Meadow

Solomon

The night made him restless. It always had, but the attack from Tan Jala had made it nigh impossible to rest without knowing if someone else was there to protect his beautiful family. What little sleep he had gotten was stolen in catnaps throughout the day, in between visiting each member of his herd and running border checks for both the Cove and the Bay. Requiem lurked in the Cove of course, but he had made it abundantly clear that his priorities extended to his own family and no further. It was not ideal, of course, but if it allowed him to keep on Warsaw's good side and as long as Requiem kept his hands to himself, Solomon didn't really mind. At least the dual scent of stallions may serve as some deterrent to would-be invaders.

Morning light had found him just beyond the borders of the Peak stronghold, having just skirted their rocky outcroppings for the common lands. He supposed that he was here more than most, but attributed it to simply being more driven to secure the success of his herd. The first hurdles had been leapt, but there were many more obstacles to overcome if he planned to build a legacy that would support his fast-growing family.

Even now, with the sun only just making the vibrant fall colors glow with their signature hues, groupings of various equines were scattered about. Stallions, eager to take advantage of lone mares were busy trying to make good impressions, while others were facing off against another male for the same purpose. It would be amusing if he were not pulled by the same desire. He was not immune to the charms of the various mares, despite the fact that he had well and truly secured another generation of children for his Cove already this season.

The fire that burned in his blood at the excitement of it all, nevermind the pleasure, continually drove him to seek out more. Even now, his gaze did not linger on those that were already taken, searching instead for a lone mare, who might be easier to sway to his own purpose.

It did not take long to find one, for even amongst a crowded room he could have easily found the vision that stood before him. Her sleek coat glittered in the early light, and it was all too easy to trace his eyes along the exotic swirls of pearl in her coat. What caught his eye, however, was the waterfall of pale mane and tail that tossed around her in the gentle breeze. She was not golden, as was his weakness, but she created in him her own little niche of longing and it stole the breath from him for a moment.

Solomon did not waste time calling to her, not wanting to alert any other would-be suitors to her position, and only whuffled quietly as he approached at a trot. Eagerness bowed his powerful neck into an arch that only uncurled when he finally halted before her, muzzle extended to share breath with the enchanting mare. Worse than the allure of her figure was the crystalline color of her eyes against the black of her coat. Somehow he felt like she was hiding the mysteries of the world while also looking through to his very soul. It was disconcerting, but not nearly enough to ward him away.

He was torn by the thought of just chasing her home, not willing to risk anyone else getting the bright idea of jumping in, but he couldn't stomach the risk of her leaving him because of it. Perhaps if he had done so to Collie, he might have been able to recover from it, but his experiences with Coda and Eve had taught him that not all mares were as resilient.

"Surely you must know how unfair of you it is to walk around like this during Fall," he murmurs with a smile, gesturing with a tip of his muzzle and a slow-moving gaze to the gorgeous lines of her body. "No man in his right mind would be able to resist you."

He settles then, slightly farther away despite every cell in his body demanding that he be close to her. With a tip of his head a wink that bespoke the playfulness of his tone, he continued, only half-joking. "Don't worry, I'll protect you from them."

The taut bow of his neck relaxes further as he forcibly releases the tension from his frame. He wanted to stride forward and take her along his side, to trail kisses up each swirling pattern of white hair and down her spine. But if he did that he might still lose her, and he most certainly did not want that outcome.

"Solomon, of the Cove, at your service." He offers this with a mock bow and a smirk, hoping that the amusement in his tone and the chuckle that quickly follows will alert her to the joke. He is perhaps as taken by her as any other stallion would be, but even as much as he wants her now, he will not bow in submission to her.

Dutch Harness Horse Mutt | Champagne Grullo Tobiano Stallion | 17 Hands | The Cove