The Wooded Trail

[Cyril Kingsley]

Cyril felt that now was a good of a time as any to get however many of his club members he could to do a little club event. Most of the mane six had been taken by now, sort of on and off with how students were coming and going, but that was just the way things worked. It was no big deal to him in the end since that was just how things worked and in the end he was going to still do his job and take care of all the horses. He had put up a bulletin to let all his club members know that they were going to be having a little club event. Sure club met like normal, but this one was going to be when they would all saddle up and go out to ride a forest trail around the school. He personally was super excited for it, but had no clue if any of his club members would even show up. Either way he planned to go on a trail ride and if students showed up to join him then he would be one happy Cyril.

Plus he left it out of the little bulletin message, but he had a special surprise for those club members that made the time to at least show up on their horse, or the horse they had chosen to ride. He ended up choosing Ivy out of the mane since to ride since she was a bit unruly and with the bad luck she had with the last member that she had been assigned he figured it would be best if he handle her out on the trail. Then maybe someone would be able to get paired up with her and this tough girl would be a little more on the tamed side. One can only hope. Cyril thought to himself as he stopped his horse once he arrived to the trail, it being pretty much a straight shot from the stables and he could even still see the pastures. There he would wait for a little bit to see how many; if any, of his club members showed up to do a little nature trail ridding.

[Jaiden Bolton]

Legacy danced a step to the side as Jai tried to settle the saddle on his broad dorsal striped back. They were still getting to know each other, the stocky dun mustang it seemed had a taste for seeing how far he could push boundaries. It was one of the things that had drawn Jai to him. That and the mustang’s feral heritage. They weren’t too different in that way, bred from feral stock. Legacy still seemed to have a bit of that feral spirit in his blood. And Jai could have sworn there was a real mischievous intelligence in the horse’s eyes as he sidestepped and danced away from Jai. A few moments ago when he had been brushing Legacy down the horse had been as docile as a puppy getting a belly rub. He finally managed to get the saddle in position, settling it on Legacy’s withers and quickly checking the girth before Legacy changed his mind. As if admitting defeat, Legacy allowed Jai to mount up without so much as an annoyed tail swish.

Jai gave himself a chance to get used to the deep seat of the western saddle, it was actually surprisingly comfortable. He’d always wanted to try the western style of riding, it seemed so much more relaxed and free compared to the rigid English style. Not to mention the English Jodhpurs were just….no. For all his mischievous antics once Legacy was under the saddle he moved beautifully and with a responsiveness that Jai appreciated. He barely had to touch the reins to guide Legacy down the path to the trail where Cyril had posted for them all to meet. It was only when the dun mustang caught sight of Ivy in the near distance that Legacy frisked a few steps and broke into a spirited jog. ‘Easy big guy, she isn’t going anywhere.’ Chuckling, Jai patted the mustang’s strong neck and waved to Cyril. ‘Hey, man! Uh, I mean, sir. Looks like I’m one of the early ones for once.’

[Frank "Sunny" Laffont]

"I'm heeeeerreeee!" called the whirlwind of energy which normally went by Frank Cox. She galloped in on one of the borrowed horses which had named Lightning Death-Hooves The Third, regardless of whatever name he'd had prior to that. He (at least Frank was pretty sure it was a he; she hadn't exactly checked) happened to be one of the several set aside for various people to more or less take for this specific ride. Technically Frank was a member of the Equestrian Club proper, so she probably could've taken care of a horse on her own. Well, in theory she could've: seeing as Frank didn't seem actually capable of taking care of anything larger than a goldfish, well, we should be thankful she'd settled on just borrowing one.

She rode with obvious skill though, despite obviously adjusting to the new saddle. She was more used to the English saddles and style, though she'd done her share of riding on both of them. It had been a while, but, well, she was from a ridiculously wealthy family, and she'd gotten the prerequisite pony on her sixth birthday (which she'd surprisingly taken care of, mostly because of the butler). She had even dragged a riding outfit out of somewhere: complete with proper pants, riding boots, and a jaunty, brilliant pink, riding hat.

"I'm totally ready for the ride!" she said, grinning from ear to ear. She turned then, looking toward the other person there and nearly squealed. "Jai! So awesome to see you here! What are the odds?" Pretty high, considering that Frank had all but memorized his schedule already. She wasn't about to tell him that though.

