Welcome to Hickstead, home to both Seven Oak Stables, and Blue Acre - two rival stables. Both offer opportunities for their clients to reach the highest level of excellence. Each stable differs from the other, so choose wisely and never forget, loyalty is everything... Meanwhile as the stables battle it out, there's trouble brewing at the university. Be careful, if you don't pick a side you may get caught in the cross-fire...
This is an chilled out rpg with a super friendly and relaxed atmosphere! Remember to sign up with your characters full name in all caps and don't forget to do your claims! Thank you and Welcome, we've been established since 10th March 2009 but unfortunately have had to close guest view of our boards due to multiple sites ripping off our hard work, such a shame! Come chat to us in Discord before joining if you like!.
Boy, this kid was not one for the authority figures the way he talked. Granted, Wynnie didn't know much about the police in Hickstead, or the United Kingdom for that matter. Maybe they were a bunch of jerks with sticks shoved up their asses - she certainly felt that way back in the States and was pulled over for a speeding ticket. As she justified her attitude though, the boy seemed utterly confused as his brow arched: "Does that mean it runs in the family?" Wynnie just laughed, "I guess it does if you thought I was some sort of prefect in school." And while hazel eyes rolled at his cheeky 'hobby' comment, a grin finally sat on her face. Damnit. He won her over.
At least, for a second he had, they were already locking horns once again. God, it was like being back home with her younger sister. One step forward and two steps back. Sometimes she had wondered what it would have been like subbing Via for a younger brother - apparently it was the exact same. Her nose crinkled as Zach wagged his finger in his face, a rather annoying move if anyone asked her and lectured her, "Hey now, you're the one who opened the door for me to ask." Still, Wynnie threw her hands up in defeat, mainly because this was not territory she wanted to fight over, "Anywho, trophies are over-rated." That was a big fucking lie sometimes, but nobody was asking her opinion on the University Equestrian scene.
They were back on solid ground now though, laughing and smiling, the both of them. A fucking miracle given how everything started. She barely knew Zach, but damn, did he have a magical ability to rub off on her. Wynnie clocked him rolling his own eyes at being referred to as 'kid', which only made he laugh more. God, she finally had him. Still, he took everything all good and in stride, although the armor bit caught her off, "Really?" She looked over herself, "I don't think I look that disheveled." Plus, she had him to blame for that - but the young woman had decided upon a truce for the night - espeacially since she had given him her legit number.
A snort of laughter escaped her, far from lady like, just like his curtsy, "Yeah you do - come on, you owe me a hot chocolate while the night is still young. I'll keep you safe from any coppers."
Wynnie Mortiary couldn't believe it that she had taken the plunge and bought herself a horse. It was a crazy idea, one that still might have been rather stupid, but here she was. The young woman had worked out a deal with a friend of a friend, Ronan Slade, who had trailered Firefly from the University Stables to Seven Oaks for the day. She figured she'd rent a stall out for a week to see how the gelding would like it. He seemed like an easy enough keeper though, the british warmblood had settled in at Uni like a moth to flame. To be honest, she sort of welcomed the distraction. She had a year left at University before she was out on her own, with a degree she still didn't kow how to use and her heart still wanting to ride professionally instead. There was also the matter of Griffin, someone who she felt better off ignoring now even though heart didn't want her to.
She walked to the visiting stalls now to grab Firefly, who greeted her with an exuberant whinny, his head poking out now to stare at her with his ears forward. Laughter chortled from her as she greeted the British Warmblood with a good pat, "You're the only booy who's good for my heart, Firefly." Wynnie informed him now, before pulling him out and taking him to a tack stall. He was ever the gentleman, walking besides her, and standing still while she gave him a quick brush over before tacking him up. While Ronan had given her a quick lay of the land earlier in the week before coming, her brain was already drawing a blank, "Let's just see where the wind takes us, yeah?" She said with a joke, before leading him outside and getting up in the saddle.
