.!.Taming the Wild Teddy Bear.!. ||Open||

[.!.Nicole Benedict.!.]

...

Nicole couldn't contain herself to a calm walk. She ended up doing a funny looking half walk/jog down across the academy grounds. The skinny, 17 year old girl couldn't help it. She hadn't seen her baby in a couple of days. Even a couple hours away from him felt like decades. And of course by saying baby, I mean horse. Nicole didn't even mind that the bottom of her designer jeans with strategically placed holes in them were getting wet from the morning dew on the grass. She needed to see her horse and make sure there was nothing such as a scratch on his body. She had been very nervous about sending Donnie halfway across the country by himself, but her father had made the very logical point in saying, "well, he can't fit in the backseat.". Even though she had met the people that would be transporting him, she still didn't feel safe about the whole idea. But now he was here and doing well, at least that was what the school had said.

Right before she stepped into the barn, she made herself take a deep breath. Her nostrils were filled with the scent of fresh hay and, well you know, smells that her friends thought she was insane for liking. Nikki made herself calm down, walking into the barn at a leisurely walk, making a little tug at her fitting Abecrombie tee-shirt. Her instructor had always been very strict about running or even being over-excited in barns. Blue/Grey eyes flashed at the nameplates nailed to each stall, hoping that the next one that she read would be familiar. Finally, with a smile creeping onto her face, she found the stall that housed her best friend. It was only a matter of seconds before the gentle giant, Donatello according to the show circuit, stuck is head out the stall window, nickering loudly to his girl. Nicole giggled as she rubbed his velvety nose with her delicate hands. A sigh of relieve escaped her as she looked over his glossy, chestnut body, free from any harm.

Without any hesitation, she slipped into the stall, making sure to grab his halter and cotton lead that was hanging on the stall door. Donnie and Nikki obviously had a close relationship, because Donnie immediately started nudging her, playfully trying to say how glad he was to see her again. Nicole couldn't keep the smile off her face as she slipped the halter over his beautiful head. Her mind wandered back to when she had first saw this guy, a lanky three year old that couldn't tell his front feet from his back. Everyone tried to talk her out of getting him, he was just to awkward and unbalanced. But Nicole saw something in Donnie that other people didn't, and ever since they had been raking in the blue ribbons. Now as the pair left the barn and came into the shining sunlight, his muscles rippled with intense training. Nicole had helped him out of that awkward stage and now his coat gleamed and he looked like a true champion.

Nikki spotted an empty round pen out of the corner of her eye. Perfect, She thought to herself as she walked in it's direction. Donnie and her were experts at round penning and it was a great way of calming down and focusing Donnie. Once the pair was inside the fence and Nikki had made sure that the gate was closed and latched, she unhooked the halter from Donnie's face. Letting it fall on the ground next to her feet, the big teddy bear's ears pricked up as he watched Nicole flick the cotton lead rope at his rump. He immediately got the idea and started cantering around the ring, his ears pricked up, his head high. His tail was sky high as he kicked with joy, Nicole continuing to send him around the circle. She knew that this wouldn't be a very fast round penning session since he had just spend the past couple days in a trailer. She was ready for it. In fact, Nicole had a lot more patience than most people.

A smile creeped up at the corner of her lips as Donnie's head began to fall. It was a slow process, he wanted to keep going round and round, getting out all his excess energy. Nicole closed her eyes for a second, just listening to the pounding of his hoofs against the earth. This were the simple pleasures that flooded the earth. This is what made Nicole stand out from her friends. They just cared about partying and looking good. Nicole opened her eyes and continued to focus on Donnie. Maybe thats why they got along so well, both of them could get distracted sometimes. The inner ear swiveled in, the neck lowered, Donnie was beginning to blow dust with his nose. All the signs that Nicole had been looking for. His legs slowed down to a trot and Nicole turned her back to him, bowing her head and closing her eyes. For a minute, it was silent, no sound but the breeze against the trees. And then Nikki heard a faint blowing in her ear. She turned around to greet Donnie right there, smiling and stroking his forehead. This is why she would never grow out of horses. The connection was just to strong.

...

[[ raelynn ]]

I trod over to the pens, green eyes searching frantically for my farmiliar bay gelding. My feet moved down the steps in a flash, hands occupied putting my long locks into a neat french braid. My breeches were spotless, polo shirt a bright aqua, setting off the emerald in my eyes, or at least that's what the saleswoman had said. I saw a blonde head in the ring, and stopped dead. I never wore makeup when I rode, and suddenly, I was regretting that discision. Sighing, I shuffled to the pens, calling out softly, Al? I was answered by a snort, and the plodding of hooves. I smiled at my gelding, but my face turned to a frown to find his coat soiled.
With a note of frustration, I pulled out a currycomb, and began at his coat, right there in the pen. I couldn't stand having his usually healthy coat looking so dissheveled. Once he gleamed to my satisfaction, I led him out.

