``bad spirits are 'Open'

[Luke Peters]

“Lu?” Luke – or, should we say, ‘Lu,’ – could do nothing but laugh. He hoped that he didn’t drown for how much he was thrashing around. Lu sounded like a girl’s name, but he didn’t care much. It was sweet that Amy had blessed him with such a calling. He knew that eventually it would blossom into Louise, or Lu-Lu, but he didn’t care much now. Lu was innocent enough. He had to stop laughing, otherwise he’d end up on the bottom of the floor. Then he’d really be in need of some saving.
Luke watched as Amy blushed. Was he coming on a little too strongly? Being a little too forward? Sighing lightly, Luke paddled in a small circle, mostly listening to her words. He was her hero? Or was she flirting? Silently, Luke mulled it over, a small grin playing on his features.
“Do you really think I’m a good influence?” He toyed with the idea. Sure, he’d never done anything horrible, but he thought that Amy would be the better of the two. With a sweet little smile, he shrugged.
“Maybe. I love it too. So much to gain from the experience.”
He stayed silent when her voice dropped to a more serious octave. He wished that he could comfort her more thoroughly, but being in the water made that hard. All the more reason to get out.

“I can handle a lot of things, Cowgirl, you included.”
Well, serious for a moment, but back to being typical Luke. He winked again. Wait, was that… was that a kiss? On the cheek? Luke felt goosebumps raise on his arms for the second time that day. He shivered, but it was not because he was cold. Luke felt Amy hop on his back, which was barely any extra weight. He was a cowboy, used to handling steeds and riding bulls, he could handle a girl.
“Hang on.” He grinned hitching his arms under her knees, and began to kick towards land.
It didn’t take very long to get there, Luke had powerful limbs. He continued to hold on to her, even after it became too shallow to swim. In fact, he pretty much walked her up to dry land, practically refusing to put her down until she threw a fit. Would she? For now, he just walked reaaal slow, savoring the moment.

[Melanie Black]

...Amy Cameron...
…I miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain…

Amy got almost scared that he would perhaps drown as much as he was laughing but smiled relieved when he didn’t. He had control, a good thing from her side of the story at least, and it was good to joke around again. She hadn’t done it in ages, ah the memories, yes memories is everything she has left, both good and bad just like everyone else. Hearing his question she opened her already closed eyes and showed a serious expression. ”Well, seeing as you are behaving now I can’t really tell, but who knows, maybe Mrs. Williams likes you. But I don’t think flirting with her is a good idea.”

[/i] She giggled at the thought of Sonya Williams actually smiling. She sure as hell hadn’t seen her smile, but then again, Amy never really saw the principal, unless she was at the office getting crap about how impure and immoral her mare was. She sighed, so what if she didn’t have a purebred? The Academy didn’t have that many pure breds either and you didn’t see her go on complaining about it. Ah well, she just had to deal with it for now, right? Not really, well other than listening to the deep comforting tone of Lu’s voice. She giggled, loving the nickname she had put on him.

”Yeah, it’s always a new experience working with a new horse. But when it comes to your nickname, I’m the only one allowed to call you, seeing as I came up with it.”[/i] She smiled and splashed on him just lightly and turned around following him when he swam in a circle around her while talking, she felt tired all of a sudden, like she could just lean on him and fall asleep, that was something new. She had never thought of leaning on another guy and just relax. Sure, she had had a boyfriend, once, but it hadn’t gotten any good so she broke up, as well as he had been cheating. Probably why she was still having problems trusting people, you have to work to get out some memories from this girl, she’s a hard nut to crack, believe me. She giggled however as he got lightly cocky, surprisingly liking that side of him and leaned on him, resting her head on his back, closing her eyes for a minute she could feel how he suddenly picked her up. She was surprised that he didn’t let her go and jerked her head to the side of his curiously.


