Spring was one of her favorite seasons. The weather wasn't too hot yet, and still had a decidedly cold bite in the breeze. Winter was slowly being beaten back into submission, and the sun was coming out of its hiding. No longer was it shining frigidly on the world, but it was starting to warm up and look at the world more kindly. It wasn't yet harshly raking the land with it's enraged face, but was kindly nurturing the plants and the babies that were being born. Emery longed for a baby for herself, but she was glad the sun was coming back.

Tall black mare walked steadily toward a small clump of trees, having eaten her fill of the sweet spring grass. Her winter coat was completely gone; she had scratched at it for weeks until it no longer plagued her. Her summer coat, sleek and shiny, rippled with the muscles her winter coat had masked. Her long, thick legs moved with the grace of her Friesian ancestors; her movement nothing less than beautiful. She had the speed and agility of a light horse of her height, and she knew it. She didn't hide it, but she didn't flaunt it either.

She reached the trees, retreating into their shady arms. She flicked her long wavy tail, looking with dark brown eyes at her surroundings. She liked this place. Her opinion would probably change in the summer when there weren't enough shady places for her to stay cool, but it was perfect for the spring. She could see everything around her, satisfying her need to know her surroundings, and she had plenty of food. The grass would be accessible even in winter, when snow would cover it but not obliterate it. She was satisfied, and the cool area made her sleepy. She decided she would take a nap before exploring to find a good place to wade in the river.

[atrb=background,http://i42.tinypic.com/nlaqkx.png][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,600,true][atrb=height,550,true][scrolly:h(274),w(278),sy,as(position: relative; top: 118px; left: 26px; bottom: 100px;)] It was so different now. Everything had changed. Gone was Vacker Valley. In a drastic attempt to better the declining health of his beloved, Rylan led us, his only two mares away from the valley he ruled. He would give up his land before us. Or rather me. I felt horrible, putting Lunetta through so much pain and sorrow. She’d been usurped from Poseidon’s herd after Rylan won the challenge and, surprisingly, chose to stay in the valley. And then she had to go through this; I still don’t know why she originally chose to come with us. Rylan mentioned he didn’t wish to split his time between his land and us, especially after... No, don’t think it. He’ll just come back to rip into you again, Fenyx. Lunetta was gone. I don’t know what happened to her. Heck, I don’t even remember the trip to this valley. I suppose she couldn’t handle the sight of me in such shambles, once so proud and strong now reduced to a sniveling, whining little filly frightened of the wind. Nothing was the same. Rylan, he was different now. He’d always been so perfect. But now, it was overbearing. I was so fickle now a days, I couldn’t decide what I wanted from him. Sometimes all I wanted was the burning touch to chase away the everlasting cold Pyros had left inside. Other times, I wanted him on the other side of this godforsaken valley. It was colder here, but I suppose if I ever get over the coldness inside, it shouldn’t bother me. He was so concerned and yet so standoffish. I knew he wanted to know what was wrong, but he couldn’t bring himself to face me for it. And I hated him for that weakness. Afraid to set off yet another episode. It would be the fifth one this week. Once I had been so vain, so full of life. Once my white tresses had been wind tousled, but tangle free. My hide had glimmered like the fire I was named after, shimmering gold dusted over a crimson hide. Once my muscles had gleamed beneath the lustrous coat; thin due to my delicate breed, but still perfection. They had been long, sinuous ropes of boundless energy. The eyes had been as fiery as my coloring, molten pools of caramel. Oh how quickly the wicked have fallen. I have changed the most. How long has it been? Two weeks? Three? I don’t know. And don’t really care anymore. I stood, nibbling meekly at the soft tender grass that covered the rolling hills of this valley. I made a point of staying in certain areas, avoiding pools of water or still river parts that would reflect my visage; last time I’d seen my reflection, it had warped into his. I avoided the various herdless horses wandering these lands. And most of all, I avoided the edges where valley and steep mountainside met in thick tree lines. I had changed the most, yes. But my body had been as close to perfect as it could get. The only real difference between the me of now and the me of then, was the obvious lack of life, of vigor. I look normal all things considered, but to those who’d known the old me, I looked...dead. A dandelion brushed my pink nostril delicately, pulling forth a snort. But the infernal flower sprang back and I snapped angrily at it, satisfied when a few tiny fluffy seeds fell lankly to the ground. Yes, that’s right, fall and stay there, rot in this stinking valley like me. Anger swelled within and with a savage cry, I leaped forward, tearing into the plush, soft terrain, tender from recent rains. ------------------------------------ actions - speech - thoughts [/scrolly]

A mare's squeal of anger woke Emery from her soft doze. Immediately she was alert, but there wasn't a repeat of the sound. She stood for a second more, and then her curiosity got the best of her. She picked up a long, extended trot, heading toward where the sound had originated. It was slightly hilly in the valley, so Em couldn't immediately see the mare who had screamed. She lifted herself into a canter, not bothering to try to hide the noise her large hooves made on the ground. If she wished, she could land more softly, but Emery wasn't in the mood for stealth.