[ooc. eh, sorryzz. its kind of icky. it rambles -waves hand dismissively-]

[.!.Nicole Benedict.!.]

...

"Good boy." Nicole whispered to Donnie, combing her fingers through his chesnut forlock. She took a second to look at his fairly dusty body. Donnie was known to roll, and often. Especially right after a good grooming or bath. She noticed another girl out of the corner of her eye, grooming her horse in another pen. Although having Donnie dirty did get on Nicole's nerves a little, she pushed her want to impress others to the back of her mind, trying to keep her focus on her horse. That was definitly a weakness of Nikki's. She was pretty self-consious and always wanted to look her best, afraid of what people might think if she wasn't. That's what happens when you grow up in southern california, where it is either look good or die trying.

Nicole took a deep breath and tried to forget about the girl. She walked around the pen a couple of times, watching Donnie follow her of his own free will. She wasn't doing this to show off, merely to make sure that their join up would be a lasting one. Donnie's eyes were intent on keeping on Nicole and after a couple laps, she made her way to pick up the halter and lead rope. Smiling, she clipped the two pieces of tack together and slipped it over Donnie's expressive face. She bit her lip, wondering what to do next. She had told herself that she wasn't going to ride Donnie for at least two days, to let him get used to his surroundings first. Who was she kidding, she couldn't wait that long! Hurried, as if she was afraid she would change her mind, she tied the loose end of the lead rope to the halter, making makeshift reins. Nicole led him over to the fence, using it as a temporary mounting block, and climbed aboard Donnie.

The giant chesnut's ears immediatly pricked up as he felt the weight of his owner on his back. Unlike many horses, he loved being ridden, he loved to work. Responding to the subtle que of Nicole's heel, Donnie started to walk around the ring. Nikki was used to the large, widely spaced stride of Donnie and was glad to be riding again. She shrugged her shoulders when she realized she didn't have a helmet on. Oh well, sometimes you just have to risk it. She could hear her instructor yelling at her right now for riding without one, but she couldn't pass up this chance to ride. She nudged Donnie's barrel again, and they set off at a trot. It gave Nicole some comfort that they were in a pretty small, confined area. She would not trust Donnie's A.D.D. to keep her safe otherwise. She posted up and down to the horse's gliding trot, something that most people have trouble doing without stirrups. That's what years of riding will do to you though.

...

[[OOC: Thats ok. I can't believe I'm posting so long. I must have a lot of muse. lol. Oh by the way, you might want to check the rules on if you can roleplay in first person or not. I don't know. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble!

[[ raelynn ]]

[ooc. thanks for looking out for me :] rules say its fine, so its all gravy. if it bother you, though, i can switch easily. let me know, i'm easy]

I felt Al rub his head on my shirt. I was used to the slobber he usually left, but it still sometimes made me cringe. But, it was a loving cringe. If that was even possible. I smoothed his forelock, and he peered at me inquisitively with bright eyes. I sat on the fence, stroking his neck for a while, before he grew bored with the petting and trotted off to peer curiously at a small rabbit poking its head out of the tall grass. I smiled affectionately as the rabbit retreated back into its hole, and Al walked back to where I sat. My hiking boots swung casually on the fence, and as I toyed with my geldings mane, I watched the girl ride.
It was obvious the bond she and her horse shared. I stared at Al briefly, wondering if he and I were that close. Obviously, I hadn't gotten him because we "fell in love." I was bitten by the horse bug, sure, but only after seeing a pure white pony in my foe's yard. And, of course, I had to have a pony too.
So I got Biscuit, a dappled grey Welsh Pony who taught me how to jump, and how to do dressage. Then I saw my nemisis had herself a beautiful black Arabian mare, and I of course had to have myself a horse too. So I got Al. He was an attempt to buy me off, no doubt, but as soon as he arrived from Germany, I felt a connection. Perhaps ours was not so strong as the pair in the other paddock, but I loved him, despite his quirks. For instance, when he jumped, he always put his left foot in front of his right, no matter what lead. I checked every photo, every video, and he did so. And in dressage, He swished his tail when he passed the gate. Why? I had no idea. But that's what made Al Al. And that was why he was special to me.
I knew I had troubles at home, and Al knew it no doubt. But I felt a slight homesickness. I wanted Daddy's reassuring words, the smell of his cigar wafting out from his study. I wanted Mother's ability to micromanage, even if it was exasperating. But, as my gelding nuzzled my hands, I knew I had him to remind me of what I'd left behind. And that was all I needed.

