for me, it isn't over. [O]

[dreami]

aroo;

It was hot. Though that was never a surprise for this time of the year, the summer season was known for its stifling temperatures and stale air. Today was no exception, though if you weren’t there with the filly you might assume it was many degrees cooler than the actual temperature. Aroo, whom had gone by just Roo or Roo Roo for most of her three years, was moving in her usual style. She could be seen prancing, jumping, bouncing or just moving with exceptional effort from most any angle. She was an agile creature who grew bored quickly, her sense of direction was wonderful and she was fully aware of the dangers these parts brought and the presence of cattle made her even more alert as she pranced through the tall summer grass. Now and again she would halt, scan the area before grabbing a mouthful of the lush green grass. A few bites in she would be off again creating her own company and excitement. She had always been this way, long mane and tail in their light flaxen tones flew out behind her dancing chestnut frame. The warmth of the sun didn’t slow her much, as she drew closer to the herd of cattle. Nostrils flared against the stale and still air, she didn’t smell man but Aroo wasn’t about to let her guard down.

She halted square, face with its large blaze was high in the air as her large warm eyes scanned the area – ear’s did not rest as they listened to everything moving within their range. Not completely pleased to find herself alone she gave into the hunger and let herself be still and graze, though her guard was not let down. Long legs, three of which being white covered the ground with ease. The footing was simple and the grazing good. While Aroo wasn’t born in these immediate parts it was not her first time through here, it was her first time alone. She heard the bird before she saw it, though as the small creature flitted about above her the filly was snapped out of her trance grazing state. Leaping on the spot, all four legs flew off the ground at once. Landing just for a second before they took off this time, exploding now in a gallop she was upwind from the cattle and did not venture close at a high speed – she didn’t want to scatter them or send them far in fear of attracting too much attention. Flaxen mane and tail were cast against the bright blue sky again and her pale chestnut body launched through a series of twists and kicks. Letting out a small squeal of pleasure she chased after the low flying bird, knowing very well she would never catch it there was part of the filly that figured one day the fortune would be hers and she would somehow be quicker than the winged creatures. Slowing now as sweat started a film on her coat, when she was sweaty she was more clearly a liver chestnut. For bleached and dappled in her current state with her near white flaxen mane the filly did look almost palomino. The fact that she was just a “plain chestnut” had been drilled into her head as a youngster, so many seemed taken by color and when they were mistaken by hers they were not usually impressed. Though classical Roo manner the filly merely blinked and launched off in a series of bucks.

Walking now to catch her breath she flicked her tail at the annoying insects that were drawn to her smell and sweat, shaking her head and neck scattered those that had landed on her neck and cast her long mane about. Ears were perked and eyes alert, she knew better to let her guard down as she headed south to what she knew to be a safe direction meaning she hadn’t seen man there before. Still warm from her jaunt she picked up her signature prance for a few more strides, tossing her head as she did so the filly snorted in growing used to being alone. It was weird to have no one to talk or fool around with but Aroo was settling into her own company. Halting again to graze once more she remained ever attentive in the stale, warm summer air.

[E!]

The warm weather had yet to frighten him off into the cool confines of areas such as the cascades, close to plentiful water sources and good grazing - as well as the safety of other horses. No, Bundaleer was, as always, travelling. The itch to continue onwards, whether it be to somewhere he had been already or somewhere new, it did not matter as long as he was moving. Today was no exception. Hearing the lowing of the mens cattle in the distance, his long, rangy body moved with a loping grace toward dead horse gap and the surrounding area.

The heat beat down upon his dark chestnut back, its burnished red highlights standing out in the sunlight, revelling in the attention. He was an odd colour - somewhere between chestnut and its darker cousin, liver chestnut. His mane was almost the same colour as his hide, standing out only through its golden highlights, sun streaks through a river of dark mahogany hairs. Neither was his body fitting for the average beast, rather it was lean and rangy, built for traversing long miles at a good pace. His whole body spoke of that of traveller.

