Outfoxing the Fox

For [EVENT] Kastell's Autumn Fox Chase - OPEN!

Featuring: 
075 WRR My Little Miracle with Alma Orosmoln
076 WRR Liberation with Alrik Orosmoln
Kastell's She's all That with Omar

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As always, Alma was taking too long to tack up Maya. Alrik leaned on the post next to the crossties Maya was in. He cross his arms and sighed at his slow sister. He had been done for quite some time now. 
Alma gently set the side-saddle onto Maya's back. She was deep in thought. Even her brother's annoyed sigh bounced away from her ears. She had heard a lot about the fox they would be chasing. They were native to the lands so they had the advantage on the terrain for sure. The Orosmoln's were still very new to the lay of the land. 
She also heard that the little mare Omar rode, Bam, was quite fast! Maya was no slow poke but she was much more suited to pulling heavy loads than racing! Alrik's mare, Libby, was no Thoroughbred either. She had size and long legs to her advantage, but she wasn't conditioned to run fast for long. 
Alrik rolled his eyes. He could tell his sister was overthinking this whole thing. He walked over to her and spoke over her shoulder, "Next, little one, you tightened the girth. Should I show you how to do that? Or do you remember from the lesson book?"
Alma elbowed her brother in the ribs and stuck her tongue out, "Hah! I was riding before you even knew how to tie your shoes."
Alrik leaned on her, "Funny. I remember a certain little girl that wanted to be a princess and live in a castle with servants to do everything for her...let alone bother riding a horse like a barbarian."
Alma blushed slightly and grinned, "Your memory is failing you, brother."
Alrik smiled and walked back over to where he was leaning before, "Lighten up, Alma. This is supposed to be a fun event for the community."
Alma began to cinch up Maya's girth, "That's ironic coming from the most competitive guy I know."
Alrik could help but get another jab in at his sister, "That's because you scare the rest of the men off."
Alma threw a hoofpick at her brother, "Bully!"
Alrik had dodged the throw and laughed. "No worries, I have a plan."
Alma perked up, "You do!? Unless it's some sort of speed magic, I don't think it'll work."
Alrik scoffed and crossed his arms, "I'm not surprised you can't think past brute strength. You were always kind of dense, Alma."
"Brother, I don't have any more hoof picks to throw at you. So unless you want me to start throwing punches, you had better get to your point."
"I was trying to give you the opportunity to catch up. Anyway, we don't have to be faster than the fox!"
"...but it's a race?"
"Mmm, more like...tag."
"Tag?"
"Whoever gets the flag is the winner, not whoever crosses the line first. You don't have to be fast to win."
Alma wasn't sure what Alrik had planned but she trusted his judgment and listen to his plans.

~during the competition~
Alma had heard correctly! They had just spotted Bam and Omar and they galloped off at incredible speeds. 
Alma was pushing Maya as hard as she was brave enough to go just to keep behind Bam. Maya pinned her ears and ran her mighty heart out. She didn't get to stretch out this often and was really enjoying the speed for once. Colorful leaves were dropping fromt he trees and whizzing past the horses as they opened up their strides.
The trees were making it hard to make any gain on Bam and Omar. They were too close together to try and go from the side. The little striped mare was quite nimble on her feet!
Alma smiled to herself pulled Maya to the right of Bam and Omar. Her opportunity had just opened up.
Omar was busy paying attention to the trees in front of him. He grit his teeth when a large horse butt appeared right in front of him. The spotted rump seemed to park itself right in front of Bam. She had no choice but to slow just slightly so she didn't get her legs tangled with the mare in front of her. 
Alrik grinned a wicked smile. His big mare was too obnoxious to try and go around in the wooded area. They couldn't let Bam and Omar get to the field or they would stand no chance.
Libby had no problem being so close to another horse she didn't know. She was just happy she could quit galloping like a madman now that she was in the front and could set the pace. 
Bam saw what was going on as the the mare behind her came creeping up on her side. The little mare, Maya could squeeze between the trees, no problem. But Omar was too busy focusing on the big mare in front of him.
Alma leaned forward for the sash around Omar's waist. Her smile couldn't get any bigger! 
They didn't need to be fast to catch the fox. But they did need some teamwork and a little trust from their mounts. 
(852 words)

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OMG I finally finished this xD I've been working on it for some time now lol So much tack and clothing lol And then I wanted to add leaves....sheesh lol I think I like how it turned out ;v; I put a lot of effort into it even though I just wanted to die a few times xD 
I kind of mixed some styles in there. I did my usual lining on the horses and then sketched in manes, tails, people, and most of the tack. It was a neat outcome! 

Bam/Omar © Wouv 
Maya/Libby/Art © Drasayer 
Leaves Brush © charfade from the Leaves and Veggie Brush Pack


Photoshop CS3