Eragon noticed the pair and the large stallion neighed lovingly, he dug the ground once but stood still, or half still. She could see how restless he was, he needed a good run, and she needed to check him up for injuries. Yes, the handsome horse had this annoying ability that he always got a scratch here and there, she just had to get down first. She noticed the really slow walking and raised an eyebrow before whispering in his ear softly. ”You’re just living the moment aren’t you? Want me to kiss you again, or are you going to release me?”[/i] It was really meant to be a joke but inside her heart jumped when she had been bold enough to say it. She didn’t really know what she should expect as she waited for his reply.









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[Luke Peters]

“Flirting? With the principal? No thanks.” He laughed, just imagining coming on to the head of the school in a similar manner to now. If that wasn’t sure to get him expelled, he didn’t know what was. Luke loved the fact that Amy seemed to comfortable around – and on – him. Hey, if there wasn’t comfort, then there wasn’t a relationship. Relationship? The word made him nervous, but also slightly giddy. For now, he’d play it dumb with himself. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Luke wasn’t always the greatest committer, although he’d never cheat. It was just… long-term relationships that freaked him out. Even friends sometimes. Occasionally he’d find himself drifting from his best friend of two years. He pulled it together to save the friendship of course, but his fear of commitment got a little annoying sometimes. Oh well, he’d try not to think about it for now, not when he had a beautiful girl on the shore and an even prettier one on his back. Well, comparing horses and humans is like apples and oranges, but you get the gist.
“Fair is fair, Sweetie, you can patent it if y’like, although I doubt anyone’s gonna be stealin’ it. Although it is pretty fabulous, no one’s called me Lu yet, not any one of the eighteen years I’ve been alive!” He hiked her a little more up on his back, and grinned, although she couldn’t see.

V raised her head in greeting as the couple approached. She wasn’t openly affectionate, so she distributed no whicker of welcome, but Luke knew that she was acknowledging their arrival. It seemed Amy’s horse was too, but in a more blatant manner. Luke laughed at these antics. They were rather… cute. He silently wished that V would pick up on them so she would show such a greeting next time he was away.
“Hey V,” He said, still holding Amy. “Miss me?” There was a glint in his eye like always when he saw his horse. V merely snorted, but Luke could tell it was out of love. What a complicated relationship they had, huh? V often recalcitrant, Luke trying to appeal to her better nature. It was sweet when you really dissected it.

You know what else was sweet?
The fact that this was the third time today Luke would have goosebumps. This time though, not so much from Amy whispering in his ear, but from what she said. Luke tried to think of a cool thing to say so it wouldn’t seem like he was so shaken by her comment.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you? The Lu-Mobile happens to have a service charge – for gas, y’know? Well, it’s more of a tip jar than anything…” He trailed off, unconsciously gripping Amy a little tighter so she wouldn’t run away, as he turned his head to look over his shoulder. He wouldn’t expect more than a kiss on the cheek, but one never knew what one was getting.

[Melanie Black]

...Amy Cameron...
…I miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain…

She laughed lightly of his comment and moved so she got a little more comfortable upon his back. She almost felt like falling asleep if it hadn’t been for his voice again, she smiled hearing she had been the only one calling him Lu. Well, she was smart that way, maybe. But who knew, maybe one day she could call him Lu-kun or Lu-chan. Oh no! She couldn’t think like that, it would only make her laugh hard and he would probably wonder what was running through her mind. But really, she felt like cuddling, but she would never admit it, no, she would rather die than tell anyone that she wanted to cuddle. ”Oh? Well it was about time someone gave you a nickname, and besides, someone gotta pant it. And I fancy that nick.”

[/i] She grinned a little to herself, yet got puzzled when he actually walk up to V without releasing her, he was having fun huh? Eragon flicked his ears and she noticed that he wanted some attention as well. He snorted irritated seeing the mare getting attention, seeing as he thought Amy was ok with walking over to the mare as well. Or something like that, she never really knew what went up in his mind.

