Meadow
Force-claiming is not allowed here. This is a peaceful, neutral area meant for socialising.
Posted on May 19, 2020 at 11:57:46 PM by CAIN
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He knew that he would never forget the connections he'd managed to make in his time on the island. Primrose, Paisley, Geneva, Legolas, Zubeia, Zena....none of his time with them, however brief, would ever be forgotten and would continue to touch him the rest of his days. If he never saw Primrose again, he would always picture her sweet face and that time they got to let the barriers down and really talk to one another. If Vihaan chose to leave him too, he knew he would definitely never forget her and the way they broke through to each other in a way he'd done with no one else. Each had touched him a new way that was unique unto itself. Even his time here with the grullo would never be forgotten. He found himself more curious about her as time went on. Even though she may not smell completely like a mare, he would think of her as such until she told him otherwise. He knew he wasn't completely giving her what she wanted to hear but it was all he could guarantee at this time. He would try. Cain had never known love. In his early years, maybe, when he was less than a year old and had parents and a herd, maybe then he felt love. But that time was a blur. All he could remember was fuzzy memories of big birds in the sky that made the most terrible noise and humans on horse back throwing ropes. He remembered being penned up and crowded in with others then separated and after that, he felt only human hands for four years. In those four years, he'd been roped, whipped, cut, branded, beaten, and starved, among other things. They'd done everything they could to break him and almost got their wish. The day they held a gun to his head for attacking a human, for fighting back, that was the day a part of him broke that he thought he would never get back again. He faced down death and managed to escape somehow. It changed him. He dreamed of freedom for those four years but didn't know how to go about it. He dreamed of a herd and mares and children. He dreamed of conquerring everyone in his path. It became an obsession, so the day he finally got free, he told himself nothing would stand in his way. Mares were meant to be tamed and he would train them and discipline as the humans had done to him. That was the way he started out and that was how he was titled a monster. He bullied and force claimed and raped, fought anyone who looked at him wrong. He was indeed a monster. Once the barriers started to come down and he saw the errors of his ways, he'd already made scars that would never fully heal. Primrose would never forget. Vihaan would never forget. Everglow would never forget. And neither would he. He'd spent the rest of his time trying to be better. He learned how to give space and ask permission and offer choices. He learned how to listen and speak more politely. He learned how to defend instead of always going for the offense. He could tell when the subject changed to her that the other paint wasn't completely comfortable anymore. She shifted her weight and watched him more cautiously with that lone golden eye. When he asked about the Peak, she snorted before saying she might visit one day but she didn't think she would ever belong there. Then she said there was worse than living on the Crossing. He looked around with a shrug, shaking out his mane. "It is pretty here, but I'll leave an open offer." He lifted his gaze to hers. "If you ever find yourself in need of company or just a place to try on for size, feel free to come by Salem. You'll be welcome in the Desert." He offered a small smile, dipping his head politely. She could take it or leave it. He wouldn't be offended. He just felt it was the right thing to do. Everyone needed a place to belong and he knew the Desert wasn't perfect, but it was home to him. He wouldn't trade it for anything. Maybe she would see the same thing he did when he looked upon the golden sands. She said his name and he felt his ears flick forward in interest. He didn't remember ever giving his name but he wasn't upset that she knew it. He would have given it before they departed anyway. She reached out to touch her muzzle to his cheek and he closed his eyes, savoring the touch. It wasn't often he got such gentle contact. When she pulled back, she said she did care and no one was perfect. She said he was more worthy than some because he admitted his flaws. His lips twitched at that and he dipped his head in acknowledgement. "I'll try to remember that." She pulled away then, saying he should get back to his family and they might not know how to express their feelings. He tilted his head for a moment before dipping it once more. "Okay, but remember my offer. If you ever want to feel the sand beneath your hooves and a warm sun on your back, feel free to stop by any time, even if just for a visit." He tried to catch her gaze one last time. "Everyone deserves to belong somewhere. Keep trying." He offered a smile. "I'm Cain. What can I call you?" He wanted to remember her by name the next time they met. Cain_stallion_6yo_Gypsy Vanner Mutt_16.3hh_black and white tobiano coat_white mane & tail_dark brown eyes_bound to none_Salem Desert Father to: Akello(xVihaan), photo by JNix@Shutterstock |
Replies:
- surrender to nothing - By Hawke May 22, 2020 at 03:25:11 AM
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