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Description

Art auction entry for Nordanner 1116 and an entry for the Masquerade

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" This had better come out afterwards, " grumbled Xavier, sitting on the rim of the bathtub. Katie, standing in front of him with a box of hair dye, was all smiles.

" I wouldn't do that to you. It's not permanent, " she replied. The black and blonde dye had been added to the brunettes head of hair as part of a costume for an upcoming show that Nordanner was holding. He wasn't sure how he got tricked into doing it, but it had happened. The show wasn't even going to be for another two days, something that gave him a funny feeling about the hair coloring. Still, he loved Katie and wouldn't go back on his promise to her.

- x - X - x -

The day had finally come where Xavier would have to get dressed in whatever ridiculous thing they had in store for him. Judging by the way they insisted on coloring his hair, he was sure that Katie and Hailey had come up with something to torture him. Of course, he wasn't the only one here that rode horses, and yet here he was. ( Clearly coloring his hair is not something Xavier ever had on his bucket list. But he'll get over it). Still grumbling, he walked into the barn early that morning.

" Good morning Addie, " he said softly, walking over to the blind mare and giving her a gentle rub on the forehead, careful to make her aware of his being. She nickered sweetly and then turned her head away once he had walked on. Like this, the man continued, greeting the horses that poked out their heads to see him. He stopped at the last stall, looking up at the big black mare with her yellow streaks. " Hullo Russ, " Xavier murmured The mare gave a loud snort and turned away from him with a huff. All he could do was roll his eyes. The butterfly nordanner was always in this mood. He reached out for her halter, hanging on a small hook, only to be stopped by Hailey's voice down the aisle.

" What are you doing? "

Xavier blinked. " I'm getting Russell ready for the show, "

" Oh, Kas didn't tell you? She took her out yesterday and tripped pretty badly around the barrels. She told me Russ is pretty sore and a bit lame, so we can't take her. We do, however, have another mare for you. "

Xavier looked at the black mare, visibly upset. He knew that she was Kastiel's mount, but that didn't mean he didn't enjoy riding her. True, his disciplines were mainly reining and cutting, but that didn't mean he couldn't enjoy a little speed. Russell was a devil when it came to racing, one of the reasons that made her a popular gaming mount at the stable. Sighing, he gave her a quick pat before walking off after the blonde, curious as to whom she'd put him on. Not many of the others were trained in western disciplines.

Hailey walked out of the stable, running a hand through her hair, pushing back her bangs and wondering why she hadn't pulled it up. Xavier was on her heels. He was considerably taller and had a much larger stride, so he had no hard time catching up. He was, however, confused as to why she had left the stable without assigning a horse. " Is this your way of telling me that I'm not riding? "

" No. But you'll find out soon enough. Let's get your costume ready, "

- x - X - x -

He looked almost as ridiculous as he felt. " I look like a teenager, " complained Xavier, turning to the side to examine his shirt.. Or what was left of it. The sleeves had been cut off, and it looked more like a piece of cloth. His upper torso was basically visible, which was quite impressive. Katie was pleased, nonetheless. At least someone would be coming out if this happy. To make matters worse, they got him into pants that were probably a size or two too small, and then gave him converse sneakers. " I can't ride in these.. They have no heel. "

Hailey rolled her eyes. " Yes you can. You're experienced enough. Plus it's not like you're jumping or anything. " She was working on getting the beanie to stay on his head and had to stick a few bobby pins in. Poor Xavier sat through this, letting the girls work their costume magic and hoping that it wasn't anything too painfully embarassing. It didn't take much longer and they had finished.

" I think you look good, " Hailey said, stepping back to admire her handy work. Beside her, Katie eyed him, a smirk glued onto her lips. He had a feeling that she was never going to let him forget this. Heaving a sigh, the brave soul risked a glance into the mirror. His eyes brows shot up at once. Not his usual get up, but he supposed it would be okay. This was Halloween, after all.

Next came the problem involving a horse to ride. Hailey still refused to tell him whom he'd ride in the show, and Katie seemed just as obliged to keep quiet. This frustrated Xavier, but he didn't let it show and simply followed them back out to the stable. As they came closer, he could see Kastiel leaning against the doorway of the large barn, grinning mischievously.