Emery topped a small hill and stopped, rather amused at what she saw. A delicate, pony-sized Arabian was savagely tearing into the ground. From the way her ears were pinned and her eyes glared, Emery knew that this was the mare who had disrupted Em's sleep. Emery didn't announce her presence; the mare would either have heard her coming or was too deep in her attack to notice. Emery stood at relaxed attention, ears pricked, more than quietly amused. The mare was quite pretty, if you went for the delicate look, with a beautiful red coat and flaxen mane and tail. Next to her, Emery looked huge and dark, perhaps even evil.

Em flicked her tail, stomping a foot to attempt to get the mare's attention. "Dear, attacking the ground is a tad pointless, unless you buried something there and are seeking to dig it up again." Emery wasn't afraid of this mare, and that was clear in the way she spoke. Her tone was warm, gentle, and, of course, humorous. The thought was present in her mind that the mare would turn on her, abandoning the ground that so easily fell under her hooves and attack Emery. Emery figured her size and obvious power would deter her, and if not, Em had no qualms about protecting herself. She was curious about the little mare who was so angry that she attacked the ground, and she would take the risk in talking to her that her anger would transfer onto Emery.

[atrb=background,http://i42.tinypic.com/nlaqkx.png][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,600,true][atrb=height,550,true][scrolly:h(274),w(278),sy,as(position: relative; top: 118px; left: 26px; bottom: 100px;)]Voices filtered through my mind, running faster than the wind. The words all slurred together, fueling my rage. I was never alone because of them. Figuratively and literally. The voices were there or Rylan was, or even more undesirable, Pyros. Maybe that’s why when I felt the approach of another, the rage turned more to panic. I made a point to ignore her for a moment, thinking like all the previous minor apparitions she’d go away if I paid no mind, but the sound of a hoof upon ground, very solid, very real, made me spin about. The red in my eyes allowed for me to only see the black mane of the horse before me. Rylan instantly sprung to mind and I charged forth a few steps to put distance between us. I did not want his worrying eyes tonight. But as my rush faltered, I realized the horse wasn’t quite as tall as Rylan, nor as lean. Only then did my eyes actually pick out her completely ebon bodice. I slid to a stop, ears still pinned. She was not afraid of me, but who could be with her much more impressive size and build. No one knew the power coiling beneath my skin. I glared at her, half-heartedly, for her voice gave me not much of a reason to be angry. But still I stared, offering no words. She may not be frightened of me, but I refused in turn to also show even the slightest bit of intimidation. I snorted after a moment, rolling my mocha eyes at the torn ground, flipping a silky ashen lock of hair from my face. ” It thought it humorous to try to tickle me.” ------------------------------------ actions - speech - thoughts [/scrolly]

The mare was a poor confused wreck. Emery took in the quick glance, and the the Arabian flung herself farther away. She got in a couple full strides before sliding to a stop, turning and taking Emery in. Emery returned the stare, eyes dancing. The mare seemed stuck between anger and fear, although the fear had quickly abated. However, Emery didn't provide much of a target for anger, so that too was fizzling out. Emery wondered whether the mare was more comfortable angry, and if she'd attempt to find something to be angry about to bolster herself. Emery's ears were still pricked, dark eyes looking curiously at the strange mare.

Finally the mare broke the stare, glancing at the torn up piece of ground. Her words completely stunned Emery, and for a second she didn't know how to react. That lasted only a second, however, and then the great mare was laughing. The haughty tone, the noble look, the glare in the ground's direction was too much for her. She strove to control herself, checking her outburst, but pausing before she spoke. One, so that she could make sure the mare wasn't in attack mode. Two, because she had to think up something to say now that wouldn't be too insulting but could match the mare's deadpan statement.

"I'd hate to see what your mate looks like, if you have one." Emery replied, eyes twinkling. It couldn't match the small, fiery mare's statement, but it worked as a filler. Judging by the mare, Emery figured she'd probably ignore the question. "I'm Emery, and you?" The black mare waited patiently, wondering if the mare would relax a little and converse, or if she'd think Emery bad company and waltz away. Emery knew her weaknesses; the little mare could probably outrun her any day of the week.

