Two Black Shadows... (Open)

[{ Opal }]

Cobar's ears flicked briefly as they caught up the voice of the stallion. He made sure to remember their names; it wouldn't be very polite to forget. However, at the mention of the "low lands," Cobar's nostrils flared suspiciously. That term was very vague, and it seemed that the stallion wasn't explaining everything. For example, the fading reek of man on their pelts. Cobar decided to categorize the two strangers as escaped stock horses for the moment, and so little threat to them yet also little use. Meanwhile the two fillies had approached, and given their names, in a friendly manner. Cobar turned his head to them blew through his nose appreciatively, showing he was pleased with their tactics. But he suddenly realized that he himself had failed to give a name, and soon glanced back toward Burrello. "And I am Cobar, meaning burnt earth. I hope you are able to make it through the winter?" Cobar dipped his head in a respectful manner as he spoke the last phrase; he didn't want to make it sound as if he were taunting them. Basically Cobar was tactfully asking the pair if they needed help; Cobar didn't want the two to starve during winter, and the truth was that he could always use allies.

[Ehetere]

Burrello almost sighed with relief when the stallion finally gave his name; Cobar. But all the same, Cobar still seemed suspicious about their beginnings, and Burrello knew that they had not been in the high country for he and Loora to lose the scents of man; Loora especially. However saying that he had originally been a valuable horse, and that Loora also would be sought after, was perhaps not the best course of action. Burrello also knew that having this stallion as an enemy would not be the brightest idea either. The stallion’s friendly question about how they were faring also hurt his pride; he at least knew how to find food. But they had been surviving on their reserves lately; and maybe this more experienced stallion who had lived his whole life up here in the mountains knew better places to find food. All the same; Burrello hated the thought of having to sink to the level of asking another stallion for help – it just wasn’t in his personality to lower himself beneath another horse, especially a stallion. “It has been hard; but we are managing, as I am sure you are,” replied Burrello to the Cobar, “You will most certainly know the country better than I however, and if we are looking in the wrong places for our food, it would be very kind of you to point us in the right direction. Loora won’t say it, but I am sure she is hungrier than I; as she is with foal as well, so any help or wisdom you share with us is greatly appreciated.”

[Tex]

Ally twiddled her ears back and forth, much like a small child starting to fidget when either no-one was paying attention to her or when the talk was very boring. They had Cobar to look after them, so they didn't need to worry about where to find food. Right now, she was feeling rather good, and whinnied to Omaroo excitedly, expressing her rush of energy. Perhaps she would like to race?
As she awaited an answer from her black filly friend, Ally looked up and listened to the Gang-Gangs as they soared overhead, straining for interesting news. She had heard a while ago that the Men had captured many brumbies in a 'run', making their own horses and dogs force the horses into a pen and making them lift the men around. Now the birds were squawking messages from the captured horses, namely pleas for stallions to come and rescue stranded mares, stallions warning their fillies away, and a list of horses that had been caught. As she listened, a name caught her ear. She looked at Omaroo, shocked. Her mother? Gentle Coorah? Or not so gentle, really, but her mother was gone?

[yaruka]

Omaroo tossed her head excitedly, always up for a good game. But just then the birds’ calls met her ears and she too paused, concern clearly evident on her face. It sounded as though their entire former herd had been captured. She glanced sympathetically at Ally as she heard Coorah’s name and her heart continued to sink as she caught “Irawaddy,” “Amarina” and “Nandalie” in the list. At least they were all together, but Omaroo hated to think of what life would be like with out freedom. Glancing at Ally she flicked her ears towards the birds then cantered over to the nearest bush, in which a flock of gang-gangs resided. “Good birds,” she said “Is it true that men have captured so many of our fellow brumbies? What do they plan on doing with them?”

[{ Opal }]

Cobar bobbed his head slightly at Burello's words, and began to wrack his brain for the best places to winter. But his concentration was broken as the stallion mentioned Loora's unborn foal. Cobar's nostrils flared for a moment in surprise, and he said thoughtfully, "Then you surely must get as much food as possible..." His voice was so low that it was almost an inaudible whisper.

It wasn't long until Cobar spoke up. "Well, Yarraman's Valley is a very nice spot. Sheltered, decent food. You'll find it south of Dead Horse Ridge; that place is alright, too, though a little open." Cobar paused to snort as a stray snowflake ran up his nose. "Just stay away from the higher lands, and the Boggy. If you get lost, try asking the wildlife for directions." Cobar nodded briskly, then began to turn away, when he wondered where the fillies had gone. He looked around, then promptly discovered Omaroo talking to something in the bush, with Ally nearby. They both wore saddened expressions. Worried, Cobar approached them, and soon supposed why they seemed so crestfallen. Gang-gangs.... They must be captured. Cobar nickered reassuringly to both, and gently brushed his tail against their hides. His face was grim.

If only I could save them all... Cobar thought bitterly, as he fidgeted in the snow. Maybe back in the day he would have tried, but it was senseless, dangerous, and there really was no way to get the captives out. Still, Cobar felt restless, wishing he could do something. Perhaps they could come by night, observe the area, then formulate a plan? Cobar rejected the idea almost instantly, though he would have liked to try. It just wasn't worth it...

[Ehetere]

Yarramans Valley… Loora was constantly nudging him now, confused as what to do. She really did need a good, strong stallion to look after her out here, and Burrello was beginning to worry about their unborn foal. The suggestion about migrating to Yarraman’s Valley made by Cobar was a good one; wise even, and Burrello recognised this immediately. He had been to the Valley once during the first snowfalls, but there had been other horses in the area so he and Loora had moved away. No though, perhaps in the depths of winter there would be no other horses occupying the Valley; and he and Loora could have a peaceful winter there. It seemed as if the stallion and his mares were going to stay there a little longer, and despite Cobar’s friendly words, Burrello still felt a cold sweat break out behind his ears. He couldn’t help it; he was naturally wary of other stallions, and no amount of kindness was going to change that.

“Your words are very wise, and therefore, I shall follow their advice,” replied Burrello in a respectful tone, “Loora and I will head in that direction a little ways before resting out the remainder of this storm. Perhaps we will meet up in spring when it comes around, or even summer or autumn. Either way, the kindness you have shown Loora and myself here shall not be forgotten.” Burrello bowed his head. “Thank you, once again.” And with that, he and Loora began to melt back into the snow covered trees, not so fast that they would not hear what the stallion had to say about their abrupt leaving, but swift enough that their outlines were already blurred despite their dark coats.