Star Stable Online - Kidnapped

Chapter One - The Baroness' Birthday

It was a blazing summer's day in June on the island of Jorvik, and Vivien Wolflee had not long come out of her college building in Silverglade Village with her three friends, who also happened to be three of the four soul riders, Linda Chanda, Alex Cloudmill, and Lisa Peterson. The group were headed towards Steve's Farm to fetch their horses and were buzzing more than usual on this particular afternoon. Firstly, it was Friday, and after a heavy week of studying, it was nice to see the back of the college building's door. 

Secondly, not only did they have their usual weekend, it was actually also the Baroness' 70th birthday, and so to commemorate this, the council had given everybody, students and workers, a full week off to take part in her numerous festivities that she had planned all around the island to celebrate the milestone. 

Another reason they struggled to contain their excitement, was that the fourth soul rider, Anne von Blyssen, was doing the opening ceremony dressage performance at the overlook chasm, that was also going to be an evening performance. Usually, Anne was very forthcoming with the details of her tests or performances, and often sought the advice of her counterparts to see what worked best, but even this was extravagant enough for her to want to keep it a secret and surprise her four best friends. Some of the most high-profile profile people on Jorvik were going to be there, meaning it could be, and probably was, Anne's biggest performance to date. 

"She's gonna absolutely blow it out the park!!" Alex exclaimed, punching the air and skipping a few steps. Alex was a creature of habit, and so even for an evening as lavish as this one, she wouldn't budge on her usual choice of outfit involving a flannel shirt, cargo's, converse, and a beanie hat. 

"Yes, she will, of course she will! But Alex...you really need to consider wearing something nicer than that...tat you've got on" Linda protested disapprovingly, shifting her backpack into a more comfortable position. 

Alex stopped her little skip and turned to Linda with a playfully stern look in her eye "Look, you're all going on about these high-profile celebrities of Jorvik that we need to get dressed up for...are we not the celebrities?! I mean come on - everybody knows all of us here!" She argued back, motioning at the group with her hand.

"Besides" She continued "Who even cares what boring rich people like that think anyway? What do they do for the island other than try to exploit it in any way they can to get even more money? Ridiculous, if you ask me".

Lisa shrugged "That is a fair point"

Linda sighed defeatedly. 

"You're right, I just thought it would be nice to get dressed up for once. We're always in our scruffs smelling like horse, even in college" 

"I'll get dressed up with you, Linda" Vivien offered. 

Linda's face lit up "You will?!" she asked 

"Yeah, sure, I agree with what Alex said, but wearing a dress for one day never killed anyone" she shrugged. 

Alex snarled "it probably did" she mumbled under her breath. The three of them laughed at the remark, and Alex couldn't help but join in. 

They approached the barn at Steve's a short while later. This was where they stabled their horses when they were studying. the farmer had always been good to the girls, and so they all made a mutual agreement to give him a sum each week in exchange to take care of their horses when they were at college.  

Once they reached the stables, a more serious demeanour came about the group. Vivien looked over her shoulder and motioned at the group to come closer together, lowering her voice.