As Bundaleer came to a slow stop atop a granite tor, he looked downward at the streak of movement that was the deep gold mare he had been following. No breeze had been there to take away her scent, and, curious, he had followed her spoor to the gap. His wide brown eyes watched her silently, twinkling merrily as she danced to and fro, as if unable to stay still. He watched until she stood still, her lovely head dropping down to graze. Bundaleer leaped agilely off the ridge of granite, trotting lazily toward the young mare, his dark mane bouncing on his lean neck, a lazy grin split his lips as he whinnied to her, tossing his head playfully.

"Hello there stranger!" His voice was a husky baritone, pleasant to the ears. He paused mere metres away, eyes sparkling as they focusses on her petite features. "I am Bundaleer, and what may I call you, sweet sunshine?" A bit much perhaps, but Bundaleer had never been one to speak in reserve.

[dreami]

aroo;

The heat wasn’t fading though as she grazed the filly was cooling, it was a combination of the stationary state and growing used to the warmth of the day. She was alert to her surroundings, she watched the herd of cattle as she knew they would tell her instantly if danger were approaching but she didn’t put all her faith in the smelly cows. Attentive to the whole space around her she was surprisingly still for a long period of time in her books, though it was nice to catch her breath and relax – Aroo wasn’t hating the solitude as much as she had originally considered she might. While she did miss the company to play and prance with she wasn’t totally missing the funny looks some of the mares gave her. She didn’t miss the whispering behind her back or names they sometimes used in place of her actual name. She had always just ignored it but it wasn’t as easy as she let on. Though amongst the tall grass and grazing cattle the flashy filly wasn’t worried about anyone else, with a toss of her head she snorted before grabbing another bite of grass and watching the horizon carefully. She could feel, smell and hear it before she saw the figure.

He was coming towards her; his whinny had been a warning of that. He was an interesting color though she wasn’t judging in anyway, her own coat was a unique combination as well. He looked well traveled, and his vocals were warm. With the toss of his head in a playful manner she whickered back and bunched her frame, prancing slightly on the spot she shook her own head in response. The light air he cast as he approached breathed the excitement and energy right back into her and the feeling that it was 1000000 degrees out vanished almost instantly. Snorting lightly she pawed at the ground, forcing herself to stay still while really she would just love to take off kicking out as she went. His deep tone stopped her, it was a warm sensation against the summers warm air. She was still for a few full seconds before she went back bobbing her head for a few moments. Feeling slightly childish she tried to contain herself and practise some of the manners she had watched other horses display.

"Hello Bundaleer, nice to meet you."

Her tone was much higher in pitch than his, the excitement was evident as she greeted the stranger. Her own face wore a simple smile, she wasn’t going to lie or pretend she wasn’t happy to see another face. She wasn’t about games or coy mind tricks. Aroo said it as it was, and she was excited to see another in hope that perhaps he might run with her maybe explore the land and help her grow the map she had going in her head of the lands. Though as he posed the question concerning her name she couldn’t help but giggle in a slightly girly way, tossing her head again she backed up a few steps before trotting in a small circle, she halted before him again smile lighting her features. The filly was immature mentally as well as physically, she had yet to bulk out an d grow into herself. She was cute yes, but unaware of her growing beauty. As she tossed her head while standing before the stallion her bleached mane was cast about scattering the flies that had gathered. Her voice hit the air and she stood more still now, trying to contain herself a little and act more like the grown up her mother had hoped she would be.

"I’m Aroo but you can call me Roo!"

[E!]

The dark chestnut stallion felt an amused smile grace his mouth, pleased at the ball of energy that stood before him, barely able to stand still. It was almost as if they had met to prove they were different. Bundaleer himself always had energy - but his was a tireless, constant thing that surged through him within every waking hour, forcing him to keep moving onward, onward, to find new and exciting places and creatures. Hers was a fiery ball of power that kept her moving sharp and sudden, pouncing to and fro like she was being nipped at. The thought gave him much pleasure, for here was a horse that could keep up with him - that was, if her energy could be smoothed out to be used in long hours.