The sound of hoofbeats caught the attention of the pair now though, "Let's go see that." She muttered to her horse, squeezing him forward as they took a jaunt around, and soon found themselves as the outdoor arena, where there was already a pair in the arena. THey weren't Ronan and Max, in fact, it was nobody from University that Wynnie knew, a complete stranger...who was also a real, functioning adult. Shrugging it off, she and Firefly walked over now, chanelling their inner western rider and horse as they managed to open and close the gate without a dismount or too much fuss, "Hey!" She called out now, walking over, "Sorry to bother you. I'm Wynnie. Have you been here long? I'm trying to decide if its a fit for me and my horse...we're just visiting for the day or so."
oh, all my nights taste like gold 'cause when i'm with you everything glows
thanks aofie!
TWENTY ONE . STUDENT . UNIVERSITY TEAM RIDER . CRUSHING ON GRIFFIN SKY KELLER
Hazel eyes merely watched the beautiful redhead, she truly was starting to look rather uncomfortable by everything. Wynnie didn't care, as far as she was concerned, that girl deserved it given how she marched right in. Lara didn't speak though, not in English and not in German, instead, it was Griffin to interrupted their silent battle: "I’m both Griffin and Alexi. Alexi Sky Buchel, legally – but Griffin Keller to those that aren’t my family." Those words held heavy in the air, and the young woman glanced at him now, staring as he continued to talk, giving facts but very little insight beyond that. At least...well, at least it hadn't been wanted. Maybe that was a plus, right?
She thought about saying more until Lara interrupted. Griffin's eyebrows weren't the only one that shot up, even Wynnie could feel hers arch as she looked back at her, "You could have fucking lead with that," she muttered under her breath. Still, the damage was done. Wynnie could feel it in her bones when it came to Griffin Keller. Still, that protective streak was still alive in her, "So...if you and his...brother are getting married, are you still going to drag him back to his royal family or are you just...going to leave him here?" Lara could sell him out for all she knew. Wynnie didn't really know much about royal families other than what she saw on Hallmark Channel and Royal Watchers in England, which meant squat, "Because, if you're dragging him back, you have to go through me. And, quite frankly, I think I can take you on."
oh, all my nights taste like gold 'cause when i'm with you everything glows
thanks aofie!
TWENTY ONE . STUDENT . UNIVERSITY TEAM RIDER . CRUSHING ON GRIFFIN SKY KELLER
A very, obnoxious sigh escaped Wynnie Moritary. In fact, it was so obnoxious she was actually disappointed in herself. Green eyes looked at Zach now, he knew the answer to his question already and yet he asked, "Guess you should do the police's work for them, you're very good at sussing out stuff." The young woman was tempted to not answer anything, but her sass already gave herself away as to whether or not she had been a type of American prefect in her middle and high school days, "My dad's in the military." She replied, figuring it said it all. Zach's quippiness was rubbing off on her though, sorta reminded her of her little sister. They may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but like it or not, he was warming her up now, "Ah. But clearly, you still go cop chasing even if it isn't all the time."
Oh, how he grinned at her when she rolled her eyes. Wynnie knew she was on the loosing side of a battle of wits now. She was far too easily baited for her own good, and perhaps too hot headed for her own good now. A bull in a china shop so to speak. Both dangerous and stupid, everyone seemed to know it too. The young woman watched how Zach peered up at her, defiant about her words and she could feel a bristle coming up in her, mainly because she could practically sensed he was going to throw something back in her face: "Is there a certain way an upper classman is meant to look?" God damnit. He got her there. Wynnie bit her lower lip, green eyes glancing away in thought, "I don't know. We just...do." It was a cop out, like saying 'because' and not following up to it. But Wynnie didn't care, she just wanted to win one pointed argument over Zach.
It was curious to hear Zach admit that he did a lot of lying, not to strangers but to people who supposedly loved him. Wynnie couldn't imagine doing that. She was more of a 'if i hide it, its not really lying' sort of person than a straight up lie. But ironically enough, Wynnie knew that she hated being lied to. Did that make her a hypocrite? She wasn't sure. Still, the young woman could not help but to ask, "Zach, why on earth do you like to lie to people you love? I feel like no Oscar, imaginary or not, is good enough for that." Granted, maybe it wasn't her place to ask such a thing either. What did she know about him? Absolutely nothing, other than he was an adorable sort of trouble. Not the kind Wynnie would want to snog by any means, but to look out for, well, it was quite tempting and she didn't even know why.