" The hipster look suits you. You look like a badass. Katie better keep you on a tight leash or you might have a thousand teenage girls with raging hormones pouncing on you, " said Kassi. That was as close to a compliment as he would get, and Xavier just rolled his eyes and chuckled. At least he wasn't a clown or something awful. The more he thought about it, the more comfortable he was becoming. However, it was only until he saw the mare he was riding that he made his final decision.

She was beautiful. There simply weren't any other words for a horse like that. The big bay stood proudly, as if fully aware of her outstanding appearance. She was a head turner, and she had Xavier ' s attention. He couldn't help but smile and shake his head. " Who's horse is this? " he asked then, remembering that he hadn't seen her around before.

" Doesn't matter, " said Hailey, turning around to look at him. " Get her ready to go. We need to pick up another guest and then hurry our butts over. I'd hate to be late, " Xavier gave a short nod before turning to gather his things as Kassi loaded the mare and found a seat in the truck. Heading back, Xavier checked the latches and then got in as well. Finally they were on their way, "

- x - X - x -

On their way to the masquerade, the trio and their mare had stopped to pick up one more thing. They had so graciously been allowed to lease a Raelan, a pretty little thing they called Ashley. She was a small example of her breed, but that didn't matter much to Hailey. She was grateful for being able to use her and include her in their routine.

Kastiel made herself busy tending to the little cat, petting her, brushing out her coat, and getting her costume ready. She was really enjoying it, and Ashley was just being a joy to top it off. She willingly held still, patient as ever, as the costume was fitted to her form. As Hailey glanced over to check on their progress, Kassi looked at her and smiled. " We need to get a barn cat. Or one of these, " she told her.

Hailey rolled her eyes and turned away. " We'll see, " she replied before going around to the other side of the horse trailer were the gorgeous bay mare had been tied. Xavier had busied himself, brushing her down and giving her the final touches. He them stepped back after finishing to touch up his costume and let the girls worry over the mare's outfit. He had hoped into the trailer dressing room, adjusting his beanie and mumbling something about his newly dyed hair. Only when Hailey called for him did he come back out.

Immediately Xavier frowned. Looking over the mare, he noticed something very wrong. " That's not a western saddle, " said he quickly, glancing at Hailey questioningly. He had originally been taught some English riding basics and had been excellent in the art of dressage, but he hadn't like it and switched to western riding. Ever since then, it was all he had done, and he'd forgotten most of the English riding techniques. Frankly, he was was a bit appalled by Hailey's decision.

The blonde heaved a sigh. " I'm sorry, Xavier. It completely slipped my mind. . Would you still be able to ride? " Her big brown eyes stared up at him, and he just couldn't say no. It made him nervous, though, thinking that he had to compete in an event that he hadn't done for so long. Nonetheless, he wouldn't let his friends down or waste their efforts

Once the mare had gotten all spruced up, Xavier walked her around to make sure she was comfortable in her costume. She appeared unphased, only holding that air of cockiness about her. It made him smile a little. Perhaps she knew what she was doing better than he did. Finally, Hailey came over and held the reins as Xavier mounted. He sat awkwardly and tried to think back to when he had first started riding. Few tidbits came here and there, but he couldn't shake the nervousness.

There wasn't much time to worry, though, as their turn had arrived already. Xavier walked the mare into the arena, making sure that Ashley was at there side. Xavier closed his eyes and took a deep breath, giving his salute before continuing on with the routine. The more he did it, the more he remembered and the easier it got. He began to relax, enjoying every bit of this now. He forgot how fun dressage could be. The big bay are and the grey raelan worked side by side, both working towards the same goal.

I can't believe I got this finished. I started it when the auction first started, but between work, band and school, I could only work on it here and there. These last few days have been extremely busy and I was terrified that I wouldn't finish.. But here it is. I worked really hard on this and put everything I had into it.. I hope that shows. I'm still working with the new shading style but I'm pretty proud of myseld, especially for completing it in such a limited way. Overall many hours went into it haha. Hopefully I did Ashley some justice, and thank you for letting me include her in my entry c:

artwork /c/ FallenClockwork
42 Aslanian Pride /c/ TheMs0kitty

Description

Art auction entry for Nordanner 1116 and an entry for the Masquerade

--------------------

" This had better come out afterwards, " grumbled Xavier, sitting on the rim of the bathtub. Katie, standing in front of him with a box of hair dye, was all smiles.

