The Best Bet

Writers: Paula, Chelle
Date Posted: 29th June 2015

Characters: Sarban, Aivorn
Description: Aivorn and Sarban inspect the beasthold and make plans for the Turnover.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 13, day 8 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Miranek

"I have several young runner beasts I would like to sell in auction during
the Turnover Gather," Aivorn was telling the
Steward. "As well as some other breeding stock: canines, ovines,
herdbeasts."

"Sounds good. How are we looking for racing stock? Who are we entering this
turn?" Those
prizes meant income for the Hold in the form of stud fees. The marks came
from their own coffers
so if they won, they could keep them.

"Since we're hosting the race, I've entered pretty much every beast who's
able to race,"
Aivorn replied. "As for who has best chances to win, those would be Emerald
Champion
and Iron Dawn."

"See that they get the best feed till race day." It also helped that they
could run on the actual
course when they practiced with their jockeys beforehand. "I hope we'll
have good weather."

"Aye, there's nothing worse than racing in the mud," Aivorn agreed.

"Means more injuries usually-both for the runners and the jockeys." And
that was Miranek's
problem naturally. As would be the many who would come to Emerald Falls for
the Gather, but
also to have their annual checkup from the hold healer since they didn't
have one themselves.

"I rather keep my lads and my runners in one piece," Aivorn said with dry
tone.

"Aye, then again we could be worrying for nothing. Maybe the day will be
bright and shining."
Sarban chuckled to himself and inspected a stallion they walked by. Emerald
Falls was doing well,
despite having room for improvement. He couldn't help but feel a small
measure of pride for his part
in that. "Aivorn, you're doing a good job. Keep it up, man."

"Thank you, Sarban," Aivorn replied. "I enjoy it," he said and stopped just
to pet one of the mares.
She looked like she was about to have a foal any day now.

"Good. I'm also glad that there are quite a few turns before you'll retire.
It's good to keep a breeding
program under the same man for as long as you can do it. Continuity is
important." Of course Sarban
didn't know much about runners till he'd had to make it his business after
taking this position. After all,
the racing program was a large part of Emerald Falls' income.

"Aye," Aivorn agreed. Which was one reason why he had stayed in Emerald
Falls Hold. The other one
had been Troyshara, his wife. "The old Lord Benaroy did try to recruit me
for Amber Hills Hold," he
added with a merry voice.

Not wanting to spend too much talk on that particular reminder, Sarban
wanted to focus on something
else instead. "When the day comes hopefully you will be succeeded by
someone whose just as capable."
He wondered if the Master had a journeyman or two he trusted.

Aivorn nodded. "I have a couple of lads I've been training," he said. "I
just hope they stay here. One I
had high hopes for moved to Sapphire Meadows."

"Why would he do that?" That was where the bakercraft was. If the lad had
wanted something better, he
might have gone to Opal Cove at least. Shaking his head, Sarban tried not
think too much more about it.

"There was pretty lass involved," Aivorn snorted. "There always is. What I
don't understand is why
couldn't _she_ move here?"

"Exactly. And anyway, I'm sure we have some attractive women around here
somewhere." He himself
hadn't exactly found the right one yet, but that was another matter
entirely. With the Gather coming and
everyone coming in to visit, he might have a chance.

"I found my pretty lass from here," Aivorn replied.

Sarban chuckled and nodded, clapping Aivorn on the back. That was exactly
his point.

Last updated on the July 8th 2015

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The Best Bet