Common

The anxiety of Fell’s first foaling season was beginning to fade. Now that his sons were old enough to at least run without tripping over open air, the black Marwari stallion was less uncomfortable leaving the Bay for short periods of time. He had not heard the wolves since their desperate scrabble at the base of the mountain, and he trusted Kohelet to take care of the others in his absence; she knew the territory as well, if not better than he did. It was as good a time as any to test the waters on the Crossing before Fall.

The swim to the central isle was warm, and pleasant. Soft sand gave way beneath his coal-black hooves as he pulled himself from the waves, mane and tail hanging heavy and sodden against his wet fur. He raised his muzzle to the air, upper lip curled to better taste it for the scents of horses. His exterior was calm, moving smoothly through the dry summer grass like a hunting cat; but within, flames beat against his ribcage unchecked. He had known peace within the borders of his home, and had not needed to wrestle so violently with his nature, but out here was a different story.

It was not long before the scent of a mare pulled Fell abruptly off course. The woman was silver-haired and painted, and far too graceful — fragile, he thought — to be left alone. Never could he have guessed they were related, as he prowled toward her through the clearing, his intentions glaringly obvious in his pinned ears and lowered head. They were starkly different; the mare, a pretty, slender creature who reminded him of Kohelet — and Fell, a hulking animal with his hooked ears slicked back and his eyes feral and hungry. He enjoyed the self-assurance with which she held herself; such a delicate creature would need that confidence to survive on Tinuvel.

It was not yet Fall, so the black stallion did not feel he had to bother with flirtations of any sort. There would be plenty of time for that back at home in the Bay. Instead of greeting her, Fell aimed a commanding nip at her hindquarters. Into the sea with you was the easiest message he could communicate, and it was one he was sure to get across. No one came to the Commons to stay in the Commons.

FELL

stallion. 16hh. black. marwari x. Rougaru x visurix.