---

After Sarah and James disappeared, Blaze and Olivia wandered off to a table together, leaving Marissa and Stella on their own. Looking at each other, they smiled. Time to check out the talent. Marissa was suddenly hit with how she didn't really know anyone here. She recognised the different stable groups, but realised she'd never really taken the time to talk to them. She then realised she must seem like a real snob. See any single men?

Stella took a sip of her wine, also coming to the conclusion that she didn't really know anyone here. I recognise some of these people, but I don't know any of them.. Stella commented. And possibly. That guy over there next to the girl in that gorgeous lace dress is looking our way, she added with a grin.

Probably a couple. Marissa sighed, putting a smile on her face anyway. No one was going to approach them if they didn't look like they were having a good time. She'd been single for more than a year now, after being on and off with Dave for a couple years. He'd gone and met someone new, and broken up with her for good. Unfortunately, he was still employed by Star Thoroughbreds until Windbreaker retired, so she'd had to put up with still seeing him around the stables and the awkwardness that came with that. They'd barely spoken since the final breakup.

Stella hadn't been in a relationship since before she'd gotten the job at STBS. Since she'd been here, the horses had kept her mostly distracted. Her last relationship had ended in heartache, even though she'd been the one to end it. Now, with Marissa's influence, she was feeling ready to get back into dating. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and crossed her legs as they sat down together at an empty table near the stage.

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Amber nodded in response to Hailey's words. Krystal's been having nightmares too, don't worry. With a fianl smile, she went to Sarah and James, relaxing in the presence of one of her oldest friends as she responded to Sarah's question. I've been okay as I can get, sending all ponies to the Breeders Cup and all. I'm losing a bit of sleep but nothing I can't get by on. She grinned, though what she said was true. Sleep deprivation was beginning to get to her, and she didn't need this before the Breeders Cup. It was stressful, but she was confident. She wanted to bring back some SOPS glory this year, and she wanted her horses to excel. The Breeders Cup would be theirs! Of course. Hey, James. How are you? Treating Sarah well I trust? She grinned cheekily. She liked the man Sarah had chosen to marry, and he was obviously very happy with her.

Krystal grinned as Michael passed the chocolate cake over to her. So many horses would hate her for this but screw it, she wanted food! Chocolate should be a girl's best friend, not diamonds. It helped so much more! Especially with those nightmares she had been having, nightmares involving Sill placing last and Amber roasting her over a spit in her fury over having to spend a cent of the money she would most likely try to hoard after the Breeders Cup for breeding season fees and the like. Hearing the sudden announcement, she listened eagerly and grinned. This means we have thirty minutes left to dig in! Let's get going! You man enough for a food eating contest? It was totally inappropriate in such a formal setting, but Krystal didn't care. This might be the last week of her life for all she knew!

Henna's eyes lit with understanding as Aiden talked. His feelings for Smile were so similar to her feelings for Fire. She hoped nothing bad would happen to him before he and Smiles had a chance to live their careers up to the fullest. It's okay to ramble on - I understand. We all love our horses after all. She grinned a small smile. As the other girl appeared, whom Henna didn't recognize, she gave a small smile and introduced herself. Hey. I'm Henna Turath. You must be with Triple Krown Racing too. At Aiden's polite question Henna shook her head. If Amber sees me drinking the week of the Breeders Cup...oh my gosh. Bad stuff. Though if there's some water anywhere I'd love some, if only to drown myself in before the big day. She smiled at her joke.