His home was full of many dangers. The days were sweltering hot, despite the lack of humidity, and without a close source of drinking water, many found it in their best interest to head to the Mainland. The painted man was of a completely different mind frame. He actively sought out an oasis or a cavern that would hold the wonders he desired. Thus far it has proven to be like the lost ruins of Atlantis but he still tries. While it is in his favor to head to the Mainland every once in a while; he wanted to keep it that way. While he didn’t mind bringing home the ladies he hated messing with anyone else. Veteran was a loner and he preferred to just keep it that way. His mind has seen too much and the horrors of his past play like a horrible movie on repeat in the back of his mind.

He was canvassing his boarders; keeping himself on high alert. He was expecting the company of a delightfully young female that had caught his eye back in the commons. He knew from experience that her trip would take a while and he only arrived before her because of his familiarity with the land. He was a patient man. She would be here before long and he would be there to greet her. While he might be the loner type, but he did make it a point to greet those who walked into his home; especially if he was the one who invited them.

The Old Fart King moved lazily through the land with a snort here and there to clear his nose from the annoying grits of sand. While he had chosen the home to see who could survive the harsh conditions, he absolutely hated the sand. Every step seemed to allow each tiny grain to embed itself further and further into his coat and into his system. He was sure by now that he would be coughing out balls of sand. He was sure he had inhaled enough of it to be considered the sand king of the dunes. In fact, he was surprised he wasn’t shaped out of sand by now. Yet, despite it all, he loved his home on some level and knew it as intimately as any king should know his land.

A soft and charming song reached his ears and it is with a hint of a smile he moves toward her. Veteran had been aware of her arrival for her scent filled his land with a sweet perfume. It made his home all that more delightful. For once he didn’t smell the old scent of sand, death, and heat. Her scent was a delight and he relished it for all of its worth. Veteran’s ears twitched in hopes of hearing her delightful voice again, but it was not meant to be. He was only blessed with her voice once and he knew that in order to hear more he would have to find her and for him, that wouldn’t be hard.

It wasn’t long before he found his newest addition. There is a gentle smile on his face to hide the monsters that lie within. He had just found her and he wasn’t quite ready to scare her off with the demons that have buried their bloody claws into his blackened soul. He knew that their bloodshot and dirty yellow eyes peered from every shadow, watching him and watching the world. They waited for his death but knew that he would fight that part for as long as he could. For now they were content with their hold. In the end, they would get their prize. There was no way around it.

He arrives by her side with a gentle whinny. Wise and haunted brown eyes look her over to make sure she has arrived from her travels safely and once they are satisfied he comes to a slow stop on her left. He dips his head in greeting before allowing his black lips to part with good natured words. “Fairuza! I was beginning to worry about you. I trust that your journey went all right?” He reaches out to her with a soft snort and gives her neck a gentle but playful nip.

His actions surprise him but he keeps that safely hidden. He is not quite sure why he feels so relaxed around the young mare but for now he allows it to be. For him, it is nice to at peace. He is often fighting off demons but with the arrival of Fairuza and another mare, his demons will be hard pressed for his attentions. The ladies he does have for now will have his attention for as long as he can give it. When the time comes for the herd to be quite large, he does expect the women to mingle amongst one another. He will give them the time when he can, but he cannot speak to every mare on his own in any given day. No, he will expect the ladies to converse and make friendships on their own time, but for now he is quite happy to give the two mares he has his undivided attention. Veteran does after all like getting to know them on a one on one basis.


Eye For An Eye
A Tooth For A Tooth
Blood For Blood
We've All Gotta Die