[There are no places with better views than the ridges and hills south of the city. From the sycamore trees and sweet peas, to the coneflowers dotted within tall grass blanketing the land, one can see nature thriving as they walk. Galloping hooves clobber through pasture, pressing the grass into the earth.
Jasper worries about none of it - his impromptu race with his friend more important - and in a second considers what lies ahead. Rolling meadows and rising hills. His smiling opponent who looks in a pleasant mood. The flowering oak in the distance they're bolting towards. He squeezes his mare with his calves and falls upon him swiftly, falling in step next to Obsidian before cutting past in a straight line. He knows his mare prefers lingering behind and bolting at the last second, and so tries blocking the way ahead by keeping in Hendrik's lane.
Sunny Afternoon
Jasper worries about none of it - his impromptu race with his friend more important - and in a second considers what lies ahead. Rolling meadows and rising hills. His smiling opponent who looks in a pleasant mood. The flowering oak in the distance they're bolting towards. He squeezes his mare with his calves and falls upon him swiftly, falling in step next to Obsidian before cutting past in a straight line. He knows his mare prefers lingering behind and bolting at the last second, and so tries blocking the way ahead by keeping in Hendrik's lane.
His voice carries back.]
You are slow, old boy.
[Is he talking to Hendrik or his horse?]