”I don’t think she’ll miss you. More like she wants to tease Eragon for being roped up instead of being gelded.”[/i] The stallion snorted again and moved around he found the see through long top she had been wearing. The horse picked it up and shook his head up and down. Of course, Amy blushed feverishly and glared at her horse. ”You put that back ya hear! Or I will seriously castrate you myself.”[/i] Hanoverian just shook his head and threw it up in the air and it landed, ironically upon his neck, ears perked and he stuttered almost as if flattering himself, she felt like kicking Lu in his sides but didn’t. She was so going to get that horse when she got released. Then again, as soon as she heard his voice her mind drifted somewhere else but the blush never vanished, why? Because she wanted to surprise him, almost like a “caught-in-the-moment” kind of thing, seeing as he turned his head to her she knew he expected a kiss on the cheek. However, something else happened that he wasn’t ready for, she hoped.


She leaned in, her lips pointed towards his cheek gently but before they were even close the teen shifted her direction and let her lips touch the outline of his on the side. She leaned back, crossing her arms softly and looked at him. ”Now, let me be released so I can castrate my annoying stallion. He needs a payback.”[/i] Her voice was half-jokingly and half-serious, but one never knew what Lu would do now that she had almost kissed his lips, or rather, the side of them. You ready cowboy?









[/blockquote][/size]

[Luke Peters]

When Luke felt her get more comfortable, or at least adjust, he shut his mouth for a while. She was relaxing, good. He was pretty tired too, although he’d never admit it. No, he was too much of a man for that. He could remember quite vividly fighting sleep in the car when he was younger, after his mother had remarked to his father that, ‘he wouldn’t last long.’ Little Luke defied them, although his act of rebellion was hardly anything. As he grew, Luke didn’t put up too much of a hassle for his parents, although he remained determined. Lazy sometimes, yes, but when he set his mind to something, you’d better count on it getting done. Well, sooner or later anyways. He wasn’t picky with the time and place, more of what it was he was trying to accomplish.
Yawning silently, Luke listened to Eragon’s cries for attention. He felt bad not letting Amy go tend to him, but his own selfishness took over. He could keep her for a few more moments, right? That wouldn’t hurt him that much. And, oh, he seemed to be putting on a show with Amy’s top? Brilliant. Luke shook with laughter as he watched the antics, as well as listened to Amy. She didn’t seem too pleased with the whole ordeal, but Luke thought it was marvelous. He turned his gaze towards V momentarily, who actually seemed interested. For once! Her head was raised and her ears were pricked towards the action. Luke gave his head a little sideways nod, as if giving her the okay to get in on the action. Gingerly, V took a step forward, before walking off slowly towards where Eragon stood. When she’d reached the edge of her comfort zone, V extended her lengthy neck and snagged Amy’s shirt off his neck before daintily dropping it on the floor, as if she were some princess or something. This was a riot, but Luke did not allow himself to laugh.
“Vee, he drawled sternly, amusement still flickering in his eyes, “that’s not a very nice way to treat other people’s things, now is it?”
As if in response, V snorted, nudged Eragon with her nose, and trotted off to where she was stationed before. Horses, you gotta love ‘em.

Now, about Amy. Luke had turned his head in preparation for her kiss, but he’d never imagined it to take a turn such as this. Okay, maybe he’d fantasized about it, and wished a little, but still. As soon as he felt her lips come in contact with the corners of his own, he instinctively turned his head, hoping to catch a more, full-mouthed kiss. Unfortunately, his neck was already twisted at an odd angle, and he couldn’t really move his head any further without hurting himself. He weighed the consequences. Broken neck meant that he couldn’t do anything, let alone kiss Amy, so he figured he better wait until next time. Next time? He sure hoped so. The butterflies were still floating around in his stomach.
“Go get ‘em, Tiger.” He laughed lightly and gently set Amy down. He had a massive urge to take her by the hand and fold her up in his arms, but he managed to resist. He exhaled shakily once he’d placed her on the ground. Wow, liking a girl was proving tougher than expected. That’s what it was, right, like? He didn’t know for sure, but Luke figured they’d stepped out of friend territory. Only by a few steps maybe, but it was still crossing the border, and Luke had a few tricks up his sleeve. He sure liked this new territory, but did Amy? After all, it takes two to tango.