[.!.Nicole Benedict.!.]

...

Nicole continued to trot around the ring, her perfect posture showing off her years of intense training. She felt a little awkward riding near this girl without saying anything to her, but her instructor had taught her never to talk to anyone while she was riding. "If you want to talk, talk to your horse." She used to say. Trying to ignore her outgoing tendency to introduce herself, she focused back on Donnie. She looked at his muscular neck, his big, expressive ears and face, felt his bouncing body under her. She was so glad that Donnie was hers. She couldn't imagine riding any other horse. She smiled as they went around the ring. They had a connection that reflected into the world. Even other people had complimented her on the relationship she had with her horse.

Once again, she nudged Donnie's chestnut sides with her heel, her outside foot back just a tad. Donnie immediately picked up the correct canter lead and they started to glide around the pen. Nicole was surprised at how well he was going today, usually there was always a playful fight between the two when they rode. But today, he obeyed every command and for that she was grateful. She was also glad that someone else was out there seeing her ride as well. Nicole didn't like to admit it, but she was somewhat of a showoff when it came to riding. Whenever she rode good in front of someone, it gave her an extra boost of confidence.

They cantered around the pen as if they were floating. Donnie's smooth gaits carried Nicole like a baby, and you could tell that she was enjoying every minute of it. Her blond hair was blowing back from the wind, free from the usual helmet. After a couple times around, Nicole was satisfied and decided to slow him down. Her delicate hands pulled back on the lead, making Donnie slow to a trot and then finally down to a walk. Nicole took a deep breath, smiling.

"Hello." She said, loud enough so that the other girl would hear her. She hoped that the girl would talk to her, she loved meeting new people.

...

((It's ok with me, I was just making sure you didn't get in trouble. Sorry about the delay with the post))

[[ raelynn ]]

I was broken out of my trance in short time. I blinked several times, trying to trace the words. They came from the blonde who'd been riding. I tucked a stray strand of hair that had fallen from my braid behind my ear, and carefully replied, Hello there. Nice riding. My words, thanks to incessent manners lessons from Mother, were warm enough, inviting almost. Al peered at the two curiously, black-tipped ears pricked forward intently.
I thrust my parents out of my mind, knowing that was best. Couldn't follow in their footsteps, anyway. I considered expanding conversation, but as Al nuzzled my hands with his soft muzzle, I decided I'd let her take the next step, if she so desired.

[ooc. no problem. and sorry for the shortness. kind of pooped]

[.!.Nicole Benedict.!.]

...

"Thanks." Nicole replied smiling, patting Donnie's smooth neck. He gave a little puff from his soft, velvety nose before reaching it out to the other horse. Donnie was a very friendly horse which could be seen by the prick of his ears at every horse. Nicole weaved her fingers into his pulled mane, swinging her leg over his rump and landing with a thump on the ground beside him. Pulling her designer jeans down a little to unscrunch them, she moved toward the girl.

"I'm Nicole Benedict." She said politely, ignoring Donnie nudging her back with the tip of his nose. She was hoping to meet some people here since she was new, but she wasn't worried. She never stayed without friends long.

...



((thats ok, so is mine. Yay, just got home from riding!! and now homework...meh))

[[ raelynn ]]

Raelynn Swaze. Rae. I said giving a suprisingly sincere smile. Al snaked his head forward, inquisitively nudging the other gelding's neck. I glanced at him quickly, hoping he'd behave himself. What dorm? I asked, not bothering with small talk. Despite Mother and Daddy's numerous attempts, I was completely horrid at finding conversation, but I hated quiet. I liked places that were loud. Daddy said it was because I was a loud baby, but I think he was just trying to be clever. I twisted the Mignon f*get ring that sat on my right ring finger, feeling its farmiliar crevaces and twists. I'd had the ring forever, but I could no longer place exactly when or why I'd recieved it.
I plucked a brown hair-- either from my own head or Al's mane-- off my otherwise spotless tan breeches. I wasn't sure why I'd worn them, as I didn't really intend on riding, but they were considered barn clothes to me. Well, occasionally I'd slip on some jeans, but otherwise-- breeches.

[ooc. eck. short.]