It was obvious that Bundaleer was older than her, more mature too, but her energy and youth filled him with a desire that he had not found within other, more wise mares. She was polite, skittering around but using her manners, her voice light and breathy, obviously excited to see another horse. It was hard to scrape the grin off of his handsome face. "Aroo!" he exclaimed pleasantly, dark brown eyes sparkling at the young mare, "A lovely name to suit a lovely mare" He pranced a little, long legs graceful as he turned his head to the south, where the Cascades and Yarramans Valley lay, waiting to be explored - though he had been through there as a young two year old, he wanted to return and see if it had changed, and perhaps seek out whether the rumour of a new king was true.

"Well, Roo. You have gotten me in quite the awkward situation. See, I long to be always travelling, always finding new things and new places" He paused, ears flicking merrily toward her "As it were, I am on my way to Yarramans Valley, to see the new King. However, I've taken quite the fancy to you, young Roo. I'm loathe to leave such energy behind me.." He paused again, this time turning his deep chest toward her, lowering his face to look at her, the heavy lashes around his eyes fluttering as he blinked before continuing "What say you to my.. trouble? What solution have you to offer?" His grin was wide and friendly, his velvety muzzle reaching out to touch her dark shoulder softly before he took a step back, attempting to make himself look as presentable as he was able.

It was true he was not as strong, nor as experienced as other stallions, nor was he attractive in a conventional way. However, he had charm, and he was handsome around the eyes and face, fine boned and obviously built for travel, with his deep chest and long legs. His coat, too, though not as striking as a soft creamy or a blazing sun stallion, was a pleasant and pleasing bloody russet, lovely against her pale mane and dark coat. If anything, it was his cheek that gave him allure, for even now he gave her a look that suggested he would give her adventure, and all the fun she wanted.

[dreami]

aroo;

The filly was excited to be in the company of another it radiated from her every pore. Muscles were slightly tense and facials alert, she watched the stallion with a close eye – not out of fear or concern but just to be sure he was real. His tone, his own sense of restlessness it was all encouraging in more than the simple sense of the word. The filly was hopeful that eventually the map she was making of this place would be complete and she might be able to share it with someone – anyone at this point. Frame managed to stay still for short moments but the excitement and energy burst from her in other ways, her long mane and tail danced in waves upon her shimmering coat. She was well looked after, her mother had taught her well in a few areas of life. Watching him carefully for a few moments she caught the look on his face, it seemed to reflect in his eyes as well – it was possible he was as excited as she was in this very moment. Most others saw her excitement as something to fear – something that made her odd and childish and in some ways they were right but in others they were qualities things she would probably have with her for the rest of her life.

His own excitement was evident in his movements, then the way he spoke her name in the same excited way she had expressed it earlier. It was a sensation that could only make her smile; the compliment was the cherry on top. Auds perked and her expression a stalemate of excitement she mirrored from him now. Watching him prance inspired a similar movement from her, except she exaggerated the motion in her head. Her mane and forelock spilled into her eyes and she peered to the south with him uncertain what they were looking at but looking all the same. Tail flagged she was attentive; his words in the deep baritones were seductive still. The words of travel made her comfortable it was something she could relate to, something she understood. New things and new places they excited her even more than the present situation did, smiling still it was evident that even while attentive to him she was inspired to move light on her feet as she stood listening still her mind running with ideas. A new king? She wasn’t even aware who the old one was, though it didn’t make her any less curious it was her second nature after all. Her tone was as excited as usual, Aroo’s voice was higher than his though it was expected in a simple comparison.

“A new king? How exciting, something I would certainly like to see.”

Again with the flattery, he certainly knew how to charm. Or it seemed that way to the young and naive creature Aroo was. Peering up to him from beneath her flaxen forelock, her light brown eyes relayed the only emotion she seemed capable of. A solution he was asking her for a solution? No-one ever really asked her anything beyond her name and then usually they made an excuse to leave, the question was puzzling at first then there was only one clear answer in her mind.

“Well perhaps I could maybe join you, that is if you don’t mind my company of course.”

Standing still she waited on edge for his answer, her hopes were now up.

[E!]

Such energy! It seemed as if her energy could not be contained her own body, she expelled it, causing his own, restless energy to surge in response. It was hard to stand still around such a dancer, she was always moving, and it lit him up inside. She breathed excitement into him. Bundaleer danced to and fro himself, eager to be off. The urge had never been so strong before, and of course, the urge to stay was strong too - for how could he leave such a mare behind! The two of them would be given many a jealous look, he thought, with such obvious fire in their eyes, in their step, indeed in their very hides. Bundaleer was caught up in something he did not know about, and was eager to engage it - whether it ended up in a blazing ball of destruction or turned into the best thing he could ever have possibly done.