Still, he brought a smile to her face and lately, it felt like not very many people had that skill. Aparently Zach O'Dell did though and he made it known: "Oh my God, is that a smile? Did I crack some kind of code? I feel like this is a momentous moment for us, Wynnie." Well that got to her, that smile became a full blown laugh with a snort, "Yeah yeah. You won me over, kid." Damn his wild looks and infectious personality, or maybe she just really wanted that make up drink. Either way, the young woman was willing to sign over her sanity to him for a bit, "If you're the damsel, does that make me the knight?" She asked with a grin now, taking his phone and typing in her number before hitting save and texting herself, "Here - its my real number and I already texted myself. I never say no to a free drink, especially one that's owed after saving someone's ass from the police. Even if it was accidental."
As soon as the words 'let's take a break, shall we?' left Griffin Keller's mouth with the distinctive shut of the story book, Wynnie knew she was in trouble for loosing it in front of Hickstead's children population. But, she didn't care. It wasn't very often that the young woman had ever felt abashed from crossing the line with Griffin, and she was loathed to start now given what the beautiful red head besides her just dumped on her. Each second that passed was getting her more riled up too, probably akin to an angry chihuahua, as the young man beckoned both woman to follow to him to what she presumed was an office.
If it wasn't for the seriousness of the situation, she might have made a comment on the chair and whether it had good enough back support for the Prince. Prince. God, she couldn't believe that her friend was a Prince, and she never fucking knew it. She didn't know anything about Griffin...Alexi...fuck, she didn't even know what to call him any more: "Wynter." She cringed at his use of her real name, it sounded so foreign to her on his lips: "Lara. I see you spent some useless money to find me.” Well, at least she wasn't the only one in trouble at least. The redhead's need to speak in German or Dutch or whatever it was to cover their conversation earned her an ugly side eye. It was shut down though before she could even do it.
The next words uttered out made her annoyed though, "Miss Moriarty?" God, it made them sound like strangers, like she was just going to be brushed under this rug, "No, we can let Miss Moriarty ask her questions now. What the fuck is going on? Who are you, Griffin? Or is it Alexi? And!" she waved her hand now at the redhead besides her, "You had a fiancé this whole time we've known each other?!" Wynnie wasn't certain what hurt most - the fact that she really didn't know this stupidly handsome man before her or the fact that he was apparently engaged to an equally beautiful model of a Disney Princess. Hazel eyes looked to Lara now, her jaw clenching. She looked like everything that Wynnie felt like she wasn't, which only added to her anger, as she rounded on her, "And maybe, you can speak English because there's no point in hiding anything from me." The situation was too far gone for that.
oh, all my nights taste like gold 'cause when i'm with you everything glows
thanks aofie!
TWENTY ONE . STUDENT . UNIVERSITY TEAM RIDER . CRUSHING ON GRIFFIN SKY KELLER
She must have been weirding the kid out because it was now his turn to ask what was up with her face - only to be met with her question about the police. Waiting for an answer almost felt like she was waiting on baited breath, and the young man soon gave her one: "Well yeah, they don't generally just go running about in their uniforms for exercise." It took everything in her small body to not let a loud groan escape her, not only did she loose her drink due to this kid, she was also now probably hanging out with some scrappy and dashing criminal. What a night this was turning out to be. So much for peace and quiet, "Well, I guess you're doing them a favor," Wynnie replied back wryly now, "Although I hope you don't make this a habit." What was she saying? He probably did.
Hazel eyes rolled when he informed her that his jaw was in fact on a hinge, but there wasn't much she could say to that. After all, if one is witty, one can normally expect a witty answer back, "Well, thanks for clarifying." The conversation certainly took a turn though when he couldn't fathom why she didn't care to be called a 'little minx', which, Wynnie was certain just proved the idea in her brain that boys were stupid, and he was young. He was staring at her like she was utterly nuts before informing her that her words did not make sense. A frustrated sound escaped her as Wynnie threw her hands up in the air, "How does not make sense? Don't I look like an upper classman to you?" Maybe her height was working against her, not to mention, the frustrations this kid brought on her certainly left the young woman in a tantrum like manner - which probably wasn't very mature of her.
