m e n k h e t

the presence of all these strangers in her home was overwhelming. all the scents and voices violating the calm quiet lonely sanctuary she had made for herself... it took every ounce of self control to douse the white hot temper flaring within her. the shameful sorry looks of her company helped the most to tame her rage. after the arrival of the large pale stallion she ceased circling the small group and stood to face him, a small amount of satisfaction swelling within her having claimed the spotted stallion as her own. he appeared to be a quivering mess, but her harshness with him, at least in her own mind, was completely justified. she feels no regret for her words or actions, for it brings her hope to see fear wash their faces, hope that they will not be so foolish in the future and will have a safer life.

the pale stallion that follows the bunch seems to appear too quickly to be the answerer of her call but as his words fall on her flattened ears she wonders if he is indeed the leader of the neighboring territory. before she can open her mouth in response yet another figure, again a stallion, appears. her temper flares at the magnitude of this intrusion of her home, however she waits for the newcomer to address her. his words are nails on a chalkboard. offensive in that he thinks she is somehow responsible for this incident. she stalks once again toward the spotted stallion and snakes her head at him in gesture while she speaks.

he was not in my possession until he stupidly shepherded these children away from their home into a place that could have been dangerous. that he is mine is punishment for this crime, though whoever let him into your territory to begin with and let innocent children be led to a potential threat should perhaps be accountable as well.

sadness clouds her eyes momentarily as she watches the children be guided back to their home by the pale stallion he referred to as samhain. she hopes that they will forgive her someday for her harshness. after this brief thought her attention returns to the red stallion before her who has proceeded into an introduction. as he speaks of meeting under better circumstances she allows her anger to cool once more. accidents happen.... and hopefully it was not ill will that led the young ones into danger but just an accident. she regains her head, trying to be calm and rational. for the first time since the incident began her ears rise forward from their thick black nest of mane as she speaks again to the leader of the prairie.

shamwari, i am menkhet, ruler of this place. i am also hoping that we can work together to keep luthien a safe place for all. this one she refers to the spotted stallion she has claimed should no longer be cause for concern, and I have thoroughly warned the trespassing youth the dangers of such behavior.

now that she has lost the heat of her anger she grows tired of all the excitement. the day is growing older and she needs time to figure out how to manage the new inhabitant of her home. her words are gentler now that she has gotten past feeling slighted.

in the future, you and yours are welcome here at any time, though I expect to be properly notified upon your arrival. I will always extend the same courtesy...and now I offer friendly advise... keep a close watch on children, always, for I speak with experience when I say that losing them, by any means or circumstances, is the worst pain that can be suffered.

it hurts her to add this last sentence, shows him that she is still bleeding from old wounds that weaken her, and her ears gently lay flat again, this time in a wave of sorrow. she hopes he will not take offense at her advice but appreciate this small bit of wisdom she has to offer. she knows not much of being a leader, but of being a mother, a protector, she has the greatest knowledge and education that loss can teach.

mare : 5 : sooty buckskin : arabian mutt : 15.2 : kafkaesque s t o c k ~ q u i e t - b l i s s @ d e v i a n t a r t