[Melanie Black]

...Amy Cameron...
…I miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain…

Even if he was stubborn Amy could feel the change and noticed that he too was tired. The teen watched the two equines however, a slim smile upon her lips. Eragon perked his ears and watched V as she neared, he didn’t even move an inch, but the female however rolled her eyes. What was it with horses and her clothes? She shook her head lightly but smiled seeing how her horse stretched his neck as well without moving his body. He was really behaving today. That of course surprised her, but she would have to reward his good behavior with some jumping when they came back, she didn’t even need a saddle for that, her balance was a great strength. She could easily jump on a horse bareback; she had been riding since before she could walk so there were no reason why she couldn’t, right? Hearing Luke’s comment to V she chuckled, amused by those two. They really loved each other, V was just too stubborn to show it, it was probably that kind of relationship they had as well. Wait, what? Did they have a relationship? She didn’t know, but it didn’t take long until she noticed the surprise in his eyes, but there had also been something else. Disappointment? Excitement?

Sixteen year old couldn’t figure out but released a soft smile to him, when he finally released her Amy couldn’t help but grin. Her piercing blue eyes looked at him softly until she finally felt like she could roll out some words. ”Yes, he better watch ou’ for me now!”

[/i] Grinning lightly Amy turned and trotted the few steps to Eragon. The horse took a couple of steps back from the top, she looked at him with her arms crossed over her chest, good, he knew he had done bad. Even though he didn’t look like he regretted it seeing as the mare had come to him, he was pleased with that huh? That cocky stud, she would have to change his feeding a little so he could feel the punishment, good for her that she knew him well, right? Ames took the top and slipped it over her slender body, it went over her butt easily, almost like a dress but it was still a little too short. Finding her skirt she slipped it on and finally felt appropriate enough to scold the horse. ”You’re punishment will be no carrots or drops of lavender for a week. Sounds good?”[/i] Two words the horse knew in the tone they were used in was carrots & drops, mix that with a half-mad voice and you get him to understand it, slightly.


Ears snapped down almost disappointed but Amy was a rock when she first said those things. She ruffled his forelocks and quite easily slipped on the bit as well as taking care of the knot. Getting the reins in their spot she got the lead rope around the horse’s neck and checked it so it wasn’t hurting him. Eragon stood half-still. He wanted to go, not wait and get her to check him on. He sighed however when she finally went over his large broad spine. She wasn’t tall, but she still got strength enough to get onto the seventeen point one hands tall horse. Catching the reins easily she clicked her tongue letting him walk towards the pair of Lu and V, the horse halted soon enough keeping distance from the mare, by Amy’s direction though. Leaning on and patting the chestnut horse for being an obedient boy she looked back down at Luke. ”Missed me? Eragon seems happy to just be a meter from V, silly goose.”[/i] She smiled and stroke the horse easily, he moved his neck down a little nibbling softly on the bit while waiting for something more to happen, ears flicked in case he had to talk or trot. He needed to stretch out his legs seeing as he had been standing, for quite some time. Then again, one could never know what Luke would decide to do, right?









