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There's something freeing about the smell of the dust that coats the ground. The stretch of muscles as they set up their fences. Freedom in the stench of the animals set up in the pens waiting for the right moment to shine.
Swiss lives for this. He's arguably worse than Dew when it comes down to it. Can't help the way he trembles with anticipation as time draws near.
One… Two….
Another rider is thrown off. Another rider is preparing themselves in the chute.
One.. Two… Three… Four…
The crowd grows louder, chanting for the next rider, hoping for the best.
Five… Six…
The rider is thrown off and the crowd watches in amazement as Dew runs out into the middle of the arena, waving his arms above his head, trying to gather the attention of the bull off the rider. It’s still for a moment as a hush falls over the crowd. The bull pauses its bucking and turns his head towards Dew. A collective breath is taken as the bull decides to charge. That same breath is held as Dew races towards the fences. A satisfying exhale is released as he hops up and over the fence and the bull quickly loses interest and makes his way back towards the corral.
Time quickly goes by after that. A few more riders and they take a break for the bull riders. Copia strolls out into the middle of the small arena and gestures towards the audience. “As much as I’m sure we’d all love to see these lovely men ride some more,” he winks towards his crew, “We have so much more in store for you! It’s time for our lovely ladies to shine!” He steps back as Aether and Dew run out to set up the barrels and then rush back to their spots up on the fence.
A few more minutes pass and the show is back on. Cirrus is first up in order. She and her horse bolt towards the barrels, her body pressing close to her horses’ as she rounds the first barrel, then the second before turning towards the last barrel. The crowd cheers as she finishes, there are several more riders to come, but she’ll be the one with the fastest time.
Swiss watches in wonder as he watches the girls race against each other’s times. He laughs watching Cumulus come just short of Cirrus’s time, her horse being a little temperamental at the beginning. He winces as Sunny hits the 2nd barrel and groans when it falls over on her way towards the last one. She’s still new and she’s got time to get it right, but he still doesn’t like it when any of them mess up. He watches as the ladies finish up before making his way towards the chutes. He’ll help Aether help the riders until it’s his turn to shine as Copia likes to put it.
The next event slides in smoothly as Mountain slowly makes his way towards the middle of the arena along with several sheep. Copia grins at the crowd, “This is a family friendly event so now before we bring back the second half of our bull riding we want to allow some of our younger members a chance in the spotlight. Get ready for some mutton busting!” The stands are filled with laughter as a small group of children take their turns at riding the sheep. The winner ends up being the smallest child and Dew pumps his fist in the air at the announcement.
Then the main event is back in swing. Swiss helps tighten the ropes as Aether makes sure the rider is ready. The chute swings open and…
The rider barely makes it out of the chute before being thrown. Swiss grins down at him and shrugs, “Better luck next time?” The rider just shakes his head and heads towards the other riders. They’ll have this same conversation again next time.
A half dozen or so more riders take their turns before it’s Swiss’s turn to hop into the chute. “I still don’t understand why you had to retire my old bull,” he grumbles up at Aether as he settles down onto the bull.
“You know why. He killed three people. It’s not safe to keep using him,” Aether sighs as he adjusts the strap.
“So has Sister, but you don’t see anyone making
her
retire.”
Aether snorts, “Fair enough, but I don’t think anyone is dumb enough to attempt that. Just gonna have to deal with it Swissy. You’ll do great, I know it.”
Swiss grins up at him before taking off his hat and setting it on top of Aether's head, “Thanks. Keep it safe for me?”
Aether shakes his head, grinning softly as he hands Swiss the helmet and helps him secure it, “Always.”
The chute swings open.
The crowd holds their breath.
One… Two…
Swiss’s thighs are burning.
Three… Four…Five…
His hand is starting to cramp from clenching the rope.
Six…Seven…
The crowd is chanting his name. He’s almost there.
Eight.
Swiss grins at the sound of the whistle. He waits for the right moment as the bull starts kicking again before throwing his leg up and over the bull’s head, landing on his hands and knees on the dirt before scrambling away towards the gates. He climbs up the fence and takes his spot next to Aether before removing his helmet and shaking out his hair.
“See? I told you that you’d do great.” Aether teases, taking Swiss’s hat and replacing it onto the owner’s head. “You’re a great rider.”
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Swiss grins as he narrowly avoids Aeth’s elbow, “Gotta keep it family friendly.”
“You’re an ass.” Aether rolls his eyes before snatching the hat back, “You don’t deserve this.”
“That’s fine. It looks better on you anyways.”