Ah, she was lovely. Her gaze locked onto his, Bundaleer was beginning to think the only emotion that the lovely young mare had was excitement - yet underneath those bright eyes lay a questioning look. Bundaleer knew all too well the way others treated anyone different. They were either sought after, like the creamies, or shunned. He didn't need to be a genius to figure out what option had befallen young Aroo. If he had been a darker soul, the thought would have brought him down.. but as it was, he was pleased that she held the very same attitude as he - their energy would set them apart, make them something to envy. That, he knew. For Aroo.. his Aroo, as he now thought of her, was beautiful and mysterious as a falling sun.

Her solution, as he had put it, was just as he had wanted. She still seemed unsure, and this, Bundaleer thought, was due to her young age. His voice, rumbling with pleasure and of course excitement, expressed his enthusiasm: "How could anyone resist your company, Roo? Least of all me" The dark chestnut stallion grinned, eyes twinkling as he pranced once more, tossing his handsome head. And now, well, now was the time to let loose all that energy she had given him! Bundaleer danced forward, half rearing, inviting her to dance and play. "Come, Roo! We are young and free, and you are beautiful! Let us not waste our time being polite!" A cheeky look crept into his dark eyes and Bundaleer leaped away, bucking and pivoting in a show of youthful energy and strength.

Why act his age when he could act younger?

[dreami]

aroo;

Her patience was as young as her sometimes, still waiting on the edge she was concerned the stallion might reject the proposition but thus far she had read all his signs to accept the idea with no hesitations but now on the brinks she waited growing less and less patient. This was the first time in a long time she had been so excited for something, yes she had pranced and played in her usual style but it wasn’t the same. Now not alone in the sensation she could hardly contain herself and it was evident she wasn’t the only one. Watching the stallion move with such energy made her believe there was no way he could be thinking no, there was no possibility that he would act this way – but she had been wrong before. Drawing in a deep breath she tried to compose herself, though it failed before it even started. Still prancing lightly her tail was flagged high and her head shook launching her mane about in a series of directions. When he finally spoke it cast relief over all of her frame – she was excited yes. She whickered and tossed her head once more in excitement this time – a journey, she was going on a real trip and in good company. She wasn’t used to being allowed or encouraged to acting this way, her past had smothered it and tried to shove smarts down her throat but she liked things much better this way.

Bundaleer was an encouragement, his dark chestnut frame and excited tone brought the best out of her – it chased away the concerns and worry she held onto. Snorting she pawed at the ground, eager to move his half rear was welcomed and with her ears perked she mirrored him spinning as she landed she stopped for just a brief moment, her thoughts collecting in order to formulate a response for his second phrase and the use of the word beautiful had caught her off guard – it was unheard of and she liked it. Quivering with excitement now she spoke quickly her words

“Perfect. This is just too perfect.”

She was referring to him, to the situation and the feeling that rushed through her – the excitement as she surged off after him was just unexplainable. She raced with him, minding his bucks she pulled up beside him and called out as she attempted to surge past him whilst kicking out her heels. She wasn’t certain what direction they were headed in – she had never been this way before but she didn’t think it mattered. Keeping an eye and ear on him she was amazed that he had even spent the time to learn her name, it wasn’t often someone as brilliant as the stallion she raced with spoke more than a few words to her. Even if the sensation was to end in a few seconds and he was to disappear darting away from her in realization of her lack of intelligence the filly wouldn’t mourn for long – she would cut away the fact that he left as quickly as he came and only focus on the feeling of the wind through her mane with a stallion matching her pace. Despite the growing heat she didn’t slow or waiver, she would let Bundaleer set the pace – she knew her place and it was behind him. He had proposed the journey and as far as she was concerned he was leading the way, it was another ideal she had been fed at birth, know your place and retain your composure. Well she had kicked out her composure along with her heels many strides ago so she would make an extra effort to mind herself.