A Mid-Summer’s Day Race in Rivendell
Mar. 9th, 2017 02:29 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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b2memB2MeM Prompt and Path:Obstacles, Red
Format:Short story
Genre:Humor
Rating:G
Warnings:None
Characters:Glorfindel, Erestor
Pairings:None
Creator’s Notes:Tolkien provided the sandbox, I merely play with the bucket and shovel he left behind. No profit of any kind is made from my fanworks.
Summary:Mid-Summer’s Day is celebrated with a horse race in Rivendell, but not just any horserace, a cross-country race with obstacles and straw enemies. Who will prevail and win the field?
A Mid-Summer’s Day Race in Rivendell
The hedgerows had been erected and the various obstacles had been constructed. The flow of the Bruinen River had been diverted to cause small streams, and in one case a small lake, to cross the course. Since it was a friendly competition and they didn’t want injured horses, the log jumps used hollowed logs rather than newly-felled trees. If a horse hit a jump, it wouldn’t break a bone from the contact, but the log would fall off the barrier.
Glorfindel stood to the side, talking with several other riders. The first two runs would cut down the ranks if messenger and warriors to ten riders in each of the two categories. The afternoon run would mix the two designations and determine a winner in each of the two classifications.
“Ready to ride hard? This year’s Mid-Summer’s Day Course may be the toughest one yet.” Glorfindel looked at the course set-up with its’ multiple jumps and switchbacks.
“We’re ready,” Erestor said. “Nimrodel and I have been training on our off-time and she’s at the top of her form right now.”
The Golden Warrior laughed, and clutched the arm of the elf in a firm grip. “Then I should place my marks down on you?”
“It’s not my place to tell you how to waste your money, Commander, but she wouldn’t be a bad choice for your coin.”
“Ride hard, ride well, ride safely,” the warrior said as he turned to join the spectators. He wouldn’t be riding until the second group, later in the morning.
A horn was winded and the horses and riders gathered near the starting line. The rules were explained and a new timing mechanism was revealed. Elrond had obtained it as a gift from an unknown source in the Far East, and he promised it would provide accuracy previously unknown for calculating each individual’s time across the course.
The race referee called the riders to him. “There are a total of 28 obstacles for you and your horse to jump over run through. Three fallen poles, or a balk, will disqualify your mount. Additionally, if you fall off your mount, you are out of the race. We will be starting one rider every 30 clicks. The ten fastest riders and mounts in each category will move on to this afternoon’s final run.” He looked the riders over carefully. “Are there any questions?” After silence was the response, the first rider moved to the start line and with the sound of the horn, the race began.
The rides were not flawless. Several riders slipped in the pond, and three horses balked at one of the wider double-jumps. One horse stopped and reared so suddenly that its’ rider was thrown into a thorn-filled thicket just off the course edge. After more than an hour of focused racing, the final ten messengers had been determined and the course was being re-set with the addition of straw “enemies” for the warriors to attack as they were racing the same course.
Now it was Glorfindel’s turn to join the other warriors and their steeds. The jumps were almost the same, even though the war horses were heavier. One triple jump had been modified to a double jump, but it was the straw enemies that were strategically placed throughout the course that were now the focus. Each enemy had to be struck by either arrow or blade or the barrier would be counted as a miss.
After their own review of the race rules, the riders were released onto the course using a similarly staggered start. Glorfindel’s goal was to be one of the top three riders in the warrior’s group for the afternoon’s final race. The horn sounded and he and Asfaloth were on the course, the large horse unhesitating at each barrier while his rider either shot an arrow or slashed at each straw enemy. They managed an almost clean run, only one pole knocked off the second span of a wider water jump. Despite the error, Glorfindel still placed in the top three.
It seemed as if the entire Valley of Imladris had turned out for the finals. The fact that the kitchens had been planning and making food for hours to celebrate Mid-Summer's Day probably contributed to the crowd, but the markers passing from hand to hand as elves bet on the eventual winners of each race also played a part. Excitement ran high as the final racers lined up.
The final twenty riders would alternate on the course which featured more challenging obstacles intermingled with straw enemies that needed to be eliminated, or in the case of the messengers, avoided. The race referee called out the names of the contestants, lining them up in the order they would be riding. Glorfindel was riding fourth on Asfaloth, Erestor was third riding his horse, Nimrodel. An elleth visiting from Lothlórien had won the right to ride first.
After each rider had been given an opportunity to walk the course, they regrouped. The horn sounded and the race was under way. Every 30 ticks another rider was released onto the course which was challenging both elves and horses at every turn.
Asfaloth was charging through the course, almost catching Nimrodel and Erestor. Directly in front of them, the horse in second place got flustered by one of the straw enemies, one that rotated on a post as arrows were shot at it. The horse stumbled and threw its rider, both Nimrodel and Asfaloth jumping quickly to avoid hitting either rider or fallen horse. The new angle threw off Glorfindel’s arrow, but he quickly pulled his sword and managed a strike by leaning far out of the saddle.