[Ellen Banks]

Of course Ellen was among the first people to sign for the little trip Cyril has organized, how could she not? If she didn’t she would be pretty sure that Neptune would never look at her in pure disgust if she ever turned down this perfect opportunity for some fun. If there was anything Neptune hated more then anything it was being copped up in the stables for far too long, Ellen considered it’s a miracle that he haven’t kicked the door down years ago, Ellen guessed that he would have done if he had a concept of violence. So he just spend what felt years and years passing his little section over and over again just waiting for the chance to go out in the field and burn off his seemingly boundless energy he seemed to have.

Ellen was a tab bit concerned bringing Neptune along with her, considering her tendency to become just a little excited around other people and horses and was prone to be hard to control but Ellen would try to make sure that he was on his very best behaviour. After all she would very much doubt that Cyril would appreciate Neptune disturbing the proceeding.

Settling into the saddle nicely like riding a bike she and Nepture settled into the old familiar pattern as she expertly rode Neptune into the clearing and as Ellen predicted the moment he saw potential new friends (Horse and Human) alike He let out a little whinny of pure joy, as Ellen patted him slightly to get him to stop “Sorry I’m late. It always a struggle to get the saddle on Neptune, He’s very excited about this, but I’ll try to keep him in line”

[Cyril Kingsley]

Cyril stroked the side of Ivy's neck as he waited, a smile appearing on his face as Jaiden rode up. Jaiden was a newer member of his club, but he was still a member and he was pretty much the only official male club member that he had talk to and gotten to know on a small level. He was pleased he showed up for this trail ride, heck he was just happy one person showed up. He was riding Legacy, the horse he had already met and gotten to know by now, who appeared to be eager to see Ivy. Ivy who was not interested at all and just kicked her hoof at the ground. "Hi Mr. Jaiden. Thanks for showing up for the trail ride and its okay to be relaxed with me when no other staff are around, remember?" Cyril asked but more so was just reminding the young man that Cyril was not going to have a cow over being called by his first name or 'man' by a student. He was a man after all, a strong and proud man on top of a horse and eager to go on the trail.

Then Frank showed up, a girl that he did not know all that well, but knew for sure that she was an interesting one. Tons of energy, had some ridding talents, but he was not so sure about her ability to take care of a horse. It could have just been a dream, but he could have sworn he found one of the horses water troughs filled with soda instead of water. He was just going to go with that being a dream and gave a friendly wave to Frank, loving her energy. "Hello Miss Frank. Thank you for joining us." Cyril said and then gave a raised eyebrow look at Jai when Frank seemed eager to see him there. Cyril's look basically asking Jai if there was something there or not. Frank was still a little sister so Cyril was going to be watching the two of them closely. Just as Cyril was feeling like they waited long enough Ellen showed up with Neptune. She apparently had struggles with Neptune's saddle, but at least she made it.

Cyril could appreciate the effort always and understood how Neptune was so was not going to fault Ellen or the horse for it. "Happy you made it Miss Ellen." Cyril said with still that ever pleased and bright smile on his face. His blue eyes seeming to just light up at having three club members showing up. He wanted more, but for now this would do if that was all. "Alright, the trail is pretty wide so we don't have to walk in a straight line. Every keep within a good distance of one another and let’s get going. If others show up they can just catch up." Cyril said as he turned Ivy around with ease to face the right way, clicking his tongue and giving Ivy a small kick to get her walking again. "Let’s have fun, stay safe, and I have a special surprise at the end of the trail for you all." Cyril said as he sort of gave something of a wiggle as if he had some kind of invisible tail that was just wagging like crazy at the moment.

[Jaiden Bolton]

‘I wouldn’t miss it for anything.Uh, Cyril.’ It felt strange calling a teacher by their first name. They’d been pretty strict about that kind of thing at every school Jai had attended. And Jai had been kicked out of his fair share of schools. Then again, every school usually had that one young ‘hip’ teacher. The kind of teacher who might kick a ball around with their students or even turn a blind eye when they snuck cigs on school property.

