Just Another Friday Night [open to anyone]

[Semper Capone]

It was just another Friday night at Richmond. Most of the students, be they demigod or all human, were off downtown, leaving the lawns vacant aside from some of the overachiever players that decide to spend their time practicing whatever sport they do. It was perfectly fine with me, though; I liked the empty fields. Even reminded me a little of home. The sun was dipping down low in the red and orange streaked sky, illuminating the air with a very slight orange-ish hue. There was no wind to speak of, so the manicured grass was perfectly still.

It was evenings like these that I really like to bring Bell, my little Shire filly, over so she could run around without the threat of being kicked by any of the other school horses. She was very friendly, but for some reason the older equines just didn't like her trying to rub her head on their knees.

I led Bell with the lead rope all the way down to the fields, heading out into the middle of the vacant one. Her ears were standing up straight, little nostrils flaring to catch any new scent she could pick up to explore. I knew she was excited, so when I knelt down in front of her, I looked her in her large blue eyes. "Now Bell," I said. She turned to look at me, recognizing her name. "Don't 'ave too much fun, now, y' hear me?"They way she was looking at me -- I couldn't help but smile; her brown fluffy winter coat made it so that tufts of fur stuck out randomly all over her. I could tell she wanted to run, so without holding her back any longer, I unhooked the lead rope from her halter and let her go. Bell bolted, bucking and whinnying, whipping her short tail around.

I sat down on the grass, pulling my legs up and putting my arms around then, holding onto the old blue threaded rope. As I watched her play around, I couldn't help but wonder: why do they teach us to ride horses now days? I mean, yeah, I love horseback riding, but it's not like we fight from their backs anymore. Now days you shoot each other in the face with guns, or throw improvised exploding devices, things of that nature. But horses, though they may not be as useful as they once were, were definitely beautiful creatures in action. Even when they're as young as Bell is, they are nearly as strong as a full grown man. And when they get older, don't get stepped on by them.

Sitting in the quiet, I laid back against the grass, keeping watch over Bell by listening for her hoof beats. I closed my eyes, enjoying the peace.

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[Sarafina Moore]

Sarafina walked into the stable the smell of hay and horses is what she smelled as quick as she entered it, then she heard a greeting neigh from one of the horses. A smile appeared on her face as she walked over a coal black Arabian gelding named Rio, she looked around quickly then held out her hand showing a sugar cube to the horse, the horse gently lipped it up from the human's hand and nickered with delight "Now don't you tell anyone, I don't want to get into trouble okay?She said to the horse, who seem to look at her.

With a smile on her face, Sarafina reached for the red halter that was on a hook next to the stall door, she slipped the halter over his head, then buckled it, then unlatched the door then started to lead Rio over to a pasture, all she could hear was the sound of hear was the sound of Rio's shoes against the ground, Sarafina lead him over the pasture area, it was a good day to let Rio out since she hasn't rode him in a while because of school. Hearing a shrill whinny, Sarafina turned her head to see a young filly running out in the pasture, Sarafina chuckled at the sight of the filly running around in the pasture, bucking in pure delight. Rio gently nudged Sarafina, "Alright, alright, you sure are pushy"She said as she resumed leading Rio into a pasture.

Once she was in the pasture with Rio, she locked the gate then went back to Rio, who was already prancing with delight he whinnied impatiently wanting the halter off so he could run like he was bred to. As soon Sarafina got the halter off, Rio bolted neighing, bucking with pure delight after getting a small distance away from the human Rio halted, lowered his head to the ground, sniffing it, then lowered himself to the ground rolling, as soon he was done rolling he stood up then shook his body with a groan, then resumed running around the pasture. Sarafina walked over to the rail, then sat on it.

[Semper Capone]

It was fairly relaxing just to be laying there, listening to Bell's little hooves hitting the ground as she frolicked about. I would've fallen asleep, but Bell interrupted my peace by sniffing my face and licking me. I snorted, laughing as I wiped off her saliva; I then rubbed her face and ears before she decided she had had enough and went running off, her long legs flying awkwardly.

I settled back onto the grass, closing my eyes and letting my mind drift. There was something else, though... a sound. It was heavier than Bell's footsteps; whatever it was, it definitely wasn't her. The sound grew louder and louder in an awkward rhythm. Not the regular one-two-three-four, one-two, or one-two-three beats. It grew louder and louder so I opened my eyes, startled to see a bucking horse next to him -- oh wow. I knew better than to be beside a horse while it's bucking, even if it is out of happiness. I quickly rolled over and onto my feet, crouching and looking up at the black steed.