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[Luke Peters]

As soon as he dropped Amy off, Luke wasted no time prepping V. In reality, he would have liked to follow Amy like a lost puppy, but he decided that would be a little too… intense. Plus, he needed to spend some quality time with his first leading lady.
Striding over to V, Luke gave a short whistle. Her head rose gently off the ground, like a dropped piece of paper played backwards, slowly floating up towards where Luke stood. He held out a cupped palm, and V slid in her nose submissively. He laughed, and kissed her on the forehead.
“Were you flirtin’ with that stallion while I was gone?” He teased, ruffling her forelock with his free hand. V snorted, pulling away from his hand to shoot him a knowing look, one that probably said: I should be asking you the same question. Luke chuckled quietly, and ducked under V’s neck to retrieve her bridle and his t-shirt.
“Here, hold this?” He held the top of her bridle out towards her mouth, where V caught on and grabbed gentle hold of it. He gave her a pat before slipping on his tank, which clung to his damp frame. Well, V was going to have to deal with a wet butt.
“Thank ya kindly,” Luke drawled, retrieving her bridle and slipping her into it with ease. He paused halfway through to listen to Amy reprimanding Eragon. Shaking with silent mirth, he gave V a pat.
“Aren’t you glad you’re well-behaved?” V made no comment, merely opening her mouth a little to signal she just wanted him to finish with the bridle.

Luke finished quickly and efficiently, like always, but he still messed around her head, waiting until Amy was all ready so he wouldn’t look like a show-off. When he heard her over his shoulder, however, he stopped pretending and turned around, grinning. Her question: ‘missed me?’ Boy, they could just not stop flirting!
“Unconditionaly,” he responded, lightly stepping to V’s side where he managed to mount without looking like a fool. V, he noticed, was keeping her head still in the presence of the stallion, but by the way her gaze seemed to be pointing, it seemed as if she was looking at him. Another romance blossoming, maybe? Another? What’s that supposed to mean? Oh, did I say another…
Anyways.
Luke bowed deep in the, eh, should we say, lack of saddle, and swept his arm out towards the exit.
“Shall we?” He would wait until Amy left before following her, more or less catching up to her. He waited, watching how V’s ears followed the pair with interest. In a moment of spontaneity, he laughed and said,
“Hey Ames, how funny would it be if our horses started liking each other, just like—” He stopped, and swallowed. Had he just been about to say…? His lip locked.
“Just like, uh, people, who, uhm, like each other.” He tried smiling, but it came out a little tense. She probably knew what he was going to say, but would she ignore it?
Deny it?
… Agree with it?

[Melanie Black]

...Amy Cameron...
…I miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain…

The stallion lipped her lovingly, wanting to apologies for what he had done, and Amy being the softie she was couldn’t stay mad at him. Fingers ruffled the soft forelocks lovingly and she kissed his muzzle and blew softly in his nostrils. Head threw a fit, with an amusing feel that is and he threw his lips up. ”Silly goose, come here and I’ll let you run. Ok?”

[/i] The horse snorted and slipped his head to her chest, ears lowering and they stood still a little. As she came up to the other pair Amy couldn’t help but grin a little. Both Luke and Eragon was a couple of silly gooses, and they were so much fun to tease. She wondered however, why V seemed to be paralyzed by her horse. Of course, Tobajo’s Era Gone noticed this. Ears perked as the cobber colored Hanoverian bowed his head and nodded murmuring a low greeting. Palm patted the masculine neck so ever softly while listening to what Lu said. She looked at him and flashed a charmingly smile before clicking her tongue for the horse to move up in a trot. ”Sure thing, do you think you two can hang on him? He’ll probably take off soon.”[/i] That was something she was planning on at least as they danced before them.


But as soon as he had released some words another sentence came out. She slowed her horse and turned to look at him while listening. She listened carefully and blinked a couple of times before reining the horse around so they could look completely at each other. Wait, was he talking about what she thought he was? No, did he really? But, was it for real? She started to feel dizzy and grabbed some of the flaxen mane. Thoughts and questions shattered in her mind while she tried to figure out. Her heart raced again and this time she was really sure, of what she was feeling. But would she dare agree with what he said. Amy nudged the equine forth, releasing him in a soft walk before giving him the command to halt. Ears flicked confused by her sudden halt but instead he tried to reach the mare, carefully with a flirtatious seduction, almost. Really, someone wanted to show his true feelings at least, or that was how she looked at it. But, she couldn’t deny the fact, could she? She wasn’t a liar, right? But she wasn’t thinking of it as funny, more like, fate. Call her a Christian but Amy really believed in fate and destiny, why? Because something always happened for a reason, but that was just her. ”Uhm…not funny but maybe just, fate? You know, err, if you get it I mean.”[/i] She got the smile a lot better than him, but the blush was faint in her cheek as she looked at him, wondering what he was going to do now that she wasn’t denying anything.