It didn't help how very tall he was, now that they were up, and he was standing over her like some hulking, lanky tree. Wynnie had to actually crane her neck up, and if he were any taller, she feared it might snap. She threw him a look when he yet again called her a little minx and informed her that he was not lying, "I don't know. I feel like a stranger is the perfect person to lie to," she replied back curtly. Unfortunately now, Wynnie felt a little invested in this conversation and boy. The whole situation was odd, but what the heck, the night was young and after everything at school with Alisha and Theia, it felt rather nice to have someone who wasn't out to get her: "Friendly name basis already? I'm honoured. And I'm also, Zac." Damn, that got to her. The young woman felt a smile creep up on her lips now, damn Zac and his infectious personality - it appeared to be like being mad at a dog, it didn't last very long, "Yeah, well, knocking me over and then saving you from the police feels like a first name basis, Zac." Okay, so maybe she didn't exactly save him from the police, but she liked to think that knocking her over felt like a distraction to where those police somehow lost him in their chase, "We might as well exchange numbers since you owe me a drink."
The look that Lara was giving her was rather displeasing - it almost looked like pity because she was about to ruin her day even more. Although Wynnie wasn't sure how much more possible this day could be ruined given that she was dealing with this delusional girl. Perhaps being this stubborn was not helping the young woman's case though, but it was hard, she just couldn't fathom that Griffin Sky Keller was anyone but Griffin Sky Keller. This was someone she had known for a good two years, someone who she rode under and, annoyingly, looked up to on a team sport. This was someone whom she had spent time and time after again in witty and snobby arguments and teasing. None of this was computing.
But as Lara dug into her bag, Wynnie could not help but to have a sickening feeling grow in her stomach as it twisted violently when she pulled out a stack of what looked like newspaper clippings: “I’m pretty sure he’s been lying to you, Wynnie." The young woman glowered, ready to argue back, but came to a dead halt when she saw the paper. Liechtensteiner Vaterland was printed up top, and while she had no idea what any of it said, there was a picture of Griffin, large, front, and center of it. He was younger, maybe sixteen or seventeen, but it was still him with those piercing eyes and rock solid jaw line. As her gaze stared though, the picture wasn't the only thing that caught her eye, for the name printed underneath was Alexi Sky Büchel.
The world seemed to stand still, and not in a good way. It went quiet as she stared at the newspaper and then her gaze looked back to Lara now - she determination on that girl's face. Holy fuck. She wasn't lying at all. The bubbling heat that had been waiting to be unleashed on the redhead disappeared, but it had a new victim in mind. Without warning, Wynnie snatched the newspaper right from Lara and she turned sharply on her heels and stormed right into the children's wing to where an unsuspecting Captain Posh was reading to children, only he wasn't Captain Posh to her any more, "Griffin! What the F-" she gave pause, "Fluff. What the fluff is this?!" And she just threw the newspaper right down in front of him as her hazel eyes narrowed as she spat out her next question with all of the venom in the world, "Or should I call you, Alexi?"
oh, all my nights taste like gold 'cause when i'm with you everything glows
thanks aofie!
TWENTY ONE . STUDENT . UNIVERSITY TEAM RIDER . CRUSHING ON GRIFFIN SKY KELLER
Wynnie watched as mystery girl's face sort of contorted, and the young woman couldn't help but to take that as a little bit of a win that she had elected such a look. What she hadn't been expecting was the photo evidence to be snatched out of her hands so fast, it was a little shocking that it hadn't ripped. If this was suppose to get Wynnie to back off though, this girl had it coming - beautiful model or not. The redhead's words though caused her to frown, puzzlement playing across the young woman's face: who is Griffin? And then the follow up happened: "You mean the person in this photo? That’s Alexi, not whoever you claim it is. And who are you?”
She was rather annoyed by this girl's tone and her wild antics, and in the back of her mind, her brain was registering that mystery girl's accent was mildly on par with Griffin's. Still, what she was saying didn't make any sense, "No. His name is Griffin, Griffin Keller, and I know that because I have known him for two years now at University. I think I would know his name, and it's certainly not Alexi. I think you're mistaken. You have a shitty private eye or stalker doing your research for you." It was getting a little harder though for Wynnie to keep her anger in check, and it was coming through in her harsh whisper. There's no way Griffin could possibly be this Alexi, because...he would have said something, right?
