Common

The pony mare had been enjoying her afternoon under the waning, cresting sun. She listened to the sounds of the birds singing their songs, and would occasionally feel the nipping sting of a biting fly. One such bite at her barrel would have caused the mare to swing her head aside and bite for the spot. When her head swung back around? That’s when the tall stallion entered her field of vision. He appeared like a phantom, and it was startling. He hadn’t been there mere moments ago. Penelope gave a wince of surprise, which resulted in the mare rearing with a small squeal. But when she realizes he’s not here to behave in a roguish manner, the little mare relaxes. Her ears remained tilted back with a level of uncertainty that hung about her regarding this stranger.

The sounds of motion and the squeal of his mother were enough to startle Damon from snoozing, to awake and flustered. Unlike his mild-mannered mother, the yearling was a bit testy. His ears were pinned and he would have tentatively reached out to sniff at the larger, older stranger. Sephiroth was easily two hands taller than he was, which was much more intimidating to his young mind than he’d allowed Sephiroth to see. Even if his tension is clear as day.

Penelope would have been surprised by Sphiroth’s tentative nature. He seemed to hesitate, and the little mare wondered if he would be strong enough to hold onto her. Ultimately, Penelope decides not to judge him; his hesitation and tentative nature may have had nothing to do with his confidence and strength as a band stallion. So she wouldn’t have hesitated to greet the stallion, offering her nose so that they could exchange breaths. A traditional equine greeting. “ Hello, Sephiroth. “ she replied at once. Her accent is obvious and tells him she’s definitely not from the isles. “ I’m Penelope. N’ this is my son, Damon. “ she replied. “ We would be delighted to come ta the Thicket’ve Luthien. “