Oh. I recognized that horse; I've seen it around the barn. Rio, I think it's name was. The black horse calmed down, rolled on the ground, then got back up. If Rio was here, I bet that meant Sarafina was, too. She was always a nice person to talk to. I stood up, careful to not spook Rio, and spotted her sitting on the rail not too far off. Holding the lead rope in my hand, I watched as Bell ventured up towards Rio and sniffed him, her ears perked forward. I smiled, deciding that I should go over and talk to Sarafina for a bit while Bell hopefully wouldn't annoy poor Rio to death.

"'ello Sarafina." I said, leaning against the fence beside her. "What've y' been up t' lately?"

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[Sarafina Moore]

Rio's ears pricked forward as he heard rustling in the grass he looked at where the sound was coming from then saw a boy stand up from the grass, Rio saw that he wasn't a threat then started to walk away, only to be halted by a curious filly. A nicker of intrest came from Rio as he arched his neck to smell the filly, after a few seconds he snorted then started to graze on the grass right next to filly watching over her, just like an older brother would with his little sister and where ever Bell went Rio went no matter what.

Sarafina watched Rio carefully just incase he got a little too hyper for the filly, Rio was defiantly a one of a kind horse Rio loved that little filly to death just as if the filly was one of his own. Sarafina chuckled over the protectiveness of Bell, then something else caught Sarafina's eye, she looked over seeing Semper standing up from laying down on the grass, of course he would be trying to take a nap with Bell around. Sarafina put her blonde hair into a ponytail so it wouldn't get in the way incase the wind picked up. Rio raised his head from grazing to look up at Sarafina, while Semper seem to make his way over to Sarafina, the black horse lowered his head again resuming to graze.

Sarafina smiled as Semper came closer to her, unlike most guys around here Semper was a very nice guy an easy to get along with, not to mention the two had alot in common especially with horses "Hey Semper, nothing much just staying out of trouble no matter how hard I try."She said with a smile "What about you Semper, what have you been up to lately?"She asked as she jumped down from the railing, then leaned against it next to Semper.

[Semper Capone]

As I leaned against the fence beside her, I couldn't help but feel awkwardly tall. For a girl, she was certainly on the upper end of the average female height, but I towered over her the way a miniature pony looks up to a large thoroughbred. I was used to always looking down at people in a literal way that it made me have slouch a lot. Right now, though, as I was leaning back against the rails -- I'm surprised the wood didn't break with my weight on it -- with my arms crossed across my chest, holding the faded and frayed lead rope.

"That's a good thing," I commented, smiling to return the same friendly smile she had presented me with. "I've jus' been tryin' t' keep Bell from aggravatin'' the other horses so they don't kick her in the face." Of course I was joking, and I couldn't help but laugh at my own joke. Sheesh, I'm a dork. Absentmindedly I looked over at Sarafina for a few moments before looking out at Bell, watching as she frolicked around the black horse, stopping momentarily to graze beside him. It was hard to imagine that one day Bell would be larger than Rio; at the moment she was so small -- compared to me, at least -- but soon she'd hit a growth spurt and she'd live up to the full potential of her Shire bloodlines.

"Rio looks nice." I said after a few moments, having noticed that the Arabian's fur looked sleek and shiny despite the fact that it was winter. Bell seemed to be admiring his fur, too, having stopped grazing and was currently sniffing his knees. I chuckled lightly.

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[Sarafina Moore]

Sarafina looked at Rio who seemed pretty content with standing by Bell, Rio looked back at Sarafina and Semper before returning to graze next to the young filly. It almost seemed that Rio was acting like Bell's father, protective and keeping her close next to him. If only Sarafina had a father like that, but no she had to have the drunk, alway blaming her for the death of her mom, but that wasn't the worst part the one reason why Sarafina wanted to come to Richmond was because of how abusive her father was, but Sarafina didn't tell anyone about it. And that was the way she wanted to keep it, a secret.