Jai heard the horse approach before he saw it. The sound of galloping hooves was pretty hard to miss. Legacy swung his head in the direction of the sound. Thudding hooves could set off a horse’s fight or flight instinct but Legacy seemed more curious than nervous. Jai loved the mustang all the more for it. His eyes lit up at the sight of a familiar face as the mysterious rider burst into view. Trust Frank to make such a wildly epic entrance. ‘Frank! Man, it’s good to see you. I didn’t know you were into this whole riding thing.’ Come to think of it he probably should have guessed as much. Frank came from serious money and serious money had a tendency to go hand in hand with expensive horseflesh. Either way, Jai couldn’t be happier to see her since she was one of the first students he’d met at Bellefonte and she seemed to have a talent for making things fun.

Jai caught the loaded look Cyril was giving him. Its silent meaning was lost on Jai as he was largely oblivious to any subtle (or not so subtle) message that didn’t involve shouting at him in a loud voice. He shrugged and tried to look apologetic, hoping it was the appropriate response or that it at least covered all his bases. He was saved by the arrival of another club member. Jai had been curious about Neptune’s rider since he’d heard of the horse’s reputation for being a handful. He’d seen Ellen around the stables tending to Neptune but since his attention was usually on wrestling Legacy in and out of his stable Jai hadn’t had much of a chance to get to know her very well. He flashed Ellen a smile and gave her a little wave. ‘Hey, Ellen.’

With that their little procession was ready to set off. Legacy lifted his head high and strode forward, wanting to be at the head of the group. Jai couldn’t blame him, he’d lived his whole life having to suppress that same urge to race ahead of everyone. He kept a firm hand on the reins till Legacy relented and fell into step with the other horses. He was sure there’d come a time when they could let the horses have their heads but till that time came Jai was determined to keep Legacy under control and matching Ivy’s pace – he did not need to piss Cyril off by ruining the guy’s trail ride or riding recklessly. Legacy still seemed to dance with each step, managing to make a walk feel more like a prancing step but at least he was no longer trying to pull ahead. ‘Oh! A surprise? Y’know if this was a horror movie the surprise would be you murdering us and hiding our bodies out here where no one would find us. It’s better than that right?’ Jai sighed dramatically and lowered his voice, ‘As the ethnic minority here I don’t fancy my chances of surviving a horror movie themed surprise.’

[Frank "Sunny" Laffont]

Frank gasped, twisting in her seat to behold that not only was her current stalked obsession present on this little ride, but also her BFF! Her eyes went wide and she squeed, waving an excited hand at Ellen. "This. Is. so. Awesome!" she said, letting out another little cry. She looked back to Jai, who had actually spoken to her and all, nodding and so forth: "Yeah, I totes know how to ride and stuff. I got a pony when I was little and all. Plus, like, I'm all up on just about everything happening here. Don't wanna miss anything."

She nodded, then nodded at Cyril, indicating that she was ready to go and excited to be there. She wasn't certain she'd actually made it to the last Equestrian club meeting. That was the downside to being in pretty much every club in existence. Sometimes the meetings overlapped or sometimes Frank got one club confused and showed up in the wrong place. She still attended enough to keep her membership in alllll the clubs though! Otherwise it would really, really suck.

"Yeah, that would suck. Though if this was a horror movie, Mr. Kingsley would totes be the first to go, since he's all authority figure and stuff. Or he'd get wicked injured and we'd all have to struggle to save him and stuff. Then it would probly be me, 'cuz I'm totes the hawt comic relief and all. Which would leave you and Ellen," she nodded to her BFF. "Buuut, this is, like, a different kind of movie. I'm betting the surprise is a picnic. Yep, that's totally what it is."

Frank nodded as if her guess had been less a guess and more a statement of inarguable fact.

[Ellen Banks]

Why this was turning out to be quite pleasant way to spend a day, horses, the great outdoors what more could Ellen ask fo-Oh God damn it!



Of curse. Of course Frank Cox would find a new avenue to invade her life. Seriously she was involved in so many activities surely she didn’t have time for yet another one, let alone Ellen’s favorite school club? Ellen pitied the poor little horse of hers, she hardly considered Frank the most responsible person in the world. She doubted she could handle the responsibility of looking after another sentient being, she would probably force feed it candy all day every day. Ok, it looks like it’s down to the old reliable system of “Try to pretend that Frank’s voice is the buzzing of a particularly annoying fly” and maybe try to keep her away from Neptune, no doubt if she comes into contact with Frank he’s become far to over excited for him own good.