" I wouldn't do that to you. It's not permanent, " she replied. The black and blonde dye had been added to the brunettes head of hair as part of a costume for an upcoming show that Nordanner was holding. He wasn't sure how he got tricked into doing it, but it had happened. The show wasn't even going to be for another two days, something that gave him a funny feeling about the hair coloring. Still, he loved Katie and wouldn't go back on his promise to her.

- x - X - x -

The day had finally come where Xavier would have to get dressed in whatever ridiculous thing they had in store for him. Judging by the way they insisted on coloring his hair, he was sure that Katie and Hailey had come up with something to torture him. Of course, he wasn't the only one here that rode horses, and yet here he was. ( Clearly coloring his hair is not something Xavier ever had on his bucket list. But he'll get over it). Still grumbling, he walked into the barn early that morning.

" Good morning Addie, " he said softly, walking over to the blind mare and giving her a gentle rub on the forehead, careful to make her aware of his being. She nickered sweetly and then turned her head away once he had walked on. Like this, the man continued, greeting the horses that poked out their heads to see him. He stopped at the last stall, looking up at the big black mare with her yellow streaks. " Hullo Russ, " Xavier murmured The mare gave a loud snort and turned away from him with a huff. All he could do was roll his eyes. The butterfly nordanner was always in this mood. He reached out for her halter, hanging on a small hook, only to be stopped by Hailey's voice down the aisle.

" What are you doing? "

Xavier blinked. " I'm getting Russell ready for the show, "

" Oh, Kas didn't tell you? She took her out yesterday and tripped pretty badly around the barrels. She told me Russ is pretty sore and a bit lame, so we can't take her. We do, however, have another mare for you. "

Xavier looked at the black mare, visibly upset. He knew that she was Kastiel's mount, but that didn't mean he didn't enjoy riding her. True, his disciplines were mainly reining and cutting, but that didn't mean he couldn't enjoy a little speed. Russell was a devil when it came to racing, one of the reasons that made her a popular gaming mount at the stable. Sighing, he gave her a quick pat before walking off after the blonde, curious as to whom she'd put him on. Not many of the others were trained in western disciplines.

Hailey walked out of the stable, running a hand through her hair, pushing back her bangs and wondering why she hadn't pulled it up. Xavier was on her heels. He was considerably taller and had a much larger stride, so he had no hard time catching up. He was, however, confused as to why she had left the stable without assigning a horse. " Is this your way of telling me that I'm not riding? "

" No. But you'll find out soon enough. Let's get your costume ready, "

- x - X - x -

He looked almost as ridiculous as he felt. " I look like a teenager, " complained Xavier, turning to the side to examine his shirt.. Or what was left of it. The sleeves had been cut off, and it looked more like a piece of cloth. His upper torso was basically visible, which was quite impressive. Katie was pleased, nonetheless. At least someone would be coming out if this happy. To make matters worse, they got him into pants that were probably a size or two too small, and then gave him converse sneakers. " I can't ride in these.. They have no heel. "

Hailey rolled her eyes. " Yes you can. You're experienced enough. Plus it's not like you're jumping or anything. " She was working on getting the beanie to stay on his head and had to stick a few bobby pins in. Poor Xavier sat through this, letting the girls work their costume magic and hoping that it wasn't anything too painfully embarassing. It didn't take much longer and they had finished.

" I think you look good, " Hailey said, stepping back to admire her handy work. Beside her, Katie eyed him, a smirk glued onto her lips. He had a feeling that she was never going to let him forget this. Heaving a sigh, the brave soul risked a glance into the mirror. His eyes brows shot up at once. Not his usual get up, but he supposed it would be okay. This was Halloween, after all.

Next came the problem involving a horse to ride. Hailey still refused to tell him whom he'd ride in the show, and Katie seemed just as obliged to keep quiet. This frustrated Xavier, but he didn't let it show and simply followed them back out to the stable. As they came closer, he could see Kastiel leaning against the doorway of the large barn, grinning mischievously.

