ori
Ori could smell winter on the breeze that greeted him as he stepped away from the chilly waves. He could see that the trees further inland were already bare of their leaves, and he shivered under his seawater-laden coat. The sight of the skeletal trees instilled a somewhat melancholy feeling in the tall stallion’s chest, but the unfriendliness of the impending season only seemed to draw him in further. He stepped away from the sand, and soon he was pushing through the carpet of leaves, his hooves crunching softly along the unseen path he followed.
As he ventured further inland, he became aware of the scents of many other horses. Most were stale, but Ori found himself following the trail of one that was only minutes old. He knew nothing of this island, and his heart gave a little flutter at the thought of meeting someone who might be able to share the stories of this place with him. And even if they did not, he was happy just to say hello, and continue his explorations on his own.
When he could see the little roan mare through the trees, Ori slowed, and nickered somewhat shyly as she halted. He did not want her to think he was following her, but unfortunately, that was exactly what he was doing. He left some distance between them as he approached, but he could not help thinking to himself that her warmly colored coat looked quite beautiful in contrast with the grey trunks of the trees and the cold, overcast sky.
“Excuse me,” he said, his voice deep but gentle. “Are you from around here? Can you tell me about this place?”