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Post by { Opal } on Jul 8, 2009 19:17:33 GMT
OOC: Cobar's herd: Yaruka, Tex, and Ballie.
Summer had now faded to fall. The air had the slightest nip in it, the slightest shudder of cold, and all the deciduous trees were putting on their autumn dresses of red and gold. Of course, one couldn't see them now, for they were in the ramshead range; the landscapes consisted of bleak, windblown rock, and flats of green grasses and bush. There were few trees, though an occasional snowgum might be provided. No need to worry about shelter, though, for caves could be found in unexpected places. And the never-ending twists of stone and gravel, many forming precarious tors, would make it difficult for horsemen to follow the herd.
That was why they had come; it was time, time to hide away and wait for the threat of man to pass.
Cobar's muscles strained as he hauled himself up the steep, winding trail, chiseled deep into the rock. He tilted his ears backwards, where three mares tagged along in single file. There was Ally, the spirited grulla, and Omaroo, the dashing black, and then there was Pengana, his newest arrival, a tough ebony filly. Cobar whickered the softest breath of encouragement to them, acknowledging how well they had done so far. Only a little while more, Cobar knew, and they would reach their destination.
The buckskin stallion's coat chafed slightly against the stone on his left, ensuring he didn't stray too far off the path and slip, which would end in a broken neck down on the rocks below. Cobar cautiously peered to his right, where the dangerous drop lurked, and thought he recognized some of the landscape. Yes; there was that strange little spire of rock, surrounded by clusters of green bush. "Almost there," Cobar huffed, struggling to go faster while taking care. In a few moments, they rounded a bend in their ascending path, and Cobar slowed, then stopped, his nostrils quivering.
The stallion suddenly melted into the rock, his golden coat blending into the shadows. "Come on!" Cobar urged, his eager voice warping into echoes.
They had reached their destination, a large cave that lay within the tower of stone. Its entrance was cast in shadow during a good part of the day, creating the impression that there was no cave at all. But to Cobar, who has born in this very place, the cave was very real. Now the buckskin stood poised, with one hoof raised, his gaze flitting about the cavern. It was spacious enough to fit the entire band well, but small enough to ensure that body heat was not lost. There were no tunnels, so youngsters could not get lost. Cobar tested the air, and confirmed that no creature had been here in awhile. A lone dingo had rested in the shadows some time ago, but Cobar felt confident in dealing with such an animal. He sighed a tad dreamily; this was just as he remembered it.
Turning, Cobar peeked out to see the landscape that stretched before the cave entry. There were many meadows out there, some hidden, some not, which would sustain the band until they could come out of hiding. A freshwater creek was out there, too, Cobar knew. It was small, but would resist freezing completely until winter came on. Even better, there was another way to get up and down from the cave, one that didn't involve the difficult climb required for the first ascent. All in all, a wonderful place to wait out the drive. |
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Post by stormsnow on Jul 9, 2009 21:20:24 GMT
Pengana brought up the rear of the little mob. Her build was that of a colt her age: Muscled and gangly. She was a deep thinker and was quite wise, a good fighter, and a former outcast from her birth herd. She looked up at Cobar as he whickered encouragement. It was nice to be able to talk to someone a little like herself. He was kind to his fillies, he was wise, and he was an exellent fighter. She climbed up into the cave, and trotted over to stand next to the buckskin stallion. "It's rather quite out there," she commented softly, twiching her ears.
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Post by yaruka on Jul 27, 2009 0:42:42 GMT
Omaroo followed Cobar willingly, though the bold filly saw no reason to go into hiding. So there were men about-big deal. Even taking into account the fact that she'd been chased last year, Omaroo still could not find it in herself to worry.
Full of high spirits, the black filly pranced just a pace behind Ally, a distance needed on this narrow ledge of rock. She nipped the grulla's flank teasingly, trying to get a game out of her best friend. The new mare followed behind them, quieter than herself or Ally, but seemingly nice at least on first impression, if not a little queer at times.
Finally Cobar stopped at his destination. His voice echoed strangely off the rocks and Omaroo peered curiously around Ally to see where they were. Ahead of her was a rock face, with, well, a hole in it. How very odd. Not at all afraid, Omaroo stepped forward, ears pricked inquisitively as she investiagated this new place. Wherever they were, she trusted in Cobar that it was safe.
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