Wanderlust || Open

[R U M O R]

The sun had set less than ten minutes ago and the earth was bathed in a blanket of orange, yellows and soft blues. The sun lazily drifted below the horizon, settling down for the night. The ebony and ivory laced stallion stood atop a small hill looking into a dense forest that was now alight with the colors of fire from the dying sun. His head hung low, wondering what had drove him here. Even with the sun the earth was still cold beneath his hooves. It was to be expected after the tight grasp of winter had finally loosened on the land. He wasn't much of a fan of winter or cold climates for that matter, but it was a simple act of nature, nothing more. His entire frame ached from miles of walking. He had yet to encounter another horse since leaving his own herd.

He felt a burning desire to find something, just to prove to his sire that he was strong enough to lead on his own. He shook out his ebony mane, causing his long forelock to fall to one side over his left eye. Honey colored orbs eyed the forest, curiously. He pushed onward, not knowing that the lands he traversed were owned by another. He let out a low snort and pressed on, plunging into the deep forest, moving swiftly among the trees. He hadn't sensed another soul, save for a few small animals. The temperature had fell, causing his pelt to itch and twitch now and then, adjusting to the new temperature. His receptors remained pressed tightly against his narrow skull. He stopped dead in his tracks. The lack of movement was getting to him. He was accustomed to be alone in his travels, yet this silence was almost unnerving.

He lifted his head and stared up at the sky. The firey colors slowly fading into a deep midnight blue and small stars began to form in various places. He fixed his gaze on the first star to form that night, seemingly entranced. He broke his gaze and looked forward, wondering where everything had gone. Sure it was odd and often times dangerous to travel at night, but he could hold his own. Mostly he was just irritated by the lack of movement by anything. He stayed in place, pricking his ears forward, focusing in on every little sound, waiting patiently for some kind of movement.

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[Steph]

Orange, yellow, and blue hues entangled themselves in the sky clamming it as their own. The white clouds that filled the sky by day started to fade with the sun. The moon rose in the bright sky relieving the sun. Nocturnal creatures slowly opened their orbs and began to emerge from the safety of their shelters. It was a time for transition and the world was silent as one way of life ended for the day and another began.

My presence in Knightly Rise was near nonexistent lately; most of my time was spent out looking for others to claim. But none had yet to keep my interest. The mares seemed to be too submissive and the stallions to young and inexperienced. I didn’t have the time or the want for training lessons. However my land was not left for anyone to take. My scent was at every entrance and on most trees, to miss it one must be truly unaware.

It felt good to be home, here the weather was mild. Spring was still everywhere: flowers blooming and trees baring fruit. But I could still feel the essence of fall. I stood at the center of Knightly Rise here was a well sized clearing fully encircled by a river. A handful of various sized caves littered the clearing this would be were herd meetings were kept and were my herd would rest. I moved my orbs around the clearing, everything was silent not a soul moved; the eerie feeling suited me.

After a few moments of silence the wind rustled through the clearing. Blades of grass swayed and some flowers lost their pollen. The wind played with my tangled tassels as the swayed across my boa. I inhaled the soft wind allowing my lungs expand to their capacity and slowly exhaling. Stretching my legs I broke the stillness and moved away from the clearing and into the maze of woods. The trickle of wind held the scent of another equine a stallion none the less. One who had entered my land unwelcomed and unannounced. The stillness of the night was about to disappear with the sun.

I moved with silence my daggers barley touching the ground. My carcass weaved in and out of trees as my nares led me to the intruder. Muscles contracted and my body became tenser with each stride eager to come face to face with the stag. Still the brut had yet to announce his presence. This showed ignorance and disrespect to any stallion with a land. This nomad had pissed off the wrong lord.

As his scent became stronger I slowed my pace to a slow walk. Staking my prey I started to make circles around him closing the distance between us with each pass. I could see him now standing with his harks erect with his right side towards me. His build similar to mine but he stood a few hands shorter. He was toned and I nearing the prime years of life. My body twitched with anticipation of our encounter. A fight would be thrilling.

Once again I started encircling the nomad this time at a faster pace allowing my daggers to thud as the hit the earth. My chocolate orbs were fixed on the brute waiting for his reaction to the sudden noise. My frame was no visible to him all 17 hands. My pelt was of a deep bay and as it moved down my pillars the bay gave way to black. I tossed my cranium towards the sky and snapped my banner against my body. I made my circles smaller encroaching on the brute’s space, but he was in my kingdom this was my space.

“You have come here uninvited and unannounced. You have shown me disrespect by entering my domain in silence. Your actions my led to your injury.” As I spoke I continued my circles, however I stayed at the same distance. Close enough to push the brute, but too far for him to lash out at me without coming closer. And if he did make that move I would match it with one of my own.

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Word Count - 691
Sound/Song - silince
notes - let the fun begin!