But her certainty waned just a little, merely because of the photograph and mystery girl's certainy. Oh, and she wasn't a mystery girl any more though since she promptly provided identification: “Lara, Alexi’s arranged fiancée.” She wasn't sure what happened in that moment, but Wynnie was certain that her jaw fell off and hit the floor. Not only that, the young woman also forgot that she was in the library, the children's wing of the library, "What the fuck to do you mean 'fiancé?'" If the library had been quiet before, it was a graveyard now. Wynnie could actually feel the heat and anger rising to her face, "I'm Wynnie, and I am his friend. And there's no way he would lie to me or keep a secret like this so you clearly have mistaken him for someone else."
That had to be the logical piece of evidence, right? There's no way someone to know someone, ridden with someone, teased someone, for two whole years and just...just not know who they really were. There's no way Wynter Moriarty could have been falling for a lie of a person. Or could she have been?
oh, all my nights taste like gold 'cause when i'm with you everything glows
thanks aofie!
TWENTY ONE . STUDENT . UNIVERSITY TEAM RIDER . CRUSHING ON GRIFFIN SKY KELLER
show name • Light Me Up owned by • WYNTER ALINA MORIARTY barn • Seven Oaks Stables age • Seven breed • British Warmblood height • 16.3 hands discipline • Show Jumping gender • Gelding likes • Apples, Mud, Splashing in Water, Jumping, Skipping [trotting quirk], Chiropractors and Massages dislikes • Dentist, Farrier [Gets Nippy and Leans] Being in his Stall too long [weaves out of boredom], Small horses, Donkeys, Cattle, Trailers [hard to load] strengths • People Pleaser, Fast Learner weaknesses • Mares [hard to make focus], BIRDS! [must chase] fears • Fireworks overall personality • Cuddly, Curious, Sweet, and a tad flighty, Firefly is a horse made for people that like the occasional challenge when he gets unsure. He's a bit of a food hog and will beg for treats all the time. But that aside, he's a good, hard working horse that - with the right rider - excels. He's a fearless jumper, and has yet to ever shy a jump, though he has jumped awkwardly before which is a weird quirk he gets from time to time.
thanks aofie!
TWENTY ONE . STUDENT . UNIVERSITY TEAM RIDER . CRUSHING ON GRIFFIN SKY KELLER
Was it just her or did he look look like he was trying to escape her? Wynnie couldn't see why. It's not like she was terrifying. A little loud maybe, a little bit of a strong personality on top of it, but terrifying? She thought not. It didn't really occur to her that Dominik just overall might be uncomfortable with talking with just about anyone, and a not a slight against her. Still, the young woman didn't feel like dropping conversation with him quite yet. She was colored utterly fucking curious about this guy just because of how people talk about Dominik Underwood like he was the greatest thing to the equestrian world since sliced bread, and quite frankly, those were Wynnie's life goals.
When he commented how her outlook was a good way to look at it, she simply snorted, "Good way? I feel like it's the best way." She replied, hazel gaze eyeing him. Now don't get cocky, Wynnie. This stuff is what gets you into trouble with Theia AND Griffin. But would she listen to that logical part of her brain? No, especially since the next words that left the young man's mouth nearly made her gape, "I don't think you and I will ever compete in the same league." The fucking nerve. Who did he thing he was? The young woman could feel heat already starting to fly to her face, and it wasn't for blushing, she was getting heated in an angry sense, "What do you mean by that?" She stubbornly asked, crossing her arms for good measure as she stared up at him now on his fancy ass black horse.
Maybe there was a perfectly logical explanation to that response, something a little nicer than the conclusion that Wynnie was coming to. So she should give him a chance. At his admission that he merely holds himself to a higher standard, she felt her features soften a little bit, "Oh...so you're hard on yourself then?" There could be a healthy dose in doing that sure, but it was a slippery slope that could eat people up as well, especially in the Equestrian World it seemed. As for the work of the horse, "Seventy? Really, here I feel like it's 50/50 on the work difference between rider and horse, but maybe that's just me." Wynnie was certain that someone could easily work that into an insult also, so she'd be curious to see what he'd say to that.
At least horses were safe to talk about. Her hazel gaze looked to Cash again, and now she could probably see the ex race horse in him, "That's cool, giving him a second career. He must be powerful. May I pet him or is he finicky about that?" After all, she wasn't going to just pet some rando's horse without their permission, "I'm still using the University's horses, but I think I finally have enough money to go to the local sale yard and hopefully find my dream horse for competition."