Toward the end of the course, the elleth from Lothlórien’s horse knocked the top pole from a barrier, but with that exception, she ran a clean ride. Erestor and Glorfindel finished neck and neck with clean runs. Their times were carefully noted. Now there was nothing to do but wait for the remaining sixteen riders to complete their runs.
They pulled their horses over to a side area and began rubbing them down. “You’ll place ahead of our visitor from Lothlórien,” Glorfindel said to Erestor as he threw a blanket across Asfaloth and began slowly walking him around to help him cool down. Erestor and Nimrodel joined them, the two horses walking companionably as the two elves discussed the finer points of the race. Although it was likely Erestor would win for the messengers, there was no guarantee that Glorfindel would win for the warriors. Both of the sons of Elrond were still awaiting their turns and they were experienced warriors.
Finally the competition was over. The horses were now dressed in what Glorfindel liked to call “their come-and-get-me fancy stuff” – embellished blankets, decorated reins, and, of course, bells on Asfaloth’s bridle and headstall.
Two large floral neckpieces were brought to flank the Lord of Rivendell and Elrond was handed the names of the winning riders. He began by thanking each of the riders for a thrilling day of racing and expert horse handling, then moved on to the awards.
“Winning are two of our own – for the messengers, Erestor riding Nimrodel.” A cheer rose from the crowd as a purple floral neckpiece was placed around the horses’ neck and Erestor received a new set of custom tack as well as a matching belt and pouch.
“Finally, for the warriors, our own Golden Warrior, Glorfindel, takes the win with his steed, Asfaloth. Come up here and get your award.” Asfaloth was decorated in a neckpiece featuring red flowers while the warrior won a set of custom tack and a matching quiver.
Afterward, as the riders were all being congratulated, Glorfindel glanced over at Asfaloth and began laughing. “What?” questioned Erestor, but the warrior merely pointed out their horses, who were now standing opposed and eating flowers from each other’s neckpieces. “I think they are hinting that we should all eat and celebrate Mid-Summer’s Day,” Erestor said, chuckling at the sight of the distinguished war steed delicately munching from Nimrodel’s flowers.
“Maybe those bells on his bridle worked this time,” Glorfindel responded, as the two friends and winners walked over to the food.
Format:Short story
Genre:Humor
Rating:G
Warnings:None
Characters:Glorfindel, Erestor
Pairings:None
Creator’s Notes:Tolkien provided the sandbox, I merely play with the bucket and shovel he left behind. No profit of any kind is made from my fanworks.
Summary:Mid-Summer’s Day is celebrated with a horse race in Rivendell, but not just any horserace, a cross-country race with obstacles and straw enemies. Who will prevail and win the field?
A Mid-Summer’s Day Race in Rivendell
The hedgerows had been erected and the various obstacles had been constructed. The flow of the Bruinen River had been diverted to cause small streams, and in one case a small lake, to cross the course. Since it was a friendly competition and they didn’t want injured horses, the log jumps used hollowed logs rather than newly-felled trees. If a horse hit a jump, it wouldn’t break a bone from the contact, but the log would fall off the barrier.
Glorfindel stood to the side, talking with several other riders. The first two runs would cut down the ranks if messenger and warriors to ten riders in each of the two categories. The afternoon run would mix the two designations and determine a winner in each of the two classifications.
“Ready to ride hard? This year’s Mid-Summer’s Day Course may be the toughest one yet.” Glorfindel looked at the course set-up with its’ multiple jumps and switchbacks.
“We’re ready,” Erestor said. “Nimrodel and I have been training on our off-time and she’s at the top of her form right now.”
The Golden Warrior laughed, and clutched the arm of the elf in a firm grip. “Then I should place my marks down on you?”
“It’s not my place to tell you how to waste your money, Commander, but she wouldn’t be a bad choice for your coin.”
“Ride hard, ride well, ride safely,” the warrior said as he turned to join the spectators. He wouldn’t be riding until the second group, later in the morning.
A horn was winded and the horses and riders gathered near the starting line. The rules were explained and a new timing mechanism was revealed. Elrond had obtained it as a gift from an unknown source in the Far East, and he promised it would provide accuracy previously unknown for calculating each individual’s time across the course.
The race referee called the riders to him. “There are a total of 28 obstacles for you and your horse to jump over run through. Three fallen poles, or a balk, will disqualify your mount. Additionally, if you fall off your mount, you are out of the race. We will be starting one rider every 30 clicks. The ten fastest riders and mounts in each category will move on to this afternoon’s final run.” He looked the riders over carefully. “Are there any questions?” After silence was the response, the first rider moved to the start line and with the sound of the horn, the race began.
