The Lost Islands
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Desert

Leaders: Nyimara, Asmodeus, Quinn

Stallions: None

Mares: Kara, Kohelet, Rhaynira, Syrax

Foals: Cahyr

bite me Chelle cont.
Posted on April 8, 2021 at 11:53:09 PM by CAIN



He could sense the other stallion's growing irritation and it became apparent to Cain that even though Solomon had put on a facade of being a gentleman with his neighbors, he was also used to getting his way and not being challenged. Cain had become just an obstacle to him, a simple pest to flick away so he could have the mare to himself and he was only growing agitated as time wore on because the Vanner stallion wouldn't leave him to his "prize." But Cain saw such potential in Chelle, and he knew she could grow and become so much more in the Desert rather than be drowned in the sea of faces of the Cove. Not that he didn't think the tall stallion could take care of her properly. It was more that he thought she deserved a chance to choose for herself.

Cain had heard the rumors; Solomon was crowned King of Tinuvel....but that didn't make him the Desert ruler's King. As far as the Gypsy stallion was concerned, they were on equal ground and he had no obligation to back down, especially since he'd been the first to approach the amber mare in the first place. He could have just claimed her from the start and not offered Solomon the chance to speak to her, let alone plaster his scent all over her skin like she already belonged to him. Yet, manners had won out and Cain thought he might be able to make an ally out of the other paint. Seems, he was wrong this time, but he would know better for next time.

He watched the different emotions of distaste cross the other stallion's features with amusement more than anything else. It seemed Solomon didn't like when the tables were turned. He had been the first to accuse Cain of forcing her yet the Vanner stallion had done everything to explain he was only nipping as a further action to prove he wanted her, just as she had asked. Otherwise, he wouldn't have done it, at all. She was always welcome to make her own decision; it was she who asked them to make it for her. Yet, when Cain had moved first to grant her request, Solomon had denied his claim by wrapping himself around her like a dog marking his territory. In that way, he was refusing to allow her to leave, so really, who was forcing who? Cain was neither in her space, nor herding her.

He wanted the mare, no doubt. Otherwise, he wouldn't have approached or stayed to chat with her and get to know her with another lead stallion present. He could have just walked away and left her to Solomon, but something in her demeanor, something in her eyes called to him and he couldn't let her go. It had nothing to do with Solomon being there. If she'd shown the taller stallion enough interest to voice her decision that she wanted to go with him, Cain would have stepped away. Yet, she kept giving him looks, as if seeking to know more of him, as well, and the draft fed off of it, gaining more hope as the conversation went on. It wasn't about getting something the other stallion wanted. He wasn't the kind of stallion who challenged for another stallion's mare just because he could. He had yet to challenge anyone except Rougaru because he'd forced the mare to come with him and she'd shown her protest in the fight on the beach. She'd looked to Cain then to save her, so that's exactly what he did.

Otherwise, Cain made it a policy never to go after a mare with a home unless someone wanted to escape. He didn't like to force someone anywhere, especially away from their place of happiness. Cain had hinted at a bit of his past, though he knew it wasn't necessary to go into his whole story, especially not here. If she wanted to know, he could always tell Chelle once they got to the Desert. He knew parts of it were ugly and he would never fully forgive himself for some of the things he'd done. In fact, he felt sometimes the Desert was cursed because of his past. But he had learned he couldn't go back and change it so he decided to change his future, instead. The more he watched Solomon, the more apparent it became the stallion had decided to step back, at least for now. Cain knew better than to think it was the last he'd seen of the paint, but at least he would get some time to show Chelle his home and see if she would like to stay.

He didn't consider himself a winner, but he did take a little satisfaction in the fact he would get some one-on-one time with the pretty mare to really find out what she wanted for her future. The slender stallion threw some harsh words at Chelle and Cain could see they affected her. There was an instant change in her demeanor and the Vanner flicked his ears back in disapproval, though he knew no amount of scolding would sway the stallion. He was bitter and this was his form of a temper tantrum, apparently. He hated that Solomon had managed to fray her confidence, like a last barb before he left. Taking it out on her would solve nothing and Cain's nostrils flared in his first signs of irritation with the other stallion out of his urge to protect the mare, including her feelings.

