15.3hh - Gypsy Vanner - Lead of the Inlet


The frosted ground crunched with a crisp sound as the tiny ice crystals broke under buckskin feathered hooves. Pagan walked calmly through his land, the noise from his hooves breaking the otherwise eerie stillness of the storm’s aftermath. From different shores he had watched the sea rage around the island as winter started to blow in with all its force. Just as the waves grew in size and intensity his heart sank to their depths. When winter came to the island it became nearly impossible for the inhabitants to leave. His days of visiting the common lands had come to a close and he once more prepared himself for a harsh season.

He moved over the tundra, the currently soft wind playing gently with his thick mane. Dark eyes trailed up and down his path, his attention shifting to every aspect of the world around him. The land he had come to respect and call home was forever changing its face and features. Having always been a rover he had come to appreciate the change but also the ability to still know his roots were growing deep. Following the springs that broke the surfaces of the land he made his way to the shores of the Inlet, curious about what new features the waves had carved into the rocks.

Before he could make it to the beach he saw figures moving in a sheltering patch of trees. Their appearance spurred him into a canter, concern and curiosity prodding him to their sides faster. A quick glance over them made it obvious they were strangers to his home, at least to him. It told him they were exhausted and weary as well.

“Greetings.” He spoke with a nod of his head. His deep and rumbling voice was faster than normal, laced with his concern for their wellbeing. He looked between them, the beach, and the quiet of inland, knowing there was better shelter with edible shrubs just up the trails. “If you can make it, there is a better spot just up the way.” The vanner reached his nose out to the strangers, instinctually inviting them into his home and into his protection. “I can help you.

PAGAN