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Post by Ehetere on Apr 17, 2009 7:53:26 GMT
Burrello snorted; his breath turning to cloud as it touched the cold winter air. This was his and Loora's first winter up here in the High Country; and Burrello could tell that Loora was a little scared, hungry and longing for the comforts of her former life. He too, having experienced the sweet taste of oats and hay and carrots, was pining slightly for a warm barn in which to shelter and a snug blanket wrapped snugly around him. However; Burrello also knew that the life that he had found up here in the High Country was worth the hunger pangs and the harsh cold wind. It was all worth it for freedom. And with this last thought, he strode more determinedly over the snow covered ground; his mind set on finding his lovely mare some decent food.
Loora was still following Burrello loyally; but was prancing nervously on the spot whenever he stopped to sniff the air. Loora knew that Burrello was an exceptionally young stallion; barely of age and certainly not of his full strength. She was truly dedicated to Burrello; and feared that they would meet an older stronger stallion on their search for better grazing who would steal her away and seriously injure or even kill Burrello.
Just then, Burrello sorted excitedly, and trotted eagerly over to where an overhanging gum had left a small circle of grass and seed bushes virtually snow free. Proud of himself, Burrello pranced gracefully over the snow and arching his neck; showing off for his mare and then they both dropped their noses to the ground and snatched at the snowgrass hungrily. |
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Post by { Opal } on Apr 21, 2009 0:47:20 GMT
Across the stretching flat of white, a large figure emerged from the shadows of the trees. It was a stallion, fit and muscular, though suffering from the poor winter conditions as much as any animal. Plus, he had a herd to care for...
The stallion was placed a good distance away from the two, and though he smelled the breeze- breath billowing like fog- he detected nothing unusual on the frigid air. So he stepped forward into the glittering plain of snow, his dappled buckskin hide contrasting against the white backdrop. As soon as he got several feet within the stretch, he flicked his tail, signaling the fillies that lurked somewhere in the trees behind him. Dark hooves sinking deep in the snow, he made his way over to a dip in the film of ice, then started digging. Using one hoof, he made his way tactfully through the layer of snow until he unearthed some hidden grass. It was sparse and wet, lacking nutrition, but it was all that was available.
Turning, he looked back, expecting the arrival of his fillies. For a moment he felt a tingling of fear; what if they wandered off? What if some roving stallion found them? He immediately shook his head, dismissing the thought. He was still learning to give his young mares the credit they were do. After all, they were just as smart as he. With that, the stallion leaned down to snatch up the uncovered vegetation, but stopped as his teeth were reaching for the morsels. What was that scent on the breeze?
He raised his head up abruptly, keen eyes scanning the distance. A flash of movement caught his eye, and his gaze locked onto the two equine figures. One stallion, one mare, by the scent of it. For a moment a wild look shone in the buckskin's eyes; it was the calling of the wild, a sharp flame that spoke of battle and bloodshed and victory. But it faded almost as soon as it had come. This strange stallion did not need a fight, and this new mare did not need a new home. But he was curious, still, and so he started off toward the pair at a slow, nonthreatening trot, his ears flicked back in constant remembrance of his dedication to his herd.
OOC: Omaroo and Ally may enter the premises. =D
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Post by Ehetere on Apr 21, 2009 7:13:25 GMT
All of a sudden, the faintest movement in the snow caught Burrello's eye and the scent of a strange stallion drifted to his nostrils. He threw his head up imperiously, and snorted ever so quietly to Loora to tell her to stand absolutely silent and still. There was no way that they could vanish into the snow with their black coats, and the slightest movement could attract the dun stallion's eye. Even from this distance Burrello could tell that this stallion was older than him, but perhaps not as tall, since he Burrello was almost purebred Arabian and proud of it. He was tall and slender; his neck arched in a glorious curve and his head was dished and handsome. Not that good looks were going to help him if he got into a fight with that stallion. Besides, with age came not only experience but strength. Burrello was sure that he would be able to out run the stallion, but fight him? And win? He doubted it.
