The Soul Riders (old and dusty version)

Bobcats Riding Track ✺

[Edited 2020-04-09]

If all Bobcats had the same stupid stuck up attitude as Loretta, Lilly highly doubted she would have much to do with them in the future.

Actually, she hoped she could stay way clear of them for the rest of the summer. However fate had a different opinion on the matter.

"Hey!" Someone shouted behind Lilly, making Blaze trip nervously at the sudden sound.
She turned around in the saddle and saw a girl in pink clothes, of course, and a plastic smile on her face. She had brown hair and slightly green eyes.
It was the girl with bangs that'd laughed with Loretta earlier, Lilly observed somberly.

"My name is Tan, I know Loretta showed you how to race in the paddock but now I'll show you how the Bobcat girls ride for real!" Tan spoke very fast. Like she had more important things to do with her time.

"This might be though for a newbie like you but take it slow. You're not a pro rider like us. I don't think you'll ever be able to beat our high scores, you don't look like you have what it takes, but whatever. Justin said I needed to let you try it."

So she'd been right. The Bobcats of Moorland stables belonged to a slightly horsier version of Cinderella's step sisters.

Lilly supposed it technically wasn't a competition if you rode alone, yet Tan looked very smug where she stood leaning against the fence holding a timer.

"The track is marked with red and black flags." She said in a rather bored voice. "You can't miss it."

Almost like he was glaring at her Blaze snorted.

Tan however, seemed too busy imagining all the ways Lilly would embarrass herself, and didn't notice.

The track itself wasn't nearly as complicated as Lilly had imagined when Tan described it as almost impossible for anyone not a bobcat.

It was just to follow the main road, then turn down a path leading through what might once have been a great forest but now resembled more of a field with a few trees.

Following the dirt path, Lilly soon realized it was more of a shortcut through the vegetation and back to the main road.

She could hear the clanging of metal against metal mixed with the relaxing song of the birds.

Turning right, Lilly urged Blaze into a gallop on the long flat road now in front of them.

He covered the distance in a matter of second and Lilly almost though she'd ridden over someone in her haste but looked behind her only to see trees and green grass.

As the white walls of the stable re-entered her vision Blaze, almost unnoticed by Lilly, accelerate even further and streaked past a surprised looking Tan.

As we made our way back Tan eyed ua almost like she was seeing us for the first time.

"Hmm... That wasn't exactly amazing but you did sort of well, I guess. But don't get your hopes up, Bobcats can't be beaten." Tan muttered as Lilly trotted away with a somewhat smug smile on her lips.

Lilly wasn't sure she was completely allowed too, but no one stopped her as she and Blaze took aim at the green trees. She just wanted to feel and smell them for a bit.
Lilly had always found the scent of 'forest' to be calming and she felt intoxicated by all the greenery of Jorvik.

"Hello there!" A rough voice came out of nowhere. Blaze however, did not jump in fright as he'd done with Tan, instead he simply turned his head to look over at the bulky man. Despite his shoulder length silver-grey hair and lined face there was something about him making Lilly feel he wasn't as old as he might look.

The forge wasn't large or particularly significant, yet it had a homely vibe resting over it.

It was located very close to the stables, in a sort of recess just beside the road were the Bobcat's track went.

The house itself was built out of wood and looked only large enough to contain the absolute essentials.

Instead half of it was open on two sides providing a sheltered area for the smiths tools, instruments and sparkling fire.

As Blaze took a tentative, yet sure, step towards him, the blacksmith greeted them warmly in a deep voice.
"Greetings to you, young rider."
Lilly instantly got the feeling of trustworthiness radiating of him.
And only to strengthen that sense, Blaze gently put his head on the smith's shoulder and buffed him lightly on the cheek.

The blacksmith put down his forging hammer so that it leant against his anvil and stroke Blaze's blaze.
"And to your fine steed." He added. "I am Conrad Maarsden."
"Lilly Shadowheart." She smiled and extended her hand from Blaze's back to shake his much larger calloused one.
"Perhaps you could help me with a small task? With a strong horse like yours I'm sure it will take no time."
Blaze shook his head in satisfaction, as if he knew Conrad had given him a compliment.

When Lilly nodded, Conrad continued. "Just earlier today my old assistant was bringing me a shipment of the finest tools from Jorvik Stables."
A flashing startled went through her as he mentioned that place, though she'd never heard of it before.
"He was almost here when one of those dastardly Bobcat Girls came racing down Demascus Mine Road and almost rode home down!"

So she had meet someone before. It must have to been her, Lilly, who Conrad was referring to, hadn't it?

"He got so scared that he ran all the way here-" Lilly's stomach tightened. "-but he dropped all of the tools along the way." Conrad sighed.

"He refuses to go back there and I can't' leave the forge, " he nodded at the orange glowing metal on his anvil, "so my new tools are laying out there rusting away."

Lilly quickly shook her head, almost frantically. "No no no, Mr. Conrad! Ehh, smith?" What would his title be? Did he have one?
"I'll get the tools!" She managed to get out in a rush. Böaze neighing, giving his agreement, no doubt.

Conrad Maarsden smiled warmly. "I would be forever in your gratitude young lady."