The rides were not flawless. Several riders slipped in the pond, and three horses balked at one of the wider double-jumps. One horse stopped and reared so suddenly that its’ rider was thrown into a thorn-filled thicket just off the course edge. After more than an hour of focused racing, the final ten messengers had been determined and the course was being re-set with the addition of straw “enemies” for the warriors to attack as they were racing the same course.
Now it was Glorfindel’s turn to join the other warriors and their steeds. The jumps were almost the same, even though the war horses were heavier. One triple jump had been modified to a double jump, but it was the straw enemies that were strategically placed throughout the course that were now the focus. Each enemy had to be struck by either arrow or blade or the barrier would be counted as a miss.
After their own review of the race rules, the riders were released onto the course using a similarly staggered start. Glorfindel’s goal was to be one of the top three riders in the warrior’s group for the afternoon’s final race. The horn sounded and he and Asfaloth were on the course, the large horse unhesitating at each barrier while his rider either shot an arrow or slashed at each straw enemy. They managed an almost clean run, only one pole knocked off the second span of a wider water jump. Despite the error, Glorfindel still placed in the top three.
It seemed as if the entire Valley of Imladris had turned out for the finals. The fact that the kitchens had been planning and making food for hours to celebrate Mid-Summer's Day probably contributed to the crowd, but the markers passing from hand to hand as elves bet on the eventual winners of each race also played a part. Excitement ran high as the final racers lined up.
The final twenty riders would alternate on the course which featured more challenging obstacles intermingled with straw enemies that needed to be eliminated, or in the case of the messengers, avoided. The race referee called out the names of the contestants, lining them up in the order they would be riding. Glorfindel was riding fourth on Asfaloth, Erestor was third riding his horse, Nimrodel. An elleth visiting from Lothlórien had won the right to ride first.
After each rider had been given an opportunity to walk the course, they regrouped. The horn sounded and the race was under way. Every 30 ticks another rider was released onto the course which was challenging both elves and horses at every turn.
Asfaloth was charging through the course, almost catching Nimrodel and Erestor. Directly in front of them, the horse in second place got flustered by one of the straw enemies, one that rotated on a post as arrows were shot at it. The horse stumbled and threw its rider, both Nimrodel and Asfaloth jumping quickly to avoid hitting either rider or fallen horse. The new angle threw off Glorfindel’s arrow, but he quickly pulled his sword and managed a strike by leaning far out of the saddle.
Toward the end of the course, the elleth from Lothlórien’s horse knocked the top pole from a barrier, but with that exception, she ran a clean ride. Erestor and Glorfindel finished neck and neck with clean runs. Their times were carefully noted. Now there was nothing to do but wait for the remaining sixteen riders to complete their runs.
They pulled their horses over to a side area and began rubbing them down. “You’ll place ahead of our visitor from Lothlórien,” Glorfindel said to Erestor as he threw a blanket across Asfaloth and began slowly walking him around to help him cool down. Erestor and Nimrodel joined them, the two horses walking companionably as the two elves discussed the finer points of the race. Although it was likely Erestor would win for the messengers, there was no guarantee that Glorfindel would win for the warriors. Both of the sons of Elrond were still awaiting their turns and they were experienced warriors.
Finally the competition was over. The horses were now dressed in what Glorfindel liked to call “their come-and-get-me fancy stuff” – embellished blankets, decorated reins, and, of course, bells on Asfaloth’s bridle and headstall.
Two large floral neckpieces were brought to flank the Lord of Rivendell and Elrond was handed the names of the winning riders. He began by thanking each of the riders for a thrilling day of racing and expert horse handling, then moved on to the awards.
“Winning are two of our own – for the messengers, Erestor riding Nimrodel.” A cheer rose from the crowd as a purple floral neckpiece was placed around the horses’ neck and Erestor received a new set of custom tack as well as a matching belt and pouch.
“Finally, for the warriors, our own Golden Warrior, Glorfindel, takes the win with his steed, Asfaloth. Come up here and get your award.” Asfaloth was decorated in a neckpiece featuring red flowers while the warrior won a set of custom tack and a matching quiver.
Afterward, as the riders were all being congratulated, Glorfindel glanced over at Asfaloth and began laughing. “What?” questioned Erestor, but the warrior merely pointed out their horses, who were now standing opposed and eating flowers from each other’s neckpieces. “I think they are hinting that we should all eat and celebrate Mid-Summer’s Day,” Erestor said, chuckling at the sight of the distinguished war steed delicately munching from Nimrodel’s flowers.
“Maybe those bells on his bridle worked this time,” Glorfindel responded, as the two friends and winners walked over to the food.
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Date: 2017-03-09 11:15 pm (UTC)A tiny typo you might want to fix "The afternoon run would mic the two designations."
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Date: 2017-03-10 01:43 am (UTC)*hugs*
- Erulisse (one L
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Date: 2017-03-09 11:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-03-10 01:43 am (UTC)- Erulisse (one L)
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Date: 2017-03-11 06:19 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-03-11 10:28 pm (UTC)- Erulisse (one L)