Desert

~ show me the most damaged parts of your soul,
and I will show you how it shines like gold.

The tender grasses were plentiful here beneath the sweeping shadows of the Joshua trees; hidden away from the harsh sunlight and near to the sparkling cool waters. They were sweet on her tongue and satisfied her grumbling stomach. It was quiet here. There is just the sound of her teeth as they ground the grass into a pulp and the whisper of the sultry winds across the sands.

She paused her chewing as hooves faintly thud against the sands beneath her hooves - they draw closer and closer until finally the shadow of a stranger falls over her. Her heart quickened as his musk floated around her and flooded into her narrow, delicate nostrils. Immediately she drew her head up and bicolored eyes narrowed as she glared up at the stranger. No recognition crossed her face, no widening of her eyes, nor recoiling in fear.

The delicate mare glared up at him as he settled near to her. She eyed him with suspicion - these island stallions had brought nothing but trouble.

Then as if on cue, the words fell from his mouth. Not many dare to cross my borders uninvited. At least not many that make it out unscathed. Her tail lashed across her hindquarters as the gravity of her situation slowly began to dawn on her. Thirst had drove her deeper into the desert sands... Would he of rather she died? All for the sake of his pride?

There is no fear as she stared up him - only defiance.

”Calypso… What makes you believe you should be free to do so?

The unfamiliar name left his lips - just as it had with the other stallions - and still there is not a flicker of recognition. Just utter annoyance that yet another stallion believed that she was this "Calypso." Her ears disappeared into her thick locks and her head raised higher on her arching neck. Despite her anger toward the stallion, she could not help but admire the ripple of his muscles beneath his dark coat and the handsome curve of his muzzle.

"I am free to do as I please," she growled between gritted teeth "as I have said before, I do not know this Calypso."

The frigid words settled into the space between them as she frowned up at him as she weighed her options. Deep down she hoped that he would leave, but she had a feeling that he was not going to disappear into the sweltering desert heat. "Now, if you will excuse me.." she snapped as she started to push past him, her body just inches from his.