Coming to Willow Bridge City had felt a little weird to Wynnie Moritary. Yeah, she had come before, but not in this context: delivering a horse show ticket to one Griffin Keller - former Captain of the Hickstead University Equestrian Team. Yet, here she was, pulling up to the city's library and doing just that. Wynnie reasoned with herself that the last major show of the season that was coming up. All of those show points had been collecting over the season were starting to add up, and Hickstead University had a chance to take it all. It had nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with the fact that the young woman sorta missed Griffin Keller, that texting him and the occasional hang out didn't feel like enough.
And why is that, exactly? The thought defiantly creeped into her head, and like always, she mentally stamped it out. Whatever feelings were there, Wynnie didn't want to deal with them. She had more important things to deal with, like this upcoming horse show, working with her horse, Firefly, all summer, and studying up for her final year of uni since she was graduating next year. Certainly not any baffling thoughts about strong jawed and sculpted body of an adonis Captain Posh himself. No. Thanking the Uber, Wynnie got out now and headed inside now.
She was making a beeline for the children's section, knowing that story time or whatever, would be finishing up. It was probably Beatrix Potter or something like that. Wynnie felt a spring in her step, like there was some sort of rush to get to Griffin and - BAM. Her small body slammed into someone, and bounced right off of them. There was a flurry of papers in the air, or perhaps it was just one paper. That paper was coming right for her, so Wynnie snatched it from the air, "Sorry," she started, "I wasn't watching where I was--" The young woman's words stopped in her mouth, lodged, as hazel eyes fell on the paper now. It was a photograph of Griffin. Her Griffin. And it looked like a candid, a stalker photo, the kind you hire some dirtbag private eye to look into. Or at least, that's how television made it look, "Why the heck do you have a photo of Griffin?" she hissed, trying to keep her voice quiet given that she and this girl were just yards away from the man in question and a pack of little anklebiters, er, children.
Hazel eyes looked at the other person now, a hard look. She was tall (well, everyone was taller than Wynnie), fit, skinny, with long red hair and pouty lips. Oh, and high cheek bones. Essentially, she was a model. A model girl to match a model man. Fingers, "And who are you?"
oh, all my nights taste like gold 'cause when i'm with you everything glows
thanks aofie!
TWENTY ONE . STUDENT . UNIVERSITY TEAM RIDER . CRUSHING ON GRIFFIN SKY KELLER
Was it just her or was this kid staring at her like she had three heads after her little outburst about police sayings? Was her American accent just that off putting or did her words have a lot of bite? Apparently, it was neither after the young man spoke, "What saying? I've just been in an exhilarating foot chase with the local uniforms so I thought you meant they were still after me." Now it was Wynnie's turn to stare at him like he had three heads, "The cops were actually chasing you?" She asked now, a little dumbfounded, completely ignoring his earlier question. Staring at him, she couldn't possibly imagine why he would be acting like this was the most normal situation in the world, unless it was for him.
To make matters worse, he was still making fun of her even after calling her a minx, "Do you need help picking your jaw up from the floor?" Damnit, her mood was about to sour and when she fired back at him about the age difference between the two of them, he looked utterly perplexed, "What's age got to do with anything?" An ugly, frustrated sigh escaped her as her hands flung up, fingers curling as Wynnie tried to get a handle on her feisty emotions. Why are boys so dumb? Reigning herself in, she fired back, "Uh, because I am a mature young lady and clearly older than you so therefore you should not be calling me a minx!" The young woman was also certain that had Griffin Keller or her younger sister had heard those words uttered from her mouth, they would have doubled over laughing at her.
This young man though, no, boy, did not seem to give a fuck though, simply commenting on how she did actually have a sense of humor. Ah, so that was how this was going to be. Hazel eyes noticed how he was starting to get his feet beneath him so she back up now to give him room so he could stand up. And suddenly, Wynnie found herself wishing that he had remained on the ground since she quite suddenly felt very small compared to him. In fact, she had to crane her head up to look at him as he spoke, "Because they've got nothing better to do and I was bored." Well, that did it. She arched a brow before busting into laughter. After a moment or two, she finally caught her breath and finally said, "Buddy. You may be adorable and very charming to pull all a lot of stuff, but I have a kid sister. I know a lie when it's delivered to me." And quite frankly, she was going to brow beat him into buying her a new chocolate, so she finally said, "I'm Wynter. But you may call me Wynnie."