" The hipster look suits you. You look like a badass. Katie better keep you on a tight leash or you might have a thousand teenage girls with raging hormones pouncing on you, " said Kassi. That was as close to a compliment as he would get, and Xavier just rolled his eyes and chuckled. At least he wasn't a clown or something awful. The more he thought about it, the more comfortable he was becoming. However, it was only until he saw the mare he was riding that he made his final decision.

She was beautiful. There simply weren't any other words for a horse like that. The big bay stood proudly, as if fully aware of her outstanding appearance. She was a head turner, and she had Xavier ' s attention. He couldn't help but smile and shake his head. " Who's horse is this? " he asked then, remembering that he hadn't seen her around before.

" Doesn't matter, " said Hailey, turning around to look at him. " Get her ready to go. We need to pick up another guest and then hurry our butts over. I'd hate to be late, " Xavier gave a short nod before turning to gather his things as Kassi loaded the mare and found a seat in the truck. Heading back, Xavier checked the latches and then got in as well. Finally they were on their way, "

- x - X - x -

On their way to the masquerade, the trio and their mare had stopped to pick up one more thing. They had so graciously been allowed to lease a Raelan, a pretty little thing they called Ashley. She was a small example of her breed, but that didn't matter much to Hailey. She was grateful for being able to use her and include her in their routine.

Kastiel made herself busy tending to the little cat, petting her, brushing out her coat, and getting her costume ready. She was really enjoying it, and Ashley was just being a joy to top it off. She willingly held still, patient as ever, as the costume was fitted to her form. As Hailey glanced over to check on their progress, Kassi looked at her and smiled. " We need to get a barn cat. Or one of these, " she told her.

Hailey rolled her eyes and turned away. " We'll see, " she replied before going around to the other side of the horse trailer were the gorgeous bay mare had been tied. Xavier had busied himself, brushing her down and giving her the final touches. He them stepped back after finishing to touch up his costume and let the girls worry over the mare's outfit. He had hoped into the trailer dressing room, adjusting his beanie and mumbling something about his newly dyed hair. Only when Hailey called for him did he come back out.

Immediately Xavier frowned. Looking over the mare, he noticed something very wrong. " That's not a western saddle, " said he quickly, glancing at Hailey questioningly. He had originally been taught some English riding basics and had been excellent in the art of dressage, but he hadn't like it and switched to western riding. Ever since then, it was all he had done, and he'd forgotten most of the English riding techniques. Frankly, he was was a bit appalled by Hailey's decision.

The blonde heaved a sigh. " I'm sorry, Xavier. It completely slipped my mind. . Would you still be able to ride? " Her big brown eyes stared up at him, and he just couldn't say no. It made him nervous, though, thinking that he had to compete in an event that he hadn't done for so long. Nonetheless, he wouldn't let his friends down or waste their efforts

Once the mare had gotten all spruced up, Xavier walked her around to make sure she was comfortable in her costume. She appeared unphased, only holding that air of cockiness about her. It made him smile a little. Perhaps she knew what she was doing better than he did. Finally, Hailey came over and held the reins as Xavier mounted. He sat awkwardly and tried to think back to when he had first started riding. Few tidbits came here and there, but he couldn't shake the nervousness.

There wasn't much time to worry, though, as their turn had arrived already. Xavier walked the mare into the arena, making sure that Ashley was at there side. Xavier closed his eyes and took a deep breath, giving his salute before continuing on with the routine. The more he did it, the more he remembered and the easier it got. He began to relax, enjoying every bit of this now. He forgot how fun dressage could be. The big bay are and the grey raelan worked side by side, both working towards the same goal.

I can't believe I got this finished. I started it when the auction first started, but between work, band and school, I could only work on it here and there. These last few days have been extremely busy and I was terrified that I wouldn't finish.. But here it is. I worked really hard on this and put everything I had into it.. I hope that shows. I'm still working with the new shading style but I'm pretty proud of myseld, especially for completing it in such a limited way. Overall many hours went into it haha. Hopefully I did Ashley some justice, and thank you for letting me include her in my entry c:

artwork /c/ FallenClockwork
42 Aslanian Pride /c/ TheMs0kitty