toland
stallion | mustang x | Ee aa nZ nSb | 15.1hhs
Gone were the days of childhood. Of laughter and fun as he raced his companions through the Forest. His only thoughts of catching up, of placing a well-aimed nip on Amarinora’s hip, and then fleeing as if his life depended upon it. Of splashing into the pond, making sure to soak Roamer and then avoiding the repercussions of his pranks. It felt so incredibly fulfilling to stand with the two fillies (now mares) in a sunny patch that managed to make it through the thick overhead foliage, to listen to their heavy breathing as they napped together, and their scent filling his noise to the point it almost blocked everything else out. Gone were the days when his only accomplishment was to have fun.
Toland spent much of his time patrolling, just as he had watched his father do his entire life. Every hoofprint Bacardi left behind, the silver-colored son had learned to take. It was part of growing up, this sort of loneliness that responsibility made him shoulder. It made sense now why the Forest guardian would always let out a longing sigh before departing the sleeping herd during the early morning hours. Toland had found himself doing the same thing when he would have to pull away from Roamer’s and Amarinora’s embrace to start his own daily patrols. It sucked. But at least he didn’t have to worry about Roamer being lonely during the day since Amarinora had returned home.
“Toland” The sound of the sabino’s name caused him to stop along the border’s path. Surprise made his ears stand erect, and he watched as his sire moved down the trail towards him. It wasn’t often that Bacardi bothered him anymore. Letting him have the space he wanted as a growing stallion, it gave Toland a sense of freedom, despite having all the comforts and security of being at home. “You’ve done well, keeping the borders looked after.” Bacardi praised his son, but his lupine eyes gave nothing away. Yet, Toland didn’t miss the small smile tugging at his father’s lips. “You should take a bit of time for yourself. I think you’re long passed due to explore the Crossing.” Toland couldn’t tell if it was a suggestion his father was making, or a mild order. One grey ear flipped back, and then forward again. “Alone?” Toland asked, unsure whether he should take his two companions with him or not. “That’s up to you.” Bacardi answered.
When Toland was left alone again, his mind was racing. He had thought about going to the Crossing several times but had never actually done it. The sea was daunting, but he would never admit how it twisted his nerves. Amarinora had crossed it several times. Even as a young foal! That thought was the sealing factor to Toland’s decision to not take the two mares on his adventure. Amarinora had done things on her own, and so would he.
Making his way to the Forest’s shoreline, Toland paused along the surf’s edge. The waves lapping gently at his ankles while his golden eyes cast out across the open expanse of water. The Crossing looked little from here. Was it as big as Bacardi had described over the years? Would there be as many horses as he said there would be? Drawing up his courage, Toland eased off into the water, and for a brief moment when his hooves could no longer touch the bottom, he had a surge of panic. Thankfully it was gone almost as quickly as it happened, and his legs naturally starting kicking him forward, and Toland got the hang of swimming.
When the painted young stallion emerged upon the Crossing’s shore, he felt exhausted. Amarinora had never told him how much energy it took to swim! He wouldn’t be complaining about it later though; he wouldn’t give her the opportunity to tease him about something she was clearly (in his eyes) better at than him. Instead, he made his way just far enough inland to drop his head and begin grazing greedily. The use of his stamina caused his stomach to growl with demand.
As time steadily slipped passed, the sea water dried from Toland’s painted hide, and his hunger waned while his curiosity grew. He wandered further, following the heavy scent trails of others that crisscrossed through the territories he clearly did not know. He could be in the Commons for all he knew, but so far, Toland hadn’t seen anyone that he was able to ask.
I know.
The feminine voice caught Toland’s attention. It was the first he had heard since entering this stretch of trees, and it instantly piqued his curiosity.
It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before
He found himself trying to be quiet as he walked closer, his ears perked and his eyes focused ahead to where the young sounding voice was coming from.
But for now, just hearing it is enough.
Toland was able to make out a dash of white through the foliage. He wanted to get a better look but was uncertain about approaching a complete stranger. It would have been different if it was in the Forest, but this was an unfamiliar land. He wasn’t sure what sort of mannerisms he was supposed to have. Never one to be shy, the young stallion put his misgivings to the side, and pushed unceremoniously through the brush until he popped out in the small clearing where the young mare currently stood. With her back towards him, and her face lifted upward, Toland couldn’t help but let his eyes follow to where she was looking. “Whoooooa” The word slipped free of Toland’s ash colored lips as he was finally able to see the magnificent power that created the loud thunderous sound.
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