Runner races 5: Meeting

Writers: Eimi, Kaysea, Paula, Vix
Date Posted: 6th June 2008

Characters: Corowal, Aivorn, Benaroy, Olrain, Luter
Description: Corowal and the runner owners meet to decide if they should cancel rest of the race.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 9, day 7 of Turn 4

The Lord Holder had gathered the participants of the runner race to his office. While they waited Aivorn to return from the infirmary, a drudge served them hot klah and food.

"How is Meadow Star?" Corowal asked.

Olrain's hands shook as he took a cup of klah, though whether it was from anger, frustration, or the cold he really could not have said. "Bruised."
His answer was curt. "His foreleg is bruised enough that he'll miss at least the first several races of the spring season."

"Hopefully he'll be back in form in time for the Summer Gather at Amber Hills," Benaroy said sympathetically. It would be sad not to have a competitor like him at their races.

Corowal nodded just when Aivorn knocked the door. "Enter!" the Lord holder called and Aivorn stepped in. "Well, what did master Miranek say?"

"They'll both recover. Jengir has broken leg, your man just had wind knocked out of his lungs," Aivorn nodded towards Olrain. "He might have a sore tailbone, though."

"Good," Olrain grunted, though the man was the least of his concerns - he was a good enough jockey, but without Meadow Star the small hold's racing team would be at a disadvantage. A sip of klah, still too hot to drink and scalding the man's tongue, did nothing to ease the Field Meadow Holder's temper.

"So, what we need to decide is whether of continue the race or cancel it?"
Corowal asked.

Aivorn walked to the window and looked out. The snow fall was easing up, more sleet than snow now. "There's ways to make the track less slippery, by spreading gravel and straws on it."

Olrain snorted in derision. "And risk another runner's racing future?"

"If I may Sir?" Luter had been standing in the corner, unsure whether he was really welcome to attend the meeting, but he couldn't stand by and watch the day fall to ruins because of a minor accident. It wasn't as if anyone had been seriously injured, the jockeys knew what to expect, and the runners were alright, as well. Hopefully the Lord Holder would be willing to listen to reason.

"Go ahead, Luter," Corowal said with a nod of his head.

"If I may Sir, I agree wit Aivorn, and not just because I still want to win a race." he said with a small grin. "Straw and possible sawdust laid on the track would make it safer for the runners, and maybe, during the races we could have people walk out and squash the sods back into the track. Half the problem is the churned up and pitted ground after the first race has been run, subsequent races only make matters worse - if the sods aren't squashed down again."

Benaroy nodded, thinking this whole meeting was rather silly. But then again, they didn't have nearly the experience he'd have over his lifetime. "I would agree, Corowal. There's no need to cancel anything.
We've found ways to run our runners in every condition at Amber Hills. One little accident is no real cause for alarm." He nodded towards the Master Beastcrafter. "I'm sure you know the track better than any of us, Master Aivorn. What would you recommend to improve the conditions?"

"What holder Luter suggested would work just fine," Aivorn said with a nod.

Olrain crossed his arms defiantly but still listened to the conversation. He was reluctant to risk his runners any further, but even more reluctant to back down if the other Holder's entries were to race.

"My men will be moe than willing to help. And there's plenty of straw to be had from the stables." Luter said, perking up with the agreement of the older Lord Holder, hopefully between Aivorn's recommendation and that of Lord Benaroy, Corowal would be agreeable.

"So, we continue the race and Aivorn will make everything possible to make it safer," Corowal decided and looked his stable master.

Aivorn nodded. "If you excuse me, I'll get to work with it right away?"

"Of course," Corowal replied and Aivorn left the office. "Meanwhile, we can enjoy the lunch and socialize a bit," the Lord holder continued with a charming smile.

With a sigh, Olrain told himself that the others surely would not risk valuable beasts unless they believed in this solution. He only hoped that there would be plenty of wine served with lunch to steel him for this attempt.

Last updated on the June 7th 2008

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Runner races 5: Meeting