But now Burrello was faced with another dilemma. He had just spent hours searching for this single patch of grass for which he and Loora could graze upon, and now the bigger stallion was sure to spot him soon and perhaps would demand the grass and shrubs for his own mares whom Burrello was sure were still hiding in the trees from which this unfamiliar stallion had come. He could fight him, the pros of the idea perhaps strengthened when he saw the stallion's mares, but he would risk losing Loora and the grass, which was stupid. But then again, they were going to have to leave anyway if he fought and lost. Burrello rolled his eyes; there was nothing to do now but wait and see what the stallion decided to do with them.
The wind changed direction; finally alerting the stallion to their presence and the stallion scanned the surrounding area until he saw them standing there under the overhanging tree. Burrello was sure in that instant that the stallion was going to fight him, but then he merely flicked his ears back and started towards them, curiosity fueling his steps not bloodlust.
Burrello could tell that Loora was terrified, and gently nosed her shoulder to calm her before returning his gaze to the rapidly approaching stallion, suspicious and wary, his muscles tensed to bite or kick given the right provocation before galloping away. He needn't worry about telling Loora to be ready to escape; the look on her face and the tightness of her muscles stated that she was ready to flee at the slightest hint of combat. Burrello's main worry then would be making sure that she went in the right direction and not blindly into the clutches of another stallion. |
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Tex
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Post by Tex on Apr 22, 2009 2:38:06 GMT
A young mare bounced behind Cobar, her dark mane and tail rising into the air before flumping back down again. She was in a great mood, like usual, and nibbled on Cobar's withers as she slowed to be beside him. He smelt nervous, and she whickered reassuringly to him before sniffing the air herself. Wait... what was that snell? She flared her nostrils and breathed it in, analysing the texture and subtle differences in the smell until she was sure it was a stallion and mare she was smelling. And for once, it wasn't Cobar and his fillies. She flicked her ears forward, fascinated, and trotted off to the side, coming closer but still avoiding the strangers by keeping in the trees. Her dark Grulla coat blended with the trees, until she could no longer be seen, and she watched everyhorse with fascination.
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Post by yaruka on Apr 22, 2009 23:14:27 GMT
At Cobar’s signal Omaroo danced gaily out of the shadows, snorting and tossing her head like the young filly she was. Sure she’d keep quiet when necessary, but now it was time for some fun. She’d already gotten over the memory of the chase through the Brindle Bull, choosing to look at it as good practice for outrunning men rather than a scarring experience. Not to say that she hadn’t been scared at the time, she didn’t think she’d ever felt so terrified in her life. But now the initial scariness had somewhat faded she had started to think of the whole thing as something near to an extra long, extra grueling game of chase. She pranced over to Ally, butting the grulla filly playfully with her head. Just then a breeze stirred the air and a strange scent was brought to her attention. Or rather, two strange scents. Snorting, Omaroo ducked her head into her chest, nostrils flaring excitedly. When Ally moved off in their direction she swiftly followed, neat hooves making no noise on the grass and deep black coat blending in with the shadows. The other horses came into sight and she tossed her head in delight-they were black-just like her! She had never seen another black horse before, though only the mare was without white markings like herself.. Shivering with excitement she longed to call out to them but knew better than to act without Cobar’s consent. Impatiently she tossed her thick black forelock out of her eyes and glanced over her shoulder to see if the buckskin stallion had followed them.