"I can't see Rio kicking Bell, he loves her too much. I'm actually going to be surprise if we can get them out of the pasture with having to play Chase." She chuckled, then looked back over to Semper. It was pretty sad that he would be leaving in a few months and probably going off to college, she was going to loose her best friend, that was how much she knew, "So are you going to miss me when you graduate?" She asked, leaning against the railing on her shoulder so that she was looking at him, "Cause I know i'm gonna miss you, alot." She said with a innocent smile on her face.

[Semper Capone]

"That's a good thing, really." I said, honestly relieved to know that I wouldn't have to worry about Rio impaling Bell with a hoof. They seemed to be getting along good, which was really good. The filly really needed to be socialized so she wouldn't be the one impaling others when she grew up. One less thing to worry about. Chasing them all around the pasture, though, had futile written all over it. I laughed at the thought. "That'd b' an awful chase," I said, smiling. I bet we could probably corral them with lead ropes, but still, the thought of running all over the pasture trying to catch two four-legged animals that were built for speed was very comical.

But then Sarafina brought up graduation. Not only was it a happy time that I'd finally be over and done with high school, but I'd be leaving very good friends behind. A bitter-sweet kind of thing, you know? It was a sobering thought, really; who knew when we'd ever see each other again? "I really will miss y'." My voice was full of sincerity. "There ain't really no one else I can talk t' 'bout anythin' horse related. I really will miss y', 'n' even Sage 'n' Markus, as much as I don't want t' really admit it." I chuckled lightly at the thought of my two room mates who always seemed to be arguing over something. I didn't realize it, but I was just staring off blankly in the general direction of the grazing horses. Coming back to reality from the dull trance, I briefly glanced down as I shifted my weight from foot to foot, then looked over at Sarafina. "So what d' y' plan t' d' once you're outta high school?"

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[Sarafina Moore]

Sarafina watched Rio carefully even though he was a full grown horse he had a talent for getting into trouble. He may look like a smart, cunning, handsome horse but he was anything but that, he was trouble making horse...in a good way of course. Sarafina didn't know what she would do without that horse, Rio was the only thing she had with a family relationship. She would honestly feel bad for Semper if Bell got Rio's personality.

Sarafina looked over at Semper again, she had a unique relationship with Semper. In fact Semper was the older brother she never had, "Aww, I think I felt a tear." She said playfully at Semper before playfully nudging him with her shoulder. Life at Richmond was going to be different with Semper gone, there would be nobody she could talk to like she did with Semper, it could be the most random of things and she could still talk to him, but her favorite thing to talk about was horse.

Sarafina looked away for a moment, she never really thought about college, first of all she didn't have the money for it, second she didn't know what she wanted to do, "I don't really know, haven't really thought about it that much." She said honestly, before looking back at him.

[Semper Capone]

I couldn't help but laugh at her comment about a tear. It was a slightly touchy subject, so I didn't really want to press it any further, but still, once I left Richmond, I'd end up leaving all my demigod and normal friends behind. I wasn't particularly fond of that, but eh, I guess it has to happen one of these days. If only that day could come sooner, though.

My smile widened as she nudged me, so I took my elbow and playfully nudged her back. I really did like Sarafina because, well, we had this brother-sister type relationship. I felt that I could tell her anything and she wouldn't judge me by it -- although, I still had to keep all the demigod stuff on the down-low. Not because I didn't trust her -- I trusted her with a lot, believe me -- but because I simply wasn't allowed to tell. I wanted to tell her, but if word got around that I was the one who spilled the beans, then I'd have a whole lot of angry people on my heels.

"S'alright. I ain't given it much thought either 'n' I'm the one graduatin'." I said, shaking my head and laughing lightly. Damn, I'm an awful procrastinator. "I don't even know if I'm goin' off to college yet." I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do in life. I definitely wanted to keep in touch with archery and art, but that wouldn't get me a decent enough living. So broadening that spectrum, I figured I'd find some ranch or stockyard to work at. Yeah, that seemed good enough; I'd spent plenty of time working with animals in their worst state, so I figure I had enough experience under my belt to work at somewhere other than my father's slaughter house.

I glanced back over at Bell, noticing that she was trying to get at a patch of grass that was right underneath Rio's belly. Pft; as much as I loved Bell, I had to admit that she wasn't exactly the brightest horse around. Doesn't bother me, though; I still wouldn't trade her for any other horse.

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[renzoferro]

Renzo quite liked Richmond High School. It was giving him a good quality education, he was enjoying himself for the most part, and it was clean and tidy which was of utmost importance. It had also built itself a good reputation as a school of class and to have Richmond on his resume was only a good thing, even thought it was such a new school. However, he had a couple of complaints about it. The biggest was- it didn't have a gym.

