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A flick of her ear backward indicated that Paloma had a vague awareness of other hooves moving behind her. However, she was so enthralled by the lushness of this island. Even in the autumn, the grass was still mostly green. The air, while warm, was not oppressive. Her home got only a handful of days like this per year. Otherwise it was either woefully hot, or raining. Thus, she was as fascinated by her basic surroundings as by the strangers gathered here.
It was when he cleared his throat that she became wary. He had managed to somewhat close the gap between them without her noticing. Paloma flinched at the sound, and swung her hips away from him. She was suddenly acutely aware of the fact that she was utterly alone in a foreign place. Young and inexperienced in the ways of the world outside her home, she was also vulnerable to the advances of any unsavory individuals. While it was unclear whether this man was someone to fear, his words did not give her great confidence.
Her freckled ears tipped back at his words, and her eyes slowly narrowed until she was squinting at him. Slowly, she spoke, “What are you saying? Are you – HEY! What - ?” She stopped short of finishing her question as a squeal drowned out her words. Her jaw dropped at the sight of yet another newcomer attempting to attack the man. Words escaped her, as did actions. She simply watched this other mare, baffled at her behavior. Was she insane? Was it something the man had said to Paloma? She didn’t think it had been that offensive. After all, he was probably just trying to help.
Finally, as the shock wore off, Paloma pinned her ears, too. Stepping forward, she took a deep breath and stomped her hoof as she shouted, “WHOA! Is that really necessary?? He wasn’t even doing anything!” She was hoping that this would be enough to make the mottled mare pause in her apparent assault, but the spotted youth prepared herself to take further action if that was not the case.
PALOMA
mare; mutt; classic champagne leopard; 15.3 hh
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