Crows Don't Fly Through Autumn Rain

The Misty Grove Sales was always a huge event for the horse people in the town and surrounding areas. Not only was it a place for many breeding farms to bring the best of their horses that are either up for sale or stud, there were some breed showcases and several demonstrations.

Dakota sat in the backseat of the truck as they drove past several pens of the auction yards that was joined with the fairgrounds. Tammy sat in the seat next to her, eagerly peering out the window as they passed a few horses already in the pens.

"It's getting busy," Mrs. Kendall commented as the truck drew to a stop in the parking lot. Dakota was already fumbling to open the door before she even unbuckled her seat belt.

"Remember, we're in Barn C if you need us," Mrs. Kendall called as Dakota and Tamara climbed out of the truck, slamming the door behind them.

"Where should we go first?" Dakota asked as they hurried out of the parking lot, heading towards the barns. She could hear an announcer talking about quarter horses; presumably there was a Quarter Horse demonstration going on.

"Well, I am kind of hungry," Tamara said as she gazed off towards some concession stands where the smell of hamburgers were wafting towards them. They didn't have time to eat lunch before coming to the Sales.

"Let's get food later," Dakota replied impatiently. "I want to see the horses for sale. There's a big line up at the concession stands anyway," she added once she realized how hungry Tamara must be.

"Fine," Tamara sighed as she followed Dakota off towards the barns. "I don't know why you're looking though, you can't afford any of the horses here."

"I still want to look," Dakota replied with a hint of annoyance. As much as she loved her pony Charlie, she was starting to outgrow him and her parents had been hinting of getting her another horse sometime if she kept working on the farm.

They passed through the first barn fairly quickly, finding most of the stalls empty. By looking at the signs she realized the horses in this barn seemed to mostly be Quarter Horses and Paints, and were probably off in the demonstrations.

"Hey, look," Tamara grabbed Dakota's arm before Dakota could dash off into Barn B. "Isn't that Aubrey's barn?" she asked, pointing to the barn next to the one they were in.

Dakota paused, squinting slightly in attempt to make out what the crest was on the signs she saw. "Yeah, looks like it," she added hesitantly, but followed Tamara over to the stable without complain.

"Wow, look at this one," Tamara called to Dakota as she peered into a stall. "This filly is for sale for $80,000."

Dakota stepped closer to the stall, peering inside to the warmblood filly munching on hay. "I saw her at Aubrey's stable," she replied, sounding uninterested. She loved Warmbloods but knew she would never be able to afford one of Aubrey's horses.

Dakota continued along the aisle, stopping at the next stall. A tall bay mare gazed out at her, her ears perked up when Dakota appeared. "Hey there," Dakota said softly, offering a hand to the mare, who stepped forward and nuzzled her hand curiously. Dakota gave her a pat before stepping back to read the sign. Jalisca was the mare's name, and it also showed her pedigree. Apparently Jalisca and Macha, the other horse Dakota remembered seeing at the farm, are related. Her sign also indicated that she is a Dutch Warmblood.

Dakota turned her attention back to the mare who put her head over the stall door, nuzzling her shoulder. Smiling slightly, she reached up and scratched her forehead. The sign didn't say how much she was for sale for, but Dakota only assumed it would be way out of her price range. She couldn't help but feel drawn to the mare, but knew it wouldn't be possible for her to buy her.

"Dakota," a familiar voice called suddenly down the aisle. Dakota glanced up, spotting Mr. Kendall coming down the aisle. "We got the other two horses settled in but we need you to watch them for a few minutes."

Dakota groaned. "Where's mom?" she asked, turning back to the tall warmblood mare in front of her and reaching up to rub her forehead.

"She had to go grab a few things. She said she would bring you back lunch," Mr. Kendall added. He glanced up at Jalisca. "Nice horse."

"Yeah, she's gorgeous. Doesn't have a price on her though," Dakota couldn't help but sound disappointed. "But it's one of Aubrey's horses, so she'll be a lot."

"Doesn't hurt to find out. I have to head over to the ring, if I see Aubrey I'll ask her about this mare," Mr. Kendall said quickly, also giving the mare a pat.

Dakota sighed and motioned for Tamara to follow as they exited the barn.

"Dakota? Tamara?" another familiar voice called incredulously out to them. Dakota bit her lip, instantly recognizing the voice.

"Hey Debby," Dakota said as she turned around, her gaze landing on the tall slim girl hurrying towards them. "Can't talk, I have to go watch the horses."

"Looking at Aubrey's horses, are you?" Deborah asked with a slight smirk. "I was just talking to her; I'm going to head over to her barn this week to look at some of her younger stock for sale."

"Really?" Tamara asked eagerly. "Can we come?" she added, ignoring Dakota's glare.

"Sure, if you want to," Deborah replied, flipping her black hair over her shoulder. "I had a nice chat with Aubrey, she's going to give me a few tips."

Dakota rolled her eyes and continued into Barn C where she saw the five stalls her barn had horses in. She sat down in a plastic chair outside, only half listening to Deborah and Tamara talk about Aubrey's horses.