[atrb=background,http://i42.tinypic.com/nlaqkx.png][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,600,true][atrb=height,550,true][scrolly:h(274),w(278),sy,as(position: relative; top: 118px; left: 26px; bottom: 100px;)]She laughed. LAUGHED. How DARE she laugh at me?! Oh wait… Yea, certifiably insane mare here, I suppose I deserve to get laughed at. Well, I’m glad someone finds my insanity amusing rather than concerning. Suddenly it’s like a breath of fresh air, or rather, like someone has dumped a bucket of ice cold water on me, complete with ice cubes. This mare...I rather like her. Well, she hasn’t done anything to make me outrageously angry yet. And I can’t seem to pin anything about her so far that I find annoying or threatening to my position. Not that I have much of one here. I snorted at her statement. Rylan? Mate? Yea right, I’m not letting that pervert anywhere near my tail with dark thoughts in his mind. But he’s too much of a gentleman to mean any harm. What IS Rylan to me? I’ve long forgotten the reason why I chose to stay with him. Well, maybe it was because I originally thought he might keep the terrors away. Some good that proved. They were worse now. ”Mate? Ha, more like an annoying burr in your side,“ I muttered, looking over my shoulder in the direction I’d come from. No doubt he had noticed my absence by now. I lashed my tail at my flanks irritably. Let him come, he’ll be very surprised to see me perfectly fine. Even better, holding a civil conversation. ”Emery, huh? Fenyx.” ------------------------------------ actions - speech - thoughts [/scrolly]

At Em's laughter, the mare look perturbed. Em watched her carefully, but the annoyance seemed to pass quickly. Em cocked a back foot, the mare proving she was unstable, but not ready to attack. Emery's ears were still pricked, her expression one of amused interest. The delicate mare wasn't Emery's typical company, but Emery found herself quite amused. She liked the mare, despite her volatile tendencies.

The mare's snort of disdain at Em's statement prompted another giggle. Yes, giggle. Emery may be a large, heavy set Friesian, but she can giggle with the best of them. Either the mare had no mate, or her mate wasn't one for affection such as tickling. The softly muttered words slightly confused Emery. Unless the 'burr' was stonily emotioned as Em had at first figured. "Guess we aren't quite the type to run after the boys, hmm?" Emery was already referring to the two mares as 'we.' She mentally shook herself, but didn't take back the words. Em figured that she had found an unlikely friend, but the other mare had some say in the matter too. She might have composed herself when Em wasn't paying attention (not possible, the Arabian had been a mess when Emery arrived and was still quite a mess) and was hiding anger or annoyance quite beautifully. Emery suspected that the mare at least tolerated her company, if not sort of kind of enjoyed it.

"Fenyx. A fitting name for a mare who attacks the ground." Emery mused out loud, eyes sparkling at the mare. It wouldn't surprise the mare for the creamy mane of the mare to turn to fire, her eyes to a brilliant red, wings come from her shoulders. Emery could see the half bird half horse fly into the sky. It was quite fitting, at least of what the mare had allowed Emery to see. Emery knew the mare was an onion, ripe with layers, but she knew she was too. She probably wasn't quite as complicated, but she had to be unraveled to fully understand her. While the mare greatly entertained her, they had yet to form enough of an understanding for Emery to trust her farther than she could kick her.

ooc- You are infecting my writing with your casualness! xP

Jun 10, 2012 17:53:21 GMT -7 *Annie said:

[atrb=background,http://i42.tinypic.com/nlaqkx.png][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,600,true][atrb=height,550,true][scrolly:h(274),w(278),sy,as(position: relative; top: 118px; left: 26px; bottom: 100px;)]This mare was certainly a complex to me. Either that or I had finally cracked enough that any emotions I had were slipping through my metaphorical hands like wet, sloppy sand, refusing to stay long enough for me to act upon them. Shapely ears tipped forward to pick up her faint giggle…giggle…GIGGLE. A mare of her stature was giggling with me, conversing with me like some preteen talking about a tiny little crush. Even I didn’t giggle like that unless it was for more…seductive manners and even then I wouldn’t classify it as a giggle. At her words, my own where flying out before I could stop them. ”Oh trust me, I may not chase after them, as they tend to do that to me, but Rylie dearest,” I sneered his name mockingly, ”certainly has my brain spinning like I’m following him like a love sick puppy. Meanwhile, I’m busy fighting off the sociopath, sadistic ghost of my brother who haunts my every waking and non-waking moment.” I stuck the ebony mare with a harsh gaze, though it was out of habit. Surprisingly I was finding it very hard to put any actual emotion into it. ”So, no offence and not meaning to be a witch, especially since I just met you and am finding it impossibly hard to be completely outraged with you, which I’ve guess you realized is severely strange for me,” I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. ”I don’t really have time to chase after my ‘urchin of a mate,’ especially when I don’t even know what it is we have going on.” I blinked as a sudden thought hit me, and when I spoke a final time, my tone was much more than civil. ”I’m sorry, I barely know you and here I am spilling my life story.” ------------------------------------ actions - speech - thoughts [/scrolly]