Common

The sun eases its way above the horizon, painting the sky in watercolor hues of pink and pale orange. Oberon stands stoically at the center of the clearing, his amber eyes narrowed against the blazing light as he sweeps his gaze back and forth across the distant treeline. For as busy as the Commons had been when he'd first ventured here, there is surprisingly little movement now, the lively chorus of conversation replaced by the chatter of birds and the chirping of crickets.

As the sun climbs higher into the cloudless sky, Oberon considers abandoning his mission and returning home. It would be a disappointment to return empty-handed, but he is not fool enough to waste his time when there is no quarry to be found. But then - there, across the meadow, movement amidst the trees pulls his attention across the clearing.

Oberon watches as a pale mare emerges from between the towering oaks. She is certainly a stunning creature upon first glance: her coat a patchwork of cream and ivory that stands out in stark contrast against the vibrant emerald of the fresh spring grass, her head held high and proud. Oberon wastes little time in making his way towards her at a brisk trot, too aware that these precious seconds could make or break his chances of laying his claim upon her. For as pretty as her pelt is, it is her eyes that truly captivate the young king as he draws closer: a pale hue of jade that stirs memories of clear tropical water and climbing plants and home.

Oberon eases himself to a stop before her, making a point to arch his neck just so and raise the pale banner of his tail in a show of poise and pride. For all the confidence he projects to her, Oberon can feel his heart fluttering at a hare's pace against chest, a nervous energy coiling through his muscles. Last time he was in the Commons, he'd had it easy, but now it was his turn to do the pursuing and oh, it was already not as easy as he imagined it would be. He has only a vague idea of how these things usually go, gleaned from his own limited experience with Harmonie and Caine.

"Well hey there," Oberon rumbles out a greeting, his lips pulling back into a what he hopes is a rakish smile and not an off-putting overly awkward looking grin, "care for some company this morning?" The young stallion nearly tacks on 'I promise I won't bite', but thinks better of it and purses his lips, swallowing down the corny pick-up line that presses against his tongue.