Solomon went on to tell her that he wouldn't fight for someone who didn't want to be with him but he would be there when she changed her mind. It took everything for Cain not to roll his eyes. Did he not see the indecision in her young eyes keeping her from making a choice? It wasn't that she didn't want to be with him. She wanted them to prove who wanted her more. He held his tongue, though, letting the stallion say his piece because he would get to say his own once he had Chelle to himself. She was the one who mattered, after all. He could care less what Solomon thought of him.

When the stallion did finally turn to him,he had fire in his eyes and Cain met his gaze levelly, ready for whatever he about to throw out in his desperate attempts to one-up him before he left. Seems he had to have the last word. Well, Cain could take it. As the stallion spoke, Cain found his own lips twitching a bit in humor even as he tilted his head a little. "You were the first to pose the questions, Solomon. I only asked the same of you." Was he not the first to accuse Cain of forcing his mares and keeping them captive? He had only thrown them right back. Seems he'd hit a nerve. When he emphasized the word "alive," he did manage to get a tense in Cain's body as the echo of grief flickered across his gaze. He almost let the anger win for a moment, but he pushed it back down, knowing this was a further attempt by the other stallion to get under his skin. Another low for Solomon.

He pricked his ears as the other went on, finally dipping his head in simple acknowledgement. "Well, this is only our second meeting, so your experience seems biased. You're welcome to check on her, just as she'll be welcome to leave." He gave a small smile, feeling it better to show the stallion kindness, even now as he tried to get a reaction out of Cain. He watched then as the painted stallion finally turned to leave, feeling his body only relax a little once the other turned into a distant silhouette on the horizon.

When the amber mare finally spoke, her voice was like soft silk and Cain hated the sudden tension in her voice, like she was nervous all over again. He kept his expression gentle as she spoke, his smile more genuine now that it was only her. When she mentioned an apology, he shook his head. "I know you feel it was all your fault, but all you did was ask us to act like the territorial males we all are at the end of the day. You are worth the bloodshed and the fight. My herd in the Desert know that I would never hesitate to fight or die for any of them, because they are my friends and family. If you want, you can be included in that family, as well. I had made my decision when I first saw you from the shoreline. I came here looking for what was missing in my herd land, and I do believe it's you, Chelle. Caring for my herd and watching the members grow and develop into everything they can be...that's my purpose.

"I hope to watch you blossom, as well." His eyes twinkled as he said it, thinking of the strong mares of the Desert and how he knew she would see just what he was talking about when she got there. As she asked for forgiveness, he chuckled a bit before answering, his lips forming a small smirk. "I don't think there's anything to forgive but since I have a feeling you won't let it go, you have my forgiveness, Chelle. Let me show you the Desert." He waited for her cue before he headed toward the water. He kept his pace to whatever she chose as they swam across to Salem, not wanting to make her swim too fast in case she wasn't a strong swimmer. As they reached the shore lines of Salem, he trudged up on the beach and shook out his coat, turning to make sure she made it ashore okay before he nudged his head.

"Welcome. And I'd love to hear anything you want to tell me. Feel free to ask any questions of me, as well. I have nothing to hide." The Vanner turned then to lead her around the Desert, wanting to give her a tour so she could check it out as they spoke. He pointed out the other horses that called the Desert home, pausing to let her look over his small but close-knit band and ask any questions she might have before they walked on. The sand churned beneath their hooves as they walked and the cool winter breeze stroked their manes. The sage palms rustled with their dry leaves and the water of the oases rippled and swayed. It was a pretty afternoon, perfect for showing off his home. The golden sand reflected in his warm brown gaze as he looked around, his smile more relaxed and natural now that he was in his favorite place.


Cain_stallion_7yo_Gypsy Vanner Mutt_16.3hh_black and white tobiano coat_white mane & tail_dark brown eyes_bound to none_Salem Desert

Father to: Akello(x Vihaan), Legolas(x Geneva), Paisley(x Primrose), Carbon(x Geneva), Zena(x Zubeia), Twinge(x Harlequin), Vulcan-adopted (x Berit), Enoch(x Berit), Ahimsa(x Vihaan), Sinai (x Berit), Ryolette, (x Harlequin), and Phoebe (x Melisma)

photo by DeadlyLupine@Deviantart



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