DNN2

"What do you think we can expect out of the midfield this year, Terry? Teams like Augir and Phaestia?"

"Well, it's competitive there too. All up and down the field."

"Do you think we're seeing a change in the balance of power between those two? Phaestia haven't been in the top three since 1450, Augir beat them outright two of the last three years, they couldn't even beat Lautern despite everything that went wrong for them last year."

"It's been a rough few years for them, yes, but they have gold in their guts at Phaestia."

"They've been champions before, and I'm sure they will be again, but do you think they have a chance to make an impression on the standings this year? Marca Calwehr's a very experienced team leader now, and their new partner Idrin Felvan was impressive last year for Reubas."

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"I think I wish Idrin had had a better opportunity to make his start in the sport. Anelace is a beautiful dragon but Idrin suits a bigger mount, I think. Marca will do as they always do, they should score some points, but I don't know that I see big changes for them this year."

"What would it take to turn things around for them, if not bringing in a promising new junior rider?"

"It's a long process, to bring a team to success. You can't just bring in new blood and expect miracles. Look at Lautern in the 40s, for example."

"Okay, well what about Augir? Their rider partnership, Queru Idcoulh on Acciptrea and Teda Nioli on Vanguard, are in their third year together, and they were good enough for third overall last time out."

"And Queru finally got her first win."

"Right, yes, at the Grand Prix of Mileta. It was a bit of a surprise, that's a competitive course for big golds."

"I always insisted Acciptrea had it in her."

"More of the same this year, then?"

"I hope so, these newer teams are good for the sport."