Renzo had complained to the dean on several occasions- how was he expected to keep in good shape if the school didn't provide facilities? He wasn't a son of Aphrodite, who was always in top shape, or of Athena or Ares, who were naturally fit and strong. As a son of Apollo, he was naturally a good runner, but that didn't guarantee fitness, and cardio was only one part of physical health. He wanted a gym so he could keep his muscles lean and his flexibility in check as well as keep up his cardio fitness. Unfortunately, he'd been sent away every time. He was always told 'there's a pool and a field. Go for a swim, go for a run. If there's anything else you need, join the gym in town.' But Renzo didn't like the gym in town. It smelt like animals were slowly rotting in the sauna and he was pretty sure most of the members didn't wipe down the equipment after they used it.

So, he was forced to swim in the Olympic-length pool two mornings a week, and go for a run around the grounds most days after classes had finished. Today, he'd spent Friday afternoon in the Gucci store in town trying to decide which of the three leather jackets in the store he liked the most. After a couple of hours, by which point the Friday night assistant with whom Renzo was now on first-name basis with had told him he wanted to close and Renzo had to get out, he bought all three. Now, satisfied with his purchases, he'd decided to spent the last of the sunlight going for a run before he went out for his Friday night.

He had just left the campus area and was making his way out on to the fields to begin his run, dressed in work-out gear of a tank top, a pair of sweat pants and his Nike tennis shoes, when he saw something unusual. There were two horses, one big, one small, strolling around the Great Lawns. This was strange, Renzo thought, because he was used to the horses being kept in the stables and didn't they have their own running around field or something? Why were there horses where he wanted to run? He didn't much like horses really. They smelled so awful when they were sweaty, and they attracted flies. Despite being taught how to ride from a young age at his mother's summer club on the French Riviera, he hadn't become as interested in equestrian or polo events as Elisabetta would have wanted, and only kept up the skill when he visited La Belle Vue during the summer vacation.

Casually, he strolled over to where a couple of teenagers were surveying the horses. 'Excusez-moi,' he said. 'I do not mean to interrupt, but why are your horses here, on the lawn, and not by the stable? I mean... this is not where they are supposed to be, you know?'

Renzo didn't really mind the horses being there, they were just horses, and when he was running, they wouldn't be next to him. It just kind of bothered him that they were in the stables. Horses belonged in stables.... this must just be the control-freak coming out in him. A little bit OCD, he liked to have things in the right place. Constantly.

[Semper Capone]

My only good eye was watching Bell closely as she ventured off towards a nearby tree, sniffing at the bark. She had tried eating bark once or twice before and those events didn't quite turn out so well, so I let out a breath I didn't know I had been holding in when she turned away and trotted back over to Rio, grazing beside him, her short tail swishing back and forth.

It hurt my mind to think about the future and as much as I didn't like it, I knew it would creep up on me before I realized it. Reality would bite me in the arse because I had been such a procrastinator with the future, so to appease karma, I made a mental note to figure out what I wanted to do once I graduated.

I kind of wanted to go to an art school, but hell, none of my drawings were worthy for a school of the arts. I most likely wouldn't be able to get into a school for playing the bassoon either, so I was out of luck there. My only options left were agriculture, equestrian, or the military. I knew I would do just fine in the agricultural business because of my mother, so maybe I should just stick with that. However, it would be quite strange if the farmland was struck by a severe drought and only my crops were thriving as though it had been raining plenty. Hmm... or maybe an equine rescue facility... with a crop field....

'Excusez-moi, I do not mean to interrupt, but why are your horses here, on the lawn, and not by the stable? I mean... this is not where they are supposed to be, you know?'

Hearing an obviously European accent, I turned my head to look at the person who had suddenly materialize beside Sarafina and I. One of my eyebrows rose as I eyed the other boy. "We bring 'em here sometimes," I informed him. Compared to that guy's smooth and flowing accent, mine sounded harsh and choppy. "Only when there ain't too many people 'round, of course." I didn't quite know what it was about this guy, but for some reason he set me on guard. My grip on Bell's lead rope tightened discreetly as I carefully watched this stranger a few more moments with my only good eye before looking back out at Rio and Bell, glancing at Sarafina.

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