Beside. This was a just a one time thing right? It wasn’t like she was going to spend all her time in the stables right? This was just a one time thing and she didn’t actually join right? Right



Ellen didn’t really know Jai, but she knew his horse the showoff Legacy was often seen galloping around with Neptune getting into some kind of trouble with him. (Neptune probably viewed everyone as his best friend) and it was only added to Neptune excitement “...and the same to you. I believe our animals know each other quite well” With that Ellen and Nepture followed softly behind Legacy trying her best to ignore Frank as much as possible

[Ellen Banks]

Why this was turning out to be quite pleasant way to spend a day, horses, the great outdoors what more could Ellen ask fo-Oh God damn it!


Of course Of course Frank Cox would find a new avenue to invade her life. Seriously she was involved in so many activities surely she didn’t have time for yet another one, let alone Ellen’s favorite school club? Ellen pitied the poor little horse of hers, she hardly considered Frank the most responsible person in the world. She doubted she could handle the responsibility of looking after another sentient being, she would probably force feed it candy all day every day. Ok, it looks like it’s down to the old reliable system of “Try to pretend that Frank’s voice is the buzzing of a particularly annoying fly” and maybe try to keep her away from Neptune, no doubt if she comes into contact with Frank he’s become far to over excited for him own good.


Beside. This was a just a one time thing right? It wasn’t like she was going to spend all her time in the stables right? This was just a one time thing and she didn’t actually join right? Right


Ellen didn’t really know Jai, but she knew his horse the showoff Legacy was often seen galloping around with Neptune getting into some kind of trouble with him. (Neptune probably viewed everyone as his best friend) and it was only added to Neptune excitement “...and the same to you. I believe our animals know each other quite well” With that Ellen and Nepture followed softly behind Legacy trying her best to ignore Frank as much as possible

[Cyril Kingsley]

Jai seemed to act like he didn't really know what Cyril was hinting at or that he did but was playing innocent. As far as Cyril was concerned Jai could be innocent or guilty, it didn't matter. He was going to be keeping a closer eye on him to ensure he was not a 'bad boy' for Frank. Cyril may not knew Frank super well but she was a club member and a younger female so she still fell into the category of being a 'little sister' and he protected all of his little sisters from any and all things that were bad. That included boys that may or may not be trouble when they were away from the eyes of an adult watching them. Cyril could not of course watch the boy like a hawk all hours, but her certainly could while Jai was around and that was what he intended to do. That was until he started to get distracted with Ellen’s arrival and just the overall excitement of the ride.

They were on their way and he could just not wait until they would get to a certain part of the trail were they would be able to let lose. Then they would get to their surprise and hopefully the kids liked it because if not he would pout a little but still enjoy it all himself. His eyebrows did start to rise as he looked back at Jai when he started talking about how he hoped the surprise was not like one from a horror movie. Stating that the surprise would end up Cyril murdering them all and hiding their bodies where no one would fine them. "..." Cyril's mouth just hung open a little, not even sure how to even begin to respond to that. Just simply blinking as Jai added the bit about how he probably would be the first one to go if that was indeed the case. What are they letting these kids watch? Cyril asked himself, knowing he watched scary movies but never had he like brought it up and said 'hey, you know it would suck if you were like some killer that just killed us all'.

Then Franck spoke up about how that would such but then thought that Cyril would be the one to end up dying first or getting badly injured. Cyril's jaw fully dropping open as he looked forward. Now his mind thinking like what if this all happened and how he did not want to be in a horror movie. In fact those bringing it up just made the British man start to wonder how this ride was going to turn out. Then Frank stated what she thought what the surprise was and Cyril slid his hand down his face. How did she figure it out? Cyril wondered since a picnic was indeed a part of the surprise. "With you lot talking about horror movies I'm starting to wonder if the real plan is to kill me and run away together with the horses." Cyril stated with a small chuckle but it may or may not have been an actual concern of his now.

He was just pleased Ellen didn't seem to be partaking in this horror nonsense and he was not even going to say anything about the picnic comment. Already giving Ivy a little kick to cause her to pick up some speed. Cyril then cleared his throat. "As soon as you pass that sign post, feel free to go as fast as you are comfortable with until you come within range of the lake." Cyril informed them, not wanting this to be some slow and steady ride, he wanted them to get their blood pumping, feel the wind in their hair, and get some speed.