Sound the Bugle [O]

[E!]

The Spring was a good time for Ben, not only because of the views and beautiful weather (most of the time), but also because it meant he could be out in the High Country, sitting high upon his long time friend and best stallion Ledger. The two often enjoyed just riding for trips up and along the less dangerous peaks of the Ramshead - if the weather allowed it. Watching the brumbies to, was a good passtime. Choosing out the ones that he might attempt to round up, keeping an eye on the main herd to see whether a change of leadership had occured.

It was always interesting, he thought to himself, to see the heirarchy and the changes that occured year to year - even month to month. This year, Ben had seen with a slight sadness the lack of the usual big black stallion that had been the leader of the largest herd in the High Country - the King, Ben had called him. He was gone now, defeated by a new beast - though Ben had yet to see the new King. He sat comfortably on Ledgers back, hands loose on the reigns as he watched the flow of the Crackenback calmly. Today was not a day for wrangling - Ben suspected a storm was on the way, what with the way the meat ants were scurrying hurridly, in a rush. Instead, he and Ledger were enjoying the warm day, though it was rapidly cooling.

It was almost lunchtime, and Ben considered eating the lunch he had packed for himself. A ham sandwich - possibly the only food he managed to cook successfully. Despite being an excellent horseman, Ben seemed to fail rather drastically when it came to looking after himself. He didnt mind eating whatever food he'd managed to burn though, and was quite content to share with his two dogs, Jess and Mick. Of course, Mick, being a puppy, was a little too pushy for his own good. He often ended up being pushed away for his lack of patience, whereas his mother waited until Ben could no longer resist throwing a chunk of food her way.

Ben slid off of Ledgers back lightly, patting the dark bay stallion on his thick neck before taking out his bit and allowing the horse to lower his head and graze. With a quiet smile, Ben found his sandwich -rather squashed, and wandered over to lean against a snow gum. He was a handsome man - in a rugged, outback sort of way. Obviously at ease in the High Country, happy to be out in the bush with his horse. His green eyes sparkled as he took a bite of his sandwich, happy to find that he had not stuffed up the simple task of making a sandwich, then looking over a smiling his wide, friendly smile as he watched a group of gang-gangs fly overhead.

The day was pleasant, and as Ben finished his sandwich, he went over to the Crackenback, carefully leaning over to splash water on his stubbled face. A happy sigh left his lips and he looked over to Ledger, calling out to him "Nice day, hey Ledge?" Smiling and then leaning over again to sip at the water he had cupped in his rough, calloused hands. The clouds drifted lazily overhead, and Ben leaned back to watch them, sitting comfortably on the edge of the river, eyes on the sky.

[stormsnow]

Another creature was enjoying the spring day; a young mare, pale in colour, was grazing upwind from the stockman and his animals, carelessly where she could be both seen- and scented by Ben's dogs. Loorea, tempted by the sheer joy of spring, had wandered away from the Secret Valley, leaving behind her aging dingo friend, Daku. Her pure white coat had lost its bristly look with the dissappearence of winter, and was now smooth and sleek once more. Trotting foreward, she lowered her head to drink from the clear, cool water of the Crackenback River.

[E!]

A stirring in the breeze made Ben smile at the peacefulness of the day, his strong back comfortable on the soft snowgrass and his wam eyes closed against the brightness of the sun. His peace was not to remain though, as Jess began to whine, bouncing over to his side, her long nose sticking in his ear eagerly. Ben lifted a hand sleepily, stroking and playing with his dogs ears as she bothered his worn hat. Ben let out a grunt, trying to ignore her. He couldnt ignore her though, considering she continued to whine and shiver in excitement. With a groan, Ben sat up.

With another groan, the man pushed himself up to his feet, calloused hands grabbing his hat smoothly and planting it onto his tousled brown hair. "What is it Jess? his quiet, calm voice questioned curiously. Of course, he didnt expect the blue heeler to do a lassie and tell him using a series of barks and movements, but he did watch as Jess trotted energetically toward the Crackenback. With a bemused smile, Ben drifted over to Ledger, gently leading the horse away from his grazing and putting the bit back into his mouth. His stallion, to, was acting as if there was company nearby. Usually, Ben wouldnt have brought his horse out in the springtime - after all, so many mares were about, and you couldnt question a stallions control. However, Ben did trust Ledgers training - they'd been together so long it was impossible not to.

Movement on the other side of the river made Ben freeze, his large hands grasping Ledgers reigns in suprise. A pale white brumby grazed silently through the trees. She was beautiful, and her colouring was abnormal for a wild horse, which made Ben question whether she truly was wild. In a quick, quiet movement, the man was on Ledgers back and ready to ride. His large hands lay on a coil of rope, as he watched the brumby move closer to the river, he slowly fashioned it into a lasso. A low whistle called Jess to his side, and the dog obediantly complied, despite the excitement of having a wild brumby so close.

The white horse lowered her head to drink, and Ben clicked his tongue quietly to see her reaction. Ledger shifted beneath him, and Ben allowed him to move forward slightly. Another low whistle left Bens lips, this time aimed at the white mare.

[stormsnow]

A clicking sound caused Loorea's ears to flick backwards in alarm. Shifting herself to face the direction from whence the noise had come, she sighted a man, two dogs, and a tame stallion. The white mare's mind raced as she silently berated herself for her stupidity. A whistling noise, not unlike that of a bird, made her stare at the man for a moment. Loorea snorted, and began to trot, slowly, down the bank, away from he and his beasts. No sense in immediately panicking and running for it- the mare decided to wait and see what the man would do.