[/blockquote][/size]

[Luke Peters]

V was walking moderately, but Luke noticed that she was extending her legs more than usual. Probably because she hadn’t ran much today, this was her way of telling Luke that she was ready to put on a little speed. Luke would make sure to keep that in mind. Maybe he’d challenge Amy to a race or something, since he guessed Eragon wouldn’t mind stretching his legs either. He gave V a little scratch on the withers to acknowledge her body signal before adjusting his seat. For some reason, he could not get comfortable on her back. Possibly because of the atmosphere – was it just him, or did the spring air seem rather sultry all of a sudden? He shifted again. Luke watched from the sidelines Amy and Eragon, as well as his feisty antics. It seemed as though she had forgiven him though, and he seemed relieved as well. Luke didn’t blame him. After all, where would he be without his lavender and carrots?

Letting V walk in a circle to kill time, Luke brushed a fly away from her side. Shoo fly, don’t bother us. Luke hated flies with a fiery passion. Ever since he’d been bitten by a horsefly when he was younger, he’d held a grudge against the blood-sucking fiends, especially when they went after V. Sticking his tongue out at the insect, Luke halted V and looked over at Amy, only to see her looking quite… puzzled. Was it something he said? Probably. He tried to play back all of his past sentences. Oh, yeah. He’d nearly forgotten about that one, his last little bomb. Luke blushed, although he covered it up by coughing a few times, trying to bring some forced color into his cheeks. He looked away briefly, only to turn back to face Amy. So there was no getting away from this confrontation, but did he want to? After all, he wanted to know what Amy thought. Rolling his shoulders back, Luke looked Amy straight in the eyes. The contact was a little awkward, at least for Luke, but he would not allow that to break his gaze. He cleared his throat, and blinked.

While her owner was up there adjusting and grunting away, V was facing problems of her own. Well, not problems, maybe just, nuisances. She’d dropped a few little signals that said she was okay with the stallion’s presence, and now he was coming on to her? I mean literally, coming out to touch her. V was not one to easily give in, but she decided to humor him. Extending her neck, V reached out to gently brush his nose with her own. Luke noticed this from his perch atop her back, and averted his gaze to watch her. How sweet. He smiled, and gave her a pat before turning back to look at Amy. Fate? Yes, he believed in fate, destiny, the like. Gently, Luke twisted a lock of V’s mane through his fingers. When he spoke, it was slowly.
“Yeah, I understand where you’re coming from. Like, it’s meant to be from the very beginning. I think that it’s the cutest idea.” He smiled softly, and blinked. Then, he went out on a whim.
“Hey, uh, Amy?” His heart raced, and he clung on to V’s sides tighter to keep from falling off. Unfortunately for Luke however, V took this as a signal, and began cantering away. Luke, still in a slight daze, could not get his wits about him to stop V and talk to Amy, so he opted for one.
“I was wondering,” he called from his running horse, “if you’d like to have coffee with me sometime?”
Well, it sure was one way to ask!

