15.3hh - Gypsy Vanner - Lead of the Inlet


The winds of autumn were growing bitter with every passing day. Winter was setting in early in this tundra and Pagan was starting to feel the nips of the chill on his flesh as time continued to turn. What few trees had leaves in his home had started to turn into blazing red, lighting the Inlet in harmless forest fires even as steaming water shot from the earth. Here in the Inlet it was as if the wildness of nature decided for itself what it would do instead of what was expected of it.

The gypsy stallion walked the perimeter of his territory, ever watchful of the movements of the herds of caribou to make notes of the fields they depleted and the ones they had yet to find or the ones that could not accommodate them. Most importantly he kept his eyes on the moose. The bull that had also claimed the Inlet as his home had continued to press the stallion’s patience. Pagan snorted at the thought, and kept up his trek along the trails.

His buckskin feathered hooves traversed the ever familiar trails that led to the beach. The scent another horse sifted through the air and he picked up his pace to meet them. As he moved, he let out a call, letting the visitor know they had been discovered. Impatient with himself, the socked stallion moved into a canter. His hooves clattered on the rocks and pebble as he came closer. With a snort, he turned away from the more cliff riddled path and trotted down the safer routes. His dark eyes met the mare and he almost tripped in surprise. Her painted body was similar in color to his, the feather’s of her feet and thick mane and tail spoke of shared ancestors long passed. It was a comfort and a surprise to see one of his own on his shores. Ears perked forward through his tri colored mane when he met her and offered his nose out to her.

“Greetings and welcome to the Inlet, my Lady.” His voice was deep and rolling, not unlike a river rapid over boulders. “I am Pagan, lead stallion here. What brings you to my shores?” He stepped aside and bowed his head toward the trail that led into the heart of the territory, welcoming her into his home.

PAGAN