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Post by Ehetere on Apr 23, 2009 1:32:17 GMT
Presently, Loora noticed movement in the trees beside the dun stallion; flickering, silent movements and flashes of black and smoky grey; indicating that the stallion’s mares were shadowing him in the scrub. Loora took several anxious steps back, all of her instincts telling her to flee, but sweet strong Burrello nibbled her mane reassuringly and whispered, “Be calm, the stallion does not look as though he mans to fight me and those mares are merely curious.” Loora did quieten slightly for Burrello’s voice always had a soothing affect on her; he could make her believe anything was possible. However, Loora was usually a un-confrontational animal, and when the air was tense with anticipation like this; she wanted to flee as swift as the wind as far away as possible. But she knew too the Burrello was a proud animal, and he was going to stand his ground for as long as possible. He was no fool, and was a perfect judge of tense situations, which was one of the reasons that she trusted him so completely. |
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Post by { Opal } on Apr 23, 2009 2:00:29 GMT
Cobar nickered to the fillies, a happy tone in his voice, as he was glad to have them near. But he continued in his trot toward the strangers, and soon his big steps had brought him within reasonable distance. Beginning to see the mare's unease, Cobar slowed to a brisk walk, careful to keep his posture relaxed as to drew closer. But Cobar was also starting to get unnerved, because these brumbies looked so strange. Their long limbs, slender structure, curved ears and dished faces were far from ordinary. Plus, they seemed to have not been in the wilderness for long; their bodies were still sleek and well nourished. So where had these horses come from? Cobar shook his head, confused, and determined to straighten things out. "And who are you?" he asked, with a critical eye. It wasn't much their names he was asking for, but what exactly they were doing here when they seemed so out of place. After his inquiry, Cobar looked around for Ally and Omaroo, and presently found them off in the forest. Stifling a huff of laughter, Cobar flicked his tail eagerly, encouraging them to approach the strange pair. It was true that it had been long since they had met with a civilized group, and Cobar suspected that the two were anxious to meet some strangers.
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Post by Ehetere on Apr 23, 2009 5:53:03 GMT
The dun stallion finally stopped when he was within speaking distance of them, and asked "And who are you?" in a tone demanding answers, but not in a menacing way. He nickered several times to the fillies that Loora and Burrello had spotted in the trees; inviting them to come to him. This, thought Burrello, would show that no immediate hostilities were meant, however how long it remained that way was yet to be seen. Thinking it foolish not to answer the stallion's questions, Burrello summoned his voice and said strong and proud, "I am Burrello, The North Wind and this here is Bulooral, the Night Owl. We have both escaped from the low country in search of a better life and the taste of freedom." The dun stallion was indeed far shorter than him, and Loora too since she was in fact taller than him, and this pleased Burrello a little, since he disliked being looked down upon. He was also curious to see what this stallion's mares looked like; although he had no intention of stealing them since that would just lead to trouble. |
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Tex
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Post by Tex on Apr 23, 2009 11:52:53 GMT
Ally flicked her ears forward, and playfully nipped Omaroo when she was beside her. She had to stifle a squeal from excitement, and paid close attention to the conversation. Well, it was a kind of conversation, anyway. More of a body language way of talking. She tilted her head to the side, and answered Cobar when he called them, trotting from the trees, as she was really holding back from leaping out and making the strangers panic. Ally halted next to Cobar, and pushed her ears forward to their furthest length, sniffing at their scent. They looked weird, and they smelt just as strange. Their legs were slim and elegant, much like her own, but their faces were sort of carved into a silly-looking muzzle. Also, their ears were pointed into each other. She managed to keep back laughter, and called to Omaroo to encourage her out.
"I'm Boorana Allira, or Smoke Daughter," she said excitedly to them both, wondering who she should talk to mainly.
Her own brumby figure was slim and elegant, a clear descent from some sort of outlandish breed, though her tail did not flag without her meaning to do so. Her legs were slim, which just seemed to be because of luck, and her face, neck and shoulders were the regular sort you'd see on a brumby. Her colour was also a regular brumby colour; Grulla, which was a bluish grey and dark face, mane, tail and legs, with a dark stripe down her back. She looked inquisitively at the strangers, and looked to Cobar, wondering what she should do now.
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Post by yaruka on Apr 26, 2009 3:24:54 GMT
Cobar's flick of his tail was all the encouragement Omaroo needed to bound forward out of the trees. She stopped a little ways behind her grulla friend though, wondering whether she should approach the newcomers or not. Apprently Ally had no such reseverations, Her friend's whinny floated over to her and making up her mind to go over and introduce herself, Omaroo restrained her eagerness with difficulty and approached at a brisk walk instead of the bouncing trot she was usually would have employed. She too thought the strangers look unusual, almost impractical for being wild horses. Flaring her nostrils suspciously, Omaroo thought she could detect a faint hint of man about them, but it was very stale. Deciding to leave caution to Cobar, Omaroo spoke up "And I am Omaroo," she said simply.
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