[Melanie Black]

...Amy Cameron...
…I miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain…

Eragon started tripping off excitement and nipped the bit again. Amy backed him lightly and let him be released into a circle keeping him in track and try to sort out his lack of attention meeting the attention from V. Clicking her tongue he went up in a graceful trot, legs held up high and ears flicked before perking showing full attention with his head bowed up high. She smiled and adjusted lightly on the broad back while keeping her balance incredibly easy. However she was soon snapped back to reality when Lu or Luke, whichever she was pleased to call him started talking. And she smiled, seemed like he wasn’t denying anything, but did she truly want that? She didn’t really know what to think about it, really, she hadn’t thought about something like that at all. But of course, it didn’t go from there. Just as she was going to reply the female turned and looked at Luke puzzled and curious. ”Yes?”

[/i] Eragon halted under the pressure and silent commands that Amy had teached him, ears flickered and he wondered why they suddenly halted. Amy on the other hand raised an eyebrow, what was he getting at, why was he even hesitating? She was starting to grow anxious and confused, and just as she was going to ask V set off into a canter.


The stallion flinched and went up rearing but Amy caught his words as he went past them in a running canter. Coffee? Her heart raced and she leaned forth, pressing the horse down and nudged him into a canter as well. Smiling to herself she couldn’t help but laugh and kept her body low increasing the long length speed of her horse. Of course, the cobber colored stallion soon caught up with the smaller mare, with ears pointing forth she could see how much he enjoyed it and just as they came beside the other pair she kept good control over her horse. A smile was upon her lips as she looked Luke then on the road and spoke softly. ”Tea (she turned) I don’t drink coffee, but a cup of tea would be nice.”[/i] She grinned and clicked her tongue; the horse caught it easily and set off, now Luke, would you go get her? They’re quite fast, then again, you like her, don’t you?










[/blockquote][/size]

[Luke Peters]

Although Luke’s mind was racing at what he had just done, he had enough control now to command V to slow down. By the way she was running though, it seemed as if she didn’t want to stop. As he clung on to the reins, keeping his seat deep, he hoped for a few things. One being that Amy heard him. That was probably the biggest one. He had just, pretty much, asked her out on a ‘date,’ and courage like that doesn’t come around all the time. If she’d missed it, then Luke was pretty much screwed. He imagined trying to explain it to her when they finally caught up to one another.
“So, uh, what do you say?”
“To what?”
“…To… coffee?”
He winced at his simulation. If that didn’t scream embarrassment, he didn’t know what did.
The second thing he hoped for was that Eragon did not follow V’s example. The last thing he wanted/needed was to have Amy’s horse take off on her, possibly dismounting her and leaving her injured. Although he could play a good knight in shining armor – especially with his white steed. Well, we’ll improvise – he really did not want to see Amy hurt. He knew she was a good rider, or he made an educated guess, but horses were wildly unpredictable.

The third thing he hoped for was that Amy would hear him, not fall off, and say yes to his invitation. This one seemed the most likely, happily enough for Luke, since he heard hoof beats gaining upon him. Well, unless Amy was coming to pass him, or slap him, but at least she hadn’t fallen off! Glancing back for a second, he realized with relief that Amy was indeed still mounted. He tried to slow down a little, but V had ideas of her own. From in front of him, a snort emanated, as if to say, “no way, Jose, you let me run, I’m going.” She’d taken off on him a few times before, but mostly because he’d allowed it. V loved to run, so she’d take any hint of a signal she could get for an excuse to do so. Luke’s little squeeze back there was all the encouragement she needed.

It was not until they were right next to each other that Luke noticed Amy had appeared beside him. She was smiling, which was always a good sign. He smiled back, deciding to make apologies for his little getaway later, when they got back to the barn. Over the sound of hoof beats, he heard her acceptance.
He tried to keep his cool, but he could not help but give out a relieved peal of laughter. Before he could express his joy however, she took off, leaving V and Luke in her wake. Luke pulled V up to a halt, watching Amy go. Had she just challenged him to catch her? A shimmer materialized in Luke’s eye. Didn’t she know better than to give him a challenge? Hadn’t their experience in the lake cleared that up? With a smug little smile, Luke allowed V her head, and gave her a nudge in the side. She took the command easily, and broke into long-strides. By the way V was running, Luke knew he’d catch her up sooner or later.
He had promised though, this time, he wouldn’t scare her.
“Ready or not, Amy, here I coo-mee.”

