Falls

Her ears lay flat against her neck, vanishing beneath her tangled, dark brown mane. The mare regarded the overo stallion with suspicion as he emerged from the shadows into the clearing. Her eyes traced over his powerful shoulders and wide back, noting the speckled coat adorned with unusual splashes of white. Peace, lady. I don't know this trail in the dark; I didn't mean to frighten you. he said, lowering his head in a courteous and non-threatening gesture. At least he had the sense to keep his distance, which allowed her to physically ease a bit. She scrutinized him a moment longer before clearing her throat.

"It’s not often that one of your kind," she paused for effect, then continued in a matter-of-fact tone "uses their manners. It seems they are quite rare." She averted her dark honey gaze from him, focusing instead on the crystal-clear pool shimmering just a few feet away.

The gentle sounds of crickets and trickling water filled the silence that settled between them. Finally, Mirella shifted her gaze back to the speckled stranger and cleared her throat, offering a smile on her whiskered lips. After all, he hadn’t rushed toward her or been rude in any way. The least she could do was refrain from chasing him away and perhaps even allow him to drink if he wished. “I am Mirella, and if you’re thirsty, the water here is cool and refreshing,” she said, nodding gently toward the crystalline waters.

She took a step back, inviting him to come closer if he needed.