eternal melody

[S u N f r O s T ~]

ETERNAL PHANTOM AND KRYSTAL YHATE
MYSTICAL MELODY AND HENNA TURATH

PHANTIE'S WORKOUT FOR THE JANUARY MAIDEN DIRT

Honestly, Henna, are all of your horses so freaking uncontrollable? exclaimed Krystal exasperatedly. She had just had to expertly scoot Eternal Phantom over to avoid Mystical Melody's curious buck that had sent a hoof flying dangerously close to her mount. Henna shot a glare at Krystal, eyes narrowing. Do all of your horses have to be such psychopaths that only you can ride them? she retorted hotly. Krystal decided not to deem that question with a reply; instead, a glare was sent Henna's way. My mounts are not psychopaths. They are merely...selective of their rider, and very deep thinkers she retorted smartly. Henna snorted. Yeah, I bet that's Marissa Star's excuse for Rising Fury's actions. Krystal couldn't help but laugh at the comment, and at the sound the atmosphere considerably lightened.

So, what's Amber having us do today? Krystal questioned. She stroked Phantie's neck once, not so much as getting an ear flick in acknowledgement from the silent filly. Krystal reminded herself to be ready for anything Phantie might do. She was one of the most difficult horses to ride in the stable, but Krystal had volunteered for the challenge. She liked Phantie for some inexplicable reason. Perhaps it was the intelligence that lingered like a promise behind her dark gaze, or perhaps it was because she found anti-social horses almost endearing in their antics. Though Phantie's actions could hardly be called antics. Bucking, biting, rearing - Krystal had already nearly been unseated twice. It was only now, in the presence of another, than she had become a recluse. Phantie did not play well with others. Especially jumpy, energetic fillies like Mel. Krystal was still questioning the sanity of Amber, pairing Phantie and Mel together for Phantie's pre-race workout. It was for the January Maiden Dirt, Phantie's first start, and Krystal wanted the win. Hopefully working with Mel wouldn't ruin it for them.

She's asked us to do a quick five furlong sprint, almost all out responded Henna. Something about stretching Mel's legs and getting Phantie to think about speed and acceleration. Mel danced underneath Henna at her rider's words, almost breaking free of an already tight hold. The filly had had a successful three year old season, and now at grade two was looking to hit grade one shortly at the onset of her four year old season. Henna hoped to hit the miles running with her mare, and was prepping her for the upcoming Unicorn Horn Series already. Then again, it was a pretty huge series that marked out the top contenders. And SOPS had a history of winning in the series, a tradition to uphold.

Well, let's go, if you're ready coaxed Krystal. I know Phantie doesn't look it...ahh! Krystal's exclamation was at the sudden, violent buck that Phantie had given her. Sensing her surprise, the black two year old filly then attempted to grab the bit in her teeth and run away down the dirt. Krystal barely managed to keep her seat and control. Checking the filly sharply, Krystal tightened the reins slightly before continuing to speak. As I was saying, Phantie here is just dying to defeat Mel. I know her well enough now to know that Phantie won't stand for Mel's energy. You're in for a fight. Henna grinned at Krystal's comment. Well, we'll certainly do our best to defeat you she said in a sing-song voice. Krystal grinned. Well, three....two....one....go!

The first pace was fast and furious. Phantie nearly went into a gallop as fast as seasoned racehorse Mel, and actually kept pace with her as they began to sprint out the first furlong. Waves of annoyance were rolling off of the filly. Krystal had been right - Phantie didn't play well with others, especially if others was Mel it seemed. The first quarter soon went by, then the third furlong. Nearly filly was letting up. Phantie had the air of a determined, more seasoned racehorse as she challenged Mel, yet Mel was not giving in. Mel nudged slightly in front of Phantie, who, enraged at the gesture, immediately fought back. But their epic battle was soon cut short by the onset of the end of the fourth furlong. Both women struggled to pull their working mounts up. Upon succeeding, both women realized they were panting, and that their mounts were, too. But both were also exhilarated by what had just transpired.

The competitive juices were flowing, and both were eager to see what would happen next.