She could not help but to think that the young man had just shot her a look of utter shock - like Wynnie was a fucking crazy person for remotely being sad that show season was over. His blunt answer, delivered as if she were one of the dumbest people ever, furthered delivered his shock: "Because it's nice to have a break. Cash is sick of the same routine, and I am over the monkey-suit we have to wear all because its 'traditional'." Okay, so that got to her. Laughter actually escaped her, "Well, you got me there with the monkey suits. Show gear certainly is stuffy. I guess I don't see the bored horse aspect too much since I am stuck with the university's horses." Her savings though suggested that may end soon.
At her name drop, it seemed like it took Dominik Underwood a good solid thirty seconds to recognize the name. Something that was a little disappointing to her, but she was still moving her way up in the show world. Maybe it would be different when she wasn't associated with Hickstead University anymore after the next year and a half, "Ah, but you have heard of me. So I will consider it a win." She replied cheekily now, putting a positive spin on it even if it was mainly for her benefit verses his own. It didn't go unnoticed to Wynnie that the young man was looking a little awkward in conversation, shy even, and sadly for him, she wasn't the sort of person to really respect that boundary. Yes, it was something she needed to work on, not everyone wanted to be her friend, but it was hard to fathom so he was stuck with her.
Hazel eyes noticed how the mention of 'Olympic Rider' gave the young man a little bit of a jolt - like he sat up straighter or something. It nearly caused her to roll her eyes, she didn't know why, "Yeah, got it in one I guess," he said, looking anywhere but directly at her, "Gotta have a dream even if its too big to achieve." Was it just her or was he avoiding eye contact with her? In fact, it looked he was looking anywhere but her. How utterly weird, "Nothing wrong with that. I have the same dream. So maybe I gotta start paying more attention to when you ride and watch, so I know how to crush you." Wynnie commented now, her tone joking but there was some truth to the statement. She wanted to win, and if he was in the way, then she had to get over him, "If people are giving you shit about that though, you should just ignore them. Sometimes I feel like people just don't understand equestrian life. They think we just sit there and the horse does all the work." And it was mighty fucking annoying.
Her gaze moved to the chestnut horse now - proud and regal looking, like any fancy show horse, "How long have you and Cash been a team now anyways?"
Of all the things that could have been caused by her angry words, Wynnie had not been expecting the stranger to sit up so fast that his head cracked right into her forehead. She winced, pulling back from him as her palm came up to touch her head - attempting to not see stars right at that very moment. At least she knew that her skull had caused him just as much damage as he had done to her given that audible 'fuck' that escaped his lips. What came next was a little surprising, "Are they still there then?" She made a face that shockingly had nothing to do with the screaming headache that she found herself having now, "What are you talking about? It's a fucking expression. Do they not have that phrase in England?" The young woman knew she better watch her mouth, she had been public enemy number one for a few months now at Hickstead University, a title that didn't seem to be so easily shaken off much to her annoyance, despite being in the right.
But it was hard for her to not be annoyed at the young man before her who caused her to drop her hot chocolate and just cracked his head into her skull. It felt like he did zero thinking about anyone else but himself. The second that the thought crossed her mind though, Wynnie felt guilty. She shouldn't be lumping him into that category just yet, and she supposed she could try to be understanding. The young woman was good at being that - most of the time, when her stubborness and quick temper didn't get in her way. Hazel eyes watched as he craned his neck to look over his shoulder - heck, maybe he had been running from the police and his next words had her floored, "You got me all riled for nothing, you little minx." Wynnie nearly felt her jaw drop, "Excuse you, I am a third year! What are you? First?" And even worse was the follow up, "Also, ouch, you have one tough skull." With his nose crinkling, Wynnie could have decked him. Instead, she merely mimicked his nose crinkling, "Its thick to protect me from numbskulls like you," she muttered back before flopping over onto her butt now, joining him on ground as well, "So...why exactly were you running from the police?"