[Melanie Black]

...Amy Cameron...
…I miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain…

She was at the peak of the destination when she felt the pressure change. His steps became floating and he invited her in, to follow his movements, and become one. Amy smiled at the stallion and leaned in; shifting her weight she felt his ‘gear’ shift yet again. He had heard the hoof beats of the mare and stretched his legs out like a racer. Ears flattened lightly to his cranium and the horse snorted letting go of some stress as well as the finishing line was there, in a meter or so to come. The young female smiled and freed his head letting him shovel and decide his own strength. The horse moved gracefully and changed his speed now and then to adjust to the ground level. She wasn’t frightened that he would scare her, she knew this was a race and therefore wasn’t that easily frightened, he had good balance and had ridden his mare for quite some time bareback, which she had noticed of course. But neither Amy nor Eragon did ever give up a race, and seriously could you blame them? The horse was massive, but also he held a certain level. He was seven years, soon in a great age for a show jumper and at his peak of potential. They had worked for quite some time together and he had build up great muscles.


She smiled to herself and saw the parking lot. Looking around she saw none and was thankful for that. She switched her weight once again and told him it was time to slow down. As the ground changed from a soft soil to a harder sort the horse finally slowed, he panted and snorted, the sweat gleamed his color cobber. She patted him, proud of how much strength he had used. It was good training for him as well. The female turned, looking to see where the two others, hopefully not far from them because after all, V was a great horse as well.

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[Luke Peters]

V screamed power, especially when she was running. Every muscle in her frame shifted beneath Luke, and he could feel the minute changes in her gait. She started out moderately, Luke leaning forward to encourage speed, but then she got a great footing, and picked up the pace. It had been a long time since Luke had galloped last, and he’d forgotten how good it felt. He had to resist throwing his arms above his head and whooping, for he knew he’d lose his balance if he did so. Instead, he contented himself with holding on to as little rein as possible and moving with her head. If he could fly, Luke knew it would feel exactly like this: weightless, quick. He mimicked her hoof beats with his heart, clenching her sides like a bear trap. As they rounded a corner, he slowed her down a little in case another horse was coming. The last thing he needed was to have a nasty collision. Content that the path ahead was empty, however, he pushed V on again. Where was Amy? Could she have gone that far ahead? He had underestimated Eragon and his speed, although V was flying pretty fast now.

Rounding another bend, he saw them. There was no way he was going to win, but he sped up anyways. He could hear V snorting now, from exertion. He’d have to rinse her off, because she was seriously sweating. She hadn’t had the luxury of a dip that he’d had, and the sun was pretty brutal in the daytime. As he watched Amy cross the ‘finish line,’ he slowed down and audibly groaned from behind her, although he was smiling. He trotted V around to warm her down before allowing her to walk. Her nostrils were flaring, and she was rolling the bit around in her mouth. Luke was sure that when he removed her bridle he’d find dark patches of sweat where the leather straps had been.
“Great race,” he beamed, wiping droplets of sweat off his own forehead and giving V a pat. “I think these two deserve a bath, no?” Me too! he thought. That chill back at the lake would be welcomed with open arms now, he was hot!

With a little sigh, he dismounted, throwing the reins over V’s head as a make-shift lead rope. She chomped irritably on the bit, and he gave her a pat. “Stay.” He commanded sharply, letting go of her. She didn’t protest, instead craned her neck to scratch her head against her leg. Luke shook his head, a smile on his face, and made his way over to Amy.
“May I help you down from your gallant steed, miss?” He drawled, his eyes twinkling. He stroked Eragon’s sweaty neck before turning his attention back to Amy. Once a gentleman, always a gentleman, even when he lost.
But in the long run, he figured he didn’t lose at all.