One of the Earth Posted on May 30, 2015 at 09:50:44 PM by Pagan
Snow has started to melt around the inlet as the season started to shift into what could be a friendlier companion. Frozen moisture still crunched under the gypsy’s large hooves as he leisurely moved through his home, thoughts drifting as aimlessly as he did. He was no stranger to loneliness, having spent the winter alone, getting acquainted to his land, letting his emotional and spiritual roots dig into the ground as much as his feet did. As he moved his thoughts went back to those he had encountered. First, the mare who had stepped into his realm, scared and timid. She had been looking for someone, shaking when she had given him the names of the other stallions. When he could not help she had raced away, leaving nothing but feathery tracks in her wake. The other mare with what appeared to be her young colt were alone in the Crossing, the young man shivering and sadness gripping them both. Pagan had offered his home and protection to both of them, including the colt against his better judgement.
Even with these encounters, no one had come to his home with the interest of staying, and the stallion had begun rethinking his tactics of building a herd. Cruelty and force had never been his nature, but solitude was starting to creep into his consciousness and whisper a breath of desperation into his thoughts. He felt sure that once others came to his home, got to know him and the land he walked on, they would come to feel comfortable and safe there as well. As he thought about this, a part of him still began to lose hope for the future of his rule.
A whiney split the air, causing the beast to stop, his attention pinpointing the other horse’s location in a land he had come to know so well. He raised his own voice in an answer before stepping up to race towards the other. Snow and mud splattered up the vanner’s buckskin socks, reaching to his white shoulders as he raced forward. Al-Hattaal’s black shape came into view and the scent of another stallion filled Pagan’s nose. As much as he was rethinking his choice of leadership, he was not willing to give up just yet. He pounded faster, stopping just short of the other and rearing, his hooves lashing out far enough from target to pose no real threat more than a warning.
“Greetings.” He addressed, his deep voice calm and clear. “Know you are welcome here, but step too hard and that welcome may be short-lived. What brings you to my shore?” His eyes looked over the other horse. Their builds were drastically different and it calmed the larger brute and he lowered his head to be less threatening to his visitor, still wary. Replies: