Post by Sohtoh on Feb 7, 2010 2:28:30 GMT -5
Starring:
Dandelion - Female Horse
Samali - Female Horse
Cloudshadow - Female Horse
Lootah - Male Horse
Setting:
Wind-Swept Lowlands
---------
Evening began to set in the prairie with a typical sunset; beautiful and awe-inspiring. The sky was all shades of blues, reds, purples, oranges and yellows, all fading into one another, all darkening toward the east, turning into the deep blue, speckled with various bunches of stars throughout. Though he was still finishing up his grazing, Lootah's attention focused mostly on the sky that evening, watching the wispy stratus clouds blow away with gentle gusts of wind. The wind was chillier than most, a sure sign that autumn would be upon them very soon. Letting a huff of breath out through his nostrils, the stallion's attention was soon focused again on the horizon in the west, looking to the sun with a contented look upon his features.
The open plain was the home she'd never give up; it was the freedom that everyone charished with all heart and soul. The wheat honey mare saw it as a way to forget all things and let the winds take her to a place only the grace a wild mustang could go. The forming night sky was the perfect setting for a all out run adn thats exactly what Samali did. Stepping from a rocky platform, the mare first starts out in a trot then breaks out into a sprint through the grass.
Dandelion trudges up from the lowlands, down by the waterfall. Her mane, tail and coat is damp, as it seems she has gone for a swim. The slightest bit of cool in the breeze has her feeling even chillier, and the palomino mustang mare trots under the stars to where her ears picked up Lootah's huffed breath. She stops as she hears unfamiliar hooves galloping through the grass, and the palomino closes quickly with Lootah. "Good evening," she nickers. "Who is that?"
The stallion's attention is first caught by the palomino mare who wanders up to his side, and he greets her with a grin and a nudge of his shoulder to hers, ears raising at the sight of how damp her coat was. A chuckle was given, and he lifted his head up higher. "Enjoyed the last day of summer with a swim, hmm?" He asks calmly, then turns at the sound of galloping in the distance, not sure of who it was. When it first drew his attention, there was no knowing. Could've been any one of the mares that had gathered into their herd, or it could've been a new mare.. or even a rival stallion. Though he certainly hoped it wasn't the latter, he couldn't be sure. Though, the sight of the honey-colored horse in the distance reassured him that it was, indeed, a mare. The muscle tone, the overall look. A grin formed, and he shrugged a shoulder, excited though he was. "A new mare, I think. Great timing."
The sharp form of Samali was of grace, of strength. She ran as if it she knew nothing else, till suddenly coming to a stop in a few bounce like steps before rearing up, dropping down with a bit of a huff. Those in the distance are unnoticed for the time being, ruffling her mane with a gentle shake of her head.
Dandelion whinnies over to the mare. "Starlight mentioned you found several new mares ... this isn't one you've already met?" she asks. The smaller mare stays close to Lootah.
Seeing the new mare rear up gave him a bit of an ego boost as well, as if it was some sort of a friendly challenge. Looking to Dandelion, Lootah brushed his cheek against her neck, and shook his head afterward. "No, I haven't seen her yet.." He says, trailing off a bit, then taking a few steps forward. He too rears up, and lets out an extra loud whinny, his front hooves kicking around a bit in a show off manner, tail flicking around behind him.
Samali was indeed unfamiliar to the herd in this area; their calls an attention grabber. Standing there she looks up first to the mare across the way, eyes shifting to the stallion moments later as he too calls but in a rearing fashion. She had known many horses, but these two, they were.. well, she didn't know them. Eyeing them through the fallen mane over her eyes, wheat mare stays where she is, not taking any chances.
Dandelion backs off a bit, not wanting to accidentally get trampled under the large stallion. She looks on toward the pale wheat honey-colored mare, tail flicking. "Who are you?" she whinies over to the other mare.
Now that he had the other mare's attention, a large smile was plasetered over Lootah's light muzzle, and he pranced over to her proudly, tail held up like a flag, his head held high. Everything in his body language screamed confident, but nothing about him was agressive, or anything to be wary of, aside from his gender, perhaps. All mares should've been wary of stallions. At a brisk walk, Lootah makes his way over a bit slower, but not any bit less proud. "If I'd seen a mare as pretty as you nearby.. I would've remembered her name." He says smoothly, another one of his silly lines that he would no doubt use in the future, word for word, should the opportunity present itself.
Quiet, she answered none to the mare who wonders her name. Samali's name was a thing she didn't share lightly. Shifting her gaze from mare to stallion, she watched the male in a kind of disgust; who did he think he was approaching her in such a showy manner. A low snort escapes the mare as she stands firm. "I'd have to give you one to remember first." She counters Lootah's pickup line in a monotone voice; tail flicking as hse looks past him.
Dandelion rolls her eyes and snorts softly. She stands back, quietly. Dandelion is not a stallion, not a lead mare, and does not have any good recruiting lines. She lowers her muzzle to the grass and grazes.
A bit taken aback by the utter rejection he was given by the mare, Lootah rolls his eyes, and calms himself down immediately. Obviously, she doesn't go for the flashy, show-off types. Clearing his throat, the stallion kept his ground as well, and let out a snort of his own. "As I was implying." He mutters, but the mutter is friendly enough. He's not irritated. Yet. Flicking his tail, he keeps himself still and tries to come off as better.. composed. "Are you new to the area, then?"
A small smirks takes to the mares face as she watches the stallion take to a different stance. Why couldn't they just be themselves when it came to females; why most mares fell for their flashy show she'll never understand. "Least his observation are something to praise on." she says whispers to herself. "Yes." Feeling it relevant to give a name now she says, "I am Samali of the Plain Runners." Or was that is.. they no longer exist for all she's concerned; though forever will she keep the name for that is what she was.
Dandelion lifts her head. "You're of a herd?" she asks in the other mare's direction. "Where are they?" she asks, forgetting she's not supposed to be asking the questions ...
Plain Runners? That was no name he'd ever heard of.. and he'd made it a point to familiarize with the names of at least a few of the herds that boardered this area. Nodding his head mildly, the stallion took in a breath, puffing his chest a bit and taking a forward step. Dandelion asked the question he was going to ask, and so his attention was drawn to the palomino briefly, letting out a chuff of breath and flicking his ears a few different directions.
Samali's ears flick forward to the palomino. "Was, would stand more correct." She left them and would never return. "Who cares, I don't." She states to the next, rather forcefully. "I no longer have any loyalties to the Runners."
Dandelion flattens her ears. "I do. I spent far too long as a lone horse. If there are others about ... I would think we'd be better as a single herd."
Mares were strange creatures. They were strong, but he still didn't feel the need to continuously press on about the newcomers previous herd. Some were.. sensitive about such issues, and pushing the wrong buttons didn't bode well for collecting more mares for the herd, now did it? Thus, he didn't even mention the old herd. She didn't say that she left them, she didn't say anything about them other than she had no loyalties, but Lootah could imagine what happened. "We.. Dandelion and I, are members of a small herd." He began, and blinked, cocking his head to the side, realizing he didn't introduce himself. "My name is Lootah, by the way. It's a great pleasure to meet you, Samali."
"Then I suggest you seek them out yourself." Samali retorts. "I will no longer have any part in them." It was likely that one day they would come seeking her out, but till then she was free. Picking up that the stallion wishes not to further the quesioning of her prior herd, she thanks him in silence, nodding her head. "The pleasure is all mine, Lootah."
Dandelion stays silent, curbing her question. She idly lowers her head and nibbles a bit at the grass, shaking her still-damp mane.
Happy that the tables turned and Samali seemed to be taking fine to him now, the painted stallion grins at her, and takes a few steps closer, always making sure to keep his body language and expression relaxed. Looking back to Dandelion, he chuckled a bit, and let out a mild nicker, trying to put an end to the two mares' minor disagreement. Dandelion was merely curious about Samali's old herd, obviously, but perhaps it wasn't the best time. "Our herd is always willing to accept new mares. If you would feel comfortable with us, Samali, you are more than welcome to stay with us."
Samali gives a moment of silence to the stallion as she looks at him unsure. She just left her old herd for a better life and now she's being offer a second chance to stand in theirs. She had no answer to give, she wasn't sure she was ready to make a commitment again. Taking a single step back she says, "First allow my time to see what this herd is like and then we'll see if its worth my time." Meaning no harsh terms for those words, she just doesn't want a repeat of before.
Dandelion flattens her ears. Jeez, she wants to judge us? The palomino huffs her nostrils a bit, continuing to graze, not saying anything at this point.
Though Dandelion flattened her ears and seemed offended by the new mare's decision, it was completely fine by Lootah. He might've done the same, had he been in Samali's hooves. Though, he can understand too, why the palomino would take offense. Offering her an empathetic look, Lootah turns to face Samali once more, and lets out a sigh, nodding again. "If you wish to see if you would fit in here first, by all means, please do." Saying this with a smile, the stallion continues on. "Though, we do hope you'll stay with us." Ivory hooves lift the male from the ground, step by step, prancing back over to Dandelion and brushing his muzzle against her neck in comfort, trying to perhaps calm her down.
Dandelion seems inconsolable, but a few minutes of his attention softens the Palomino a shade or two. "/I/ am glad to be in this herd, for my herd sisters, and for you, Lootah," she nickers. "I had my fill of life as a lone horse." She (two full hands shorter than the stallion) leans into the big lug.
"I suppose time will tell." Samali says just before the male takes leave and returns to the palomino. She knows the discomfort she may of brought, but honestly poses no threat to those here. Watching the two for a moment, the wheat honey mare trails off on her own accord.
Lootah brings his head over Dandelion's neck, his chin getting drenched a bit from her mane that was still damp, but it was worth it. A hug of sorts, that was topped off with a soft nicker. Watching Samali with his head over Dandelion's neck, he didn't say anything, but gave her a look that was agreeable in nature, his ears flicked forward, tail flicking in both directions. If Samali returned, she would be welcome. If not, he still had the other mares. Dandelion was his focus now, either way.
Dandelion nickers to the other mare, "I hope you will stay, too ... but no one will force you." Pressing into Lootah a bit, she asks, "Have you seen Luna lately?" she asks him. "Or ... there were others Starlight mentioned you had met?" She hurrs softly at his attention.
With Dandelion pressing into him, Lootah feels more comfortable here, with a mare that actually wants all of his attention. Though, Samali wasn't nearly as stubborn as he imagined she'd be. Pressing his muzzle comfortably against her neck, he brings his head up and around, and tosses the very end fringes of his forelock away from his eyes. His forelock had never grown as much as any of the mares', but the very tips would occasionally poke into his eyes, which was most unpleasant. "I saw Luna earlier today, and she was grazing. Luna, Mitexi and I." He blinks, and gives Dandelion a curious look. "Have you met Mitexi? She's a beautiful dun mare.. and then there's Huyana, a dapple grey.. Cloudshadow too, she's a blue roan." He couldn't recall which of them Dandelion had met.
Dandelion flicks her ears. "I haven't met any of them yet ... I've only met you, Starlight and Luna." She murrs softly. "Do they seem happy with the idea of being in a herd, at least?" she asks.
An odd sort of whinny-squeak emitted from the stallion's throat at the notion that she hadn't met any of the newcomers. Raising his brows, Lootah nodded anyway. Not much to be done about that aside from introduce her at some point, when the herd was closer together. Eventually, they would all meet. "All of them seem glad to be with us, though one does have a bit of a .. problem, I guess you could say." Not a problem per se, but prior obligations, as Lootah recalled it was put. The one with the humans in her life, still. "She cannot be with us at all times, for her own reasons, and for our safety. But.. I would like to help her."
Dandelion tilts her head. "For our safety? What, did she give birth to a cougar or something?"
The stallion, who seemed to have matured a bit since being with all the mares, shook his head and let out a chuckle. "No, no.. worse than that." He joked, and let out a sigh. Some horses were afraid of humans. Afraid of being caught, and kept in captivity, to be used as a mode of transport, or a beast of burden. Though, Lootah had seen in his own life that not all humans were so bad. Many horses had good relations with the two-leggeds. He was not one of them, however. Neither it seemed, was Cloudshadow. "She.. has two-leggeds to return to, I'm afraid." He says this with a slow dip of his head, and then stomps a hoof, shaking his head. "But.. I will go with her, and help her earn her freedom, one day."
Dandelion flicks her ears. "Two-leggeds?" She shakes her head, confused. "Birds???" The mustang mare seems to have never heard of humans.
Never in his life has Lootah even come across a horse who didn't know of the two-legged, but she was still young, and there was a first time for everything. Nevertheless, he rose a brow and gave her a kind of 'are-you-serious?' sort of look, but obliged with an explanation. "You know.. humans. Furless things with a patch of hair on their head.. some wear animal skins to keep warm, others wear.." He didn't know the term for 'cloth,' and so was at a loss. "Mostly blue colored patches of extra skin. Many use us as a way to travel.. they can't run like us. Get tired out too quick."
Dandelion giggles. "Furless things with blue skin?" She snorts and laughs. "Use us as a way of travel!?" The mare stomps a hoof, laughing so hard. "Oh, wow, that's a good one! My brother to try and scare me with scary stories when I was a wee filly."
Rolling his eyes a bit at Dandelion's reaction, he stomps a hoof as well, and tosses his head. "I'm serious!" He says a bit forcefully, and flicks his tail both directions. "Not all of them are cruel, but some will burn markings into our fur and keep us in cramped spaces.. using us for their benefit." Lootah had at one point in his life come across just such a thing, a ranch, so it was called, full of horses tied to posts with burned fur in the shape of strange symbols. "I doubt if she deals with these two-leggeds, though.. at least, I hope she doesn't. For her own sake."
Any horse still awake is sure to hear the swift clip of restless hooves approaching from the south. The previously mentioned blue roan, arriving almost on queue (let's say fashionably late) slows abruptly to a trot as she nears the presence of the others, and again to a walk by the time she's approaching them. A gentle snort is given as she approaches, her breath still quick from the run. When she stops, or at least stops moving forward, she seems unwilling or unable to stay still, turning a few times anxiously and tossing her head, hooves scuffing up little clouds of dust with the movement. When she finally does get herself to stand still, stiff legged, she dips her head a little to the pair. "Hello."
Dandelion can't help but giggle and shake her head. "Sure, sure," she says. "I be ..." she starts, then her attention is drawn to the approaching clop of hooves. She looks between Lootah and this new mare, wondering if she is one that he had mentioned. "Hello," she nickers. "My name is Dandelion."
With so much talk of two-leggeds, Lootah is just a /bit/ on edge when it somes to protecting Dandelion now. The clopping of hooves in the distance is comforting, but with that comfort is also wariness. Just because it's a horse.. it could've been one of the horses he'd mentioned in his non-fictional tale of the humans. The ones with riders on their backs. Long ears perked forward, nostrils flaring a bit to pick up the scent; if there was a human, he'd smell it. There wasn't, and it was the mare they were actually just talking about. Quickly, a grin forms and Lootah dips his head courteously toward another of the mares he'd met. "Cloudshadow, very good to see you again." He says, a hint of sympathy in his voice. Where had she come from? Were the humans treating her alright? .. Yes, one of these days, whether she liked it or not, he would win her freedom back for her.
Cloudshadow seems to calm down a little as she studies Dandelion a moment, giving a little nod as Lootah... sort-of introduces her. Her ears flicker a bit at the stallion's tone; she's not used to sympathy and isn't entirely sure what to make of it, feeling a twinge of discomfort that she tries not to express outwardly. "I'm glad you're glad to see me." She replies in a show of humor, if a bit dry. "Though I may not be here for long." She scuffs a hoof again restlessly, tail giving a few twitches.
Dandelion nickers, "I'm pleased to meet you as well. In a hurry?" she asks, a bit disappointed. She doesn't understand this at all.
Seeing Cloudshadow so restless the way she was made the stallion's heart sink just a bit. Though he liked to come off as the macho type of male who would tell the mares to just deal with their problems, that simply wasn't his personality. With a questionable past, it was no doubt the mares here that were beginning to help him mature into a better stallion; one fit for protecting a herd. Thus, his ears dropped a bit, and he nodded his head, empathizing with the roan mare. She might not've appreciated his sympathy, but it was still there. "Why don't you let me come with you, hmm? Teach those two-leggeds a thing or two about what it means to be free." Because whatever she was now, wasn't free. And if there was one thing a horse should be, it's definitely, free.
Cloudshadow looks a little dubious, ears flickering again as she looks from the other mare to the stallion. She's not blind to their disappointment, and seems apologetic, trying to find the right words to explain her dilemma, but seeming reluctant to do so. At Loota's suggestion she fixes him with a stare of almost disbelief. Her ears even pin back for a second. "You don't want to try and teach -these- two-leggeds a lesson." She says, all humor gone from her voice, still staring as if trying to determine whether he's serious. Her tone grows quieter as she continues. "I'm.. I'm scared as hell to go back to that place." She admits tensely, nostrils quivering. "And you should be, too. You seem eager to help, but I can only assume that it's because you have no idea what you could be getting yourself into."
Dandelion snorts a bit. "I don't quite understand this. Some beast claims you?" She shakes her head. "What happens if you just stay here? Would they track you?"
The sheer seriouness that was on her face and in her body language when he offered his help.. it chilled him a bit. Oh, so she /was/ with the cruel two-leggeds. A snort his given, his own ears flicking back in anger. Not at her, but at the humans who would use fear as a weapon. He might not know what he'd be getting himself into, but it's a part of who he is as the herd stallion to protect the mares. Stomping his two front hooves, Lootah shakes his head roughly. "I don't have any idea what I'd be getting myself into.. but if it would help you.. I would be glad to help." The prospect of being caught scared him, sure.. it'd scare any equid. But.. well, perhaps he had a bit of an invincibility complex. "They couldn't catch me anyway." This is added on in a murmur, but is said with a proud lift of his head.
Cloudshadow lifts her head proudly for a moment with a flash of defiance in her eyes in response to Dandelion's words. "No beast claims me." She replies at once, giving another a little snort. "I can't say the same for my family." Her hard look slowly softens into something more sullen. She really had no intention of spilling so much of her situation to these horses she hardly knows -- really, she had hoped to avoid the subject completely if possible, at least until she got to know them better. But there it is. She looks uncertain now, a bit rueful and nervous as well. "I don't expect anyone to help me." And she doesn't say so, for fear of insulting him, but she's not totally convinced of Lootah's ability to avoid capture. His overconfidence actually has the reverse effect on that impression.
Dandelion stays silent a bit, not knowing her family nor the story. "Isn't that what a herd is about, helping each other?" she asks, then shakes her head ... that was probably a stupid thing to do. Would they all march to war against these beasts?
If there was one thing that Lootah did not want, it would be to wage any kind of war, or battle, or even rebellion against the two-leggeds. The numbers of the herd were simply not strong enough, and perhaps he was being a bit too self-confident, offering his help the way that he was. Though he sincerely did want to help set Cloudshadow free, his cockiness would be his downfall if he did. Nodding his head solemnly, he didn't want to venture too far into the mare's family life, or any more about the humans. It was obviously a tough subject for her, and instead, he forced a grin, and tossed his head. "One day, you'll be able to join us and enjoy the freedom that we have. Just.. stay strong, and it will happen." Hopeful words that he hoped the mare would appreciate.
"I enjoy the freedom that I have every day." Cloudshadow replies. "But it's also a thorn in my heart that I roam free while my herd lives at the will of humans." She doesn't want to fight her former captors, either. She knows they would win. Even against a large herd they would probably win. But that doesn't mean she won't try to get her family back... somehow. Most of her frustration is that she isn't entirely sure herself what she plans to do. She's only sure that she'll do her damnedest to get whoever she can out, as risky as it is to try.
Cloudshadow gives a resigned sigh, a little disappointed in how this encounter has gone. A moment of heavy silence is enough to make the roan remember her restlessness. She paws the ground once more with a hoof and turns to go. "I need to think." She mutters with another small shake of her head. "Peace follow you both." With that farewell she dips her head and trots off, soon breaking back into the swift pace of her arrival.
Dandelion reaches her muzzle out for a breath-exchange with the mare whose family is trapped. "I am sorry for your family," she nickers before the mare leaves. "I miss my own ... but mine, at least are safe, just far away. I am glad to have a start of a new family here ..." she starts, then stops herself. That was probably not a good thing to say ... "I'm sorry," she nickers. As Cloudshadow leaves, she looks to Lootah and asks, "Is there were something we could do for her?"
Lootah's head tilts a bit at the prospect of Dandelion starting a new family here. Perhaps his mind was in the gutter, sort of, but that immediately made him assume that she was referring to foals of her own. Of course, he'd be more than happy to oblige, but he doesn't let his thoughts roam too far. Taking a few steps back toward Dandelion's side, he brushes his cheek against her neck, and lets out a huff of breath. The evening had long since past, the moon rising in the eastern sky and casting it's faint light across the prairie. It was time for rest. "Maybe.. sooner or later." He says, looking up to the moon, wishing the light would be a bit greater. "Lets get some sleep." He says, having not caught up on many of his short naps throughout the day, ready for a longer sleep than usual.
Dandelion wasn't, of course ... herd sisters, herd members. To Dandelion, they were becoming a family. She nibbles lightly on his mane. "Okay," she nickers, looking off in the direction Cloudshadow had gone.
Dandelion - Female Horse
Samali - Female Horse
Cloudshadow - Female Horse
Lootah - Male Horse
Setting:
Wind-Swept Lowlands
---------
Evening began to set in the prairie with a typical sunset; beautiful and awe-inspiring. The sky was all shades of blues, reds, purples, oranges and yellows, all fading into one another, all darkening toward the east, turning into the deep blue, speckled with various bunches of stars throughout. Though he was still finishing up his grazing, Lootah's attention focused mostly on the sky that evening, watching the wispy stratus clouds blow away with gentle gusts of wind. The wind was chillier than most, a sure sign that autumn would be upon them very soon. Letting a huff of breath out through his nostrils, the stallion's attention was soon focused again on the horizon in the west, looking to the sun with a contented look upon his features.
The open plain was the home she'd never give up; it was the freedom that everyone charished with all heart and soul. The wheat honey mare saw it as a way to forget all things and let the winds take her to a place only the grace a wild mustang could go. The forming night sky was the perfect setting for a all out run adn thats exactly what Samali did. Stepping from a rocky platform, the mare first starts out in a trot then breaks out into a sprint through the grass.
Dandelion trudges up from the lowlands, down by the waterfall. Her mane, tail and coat is damp, as it seems she has gone for a swim. The slightest bit of cool in the breeze has her feeling even chillier, and the palomino mustang mare trots under the stars to where her ears picked up Lootah's huffed breath. She stops as she hears unfamiliar hooves galloping through the grass, and the palomino closes quickly with Lootah. "Good evening," she nickers. "Who is that?"
The stallion's attention is first caught by the palomino mare who wanders up to his side, and he greets her with a grin and a nudge of his shoulder to hers, ears raising at the sight of how damp her coat was. A chuckle was given, and he lifted his head up higher. "Enjoyed the last day of summer with a swim, hmm?" He asks calmly, then turns at the sound of galloping in the distance, not sure of who it was. When it first drew his attention, there was no knowing. Could've been any one of the mares that had gathered into their herd, or it could've been a new mare.. or even a rival stallion. Though he certainly hoped it wasn't the latter, he couldn't be sure. Though, the sight of the honey-colored horse in the distance reassured him that it was, indeed, a mare. The muscle tone, the overall look. A grin formed, and he shrugged a shoulder, excited though he was. "A new mare, I think. Great timing."
The sharp form of Samali was of grace, of strength. She ran as if it she knew nothing else, till suddenly coming to a stop in a few bounce like steps before rearing up, dropping down with a bit of a huff. Those in the distance are unnoticed for the time being, ruffling her mane with a gentle shake of her head.
Dandelion whinnies over to the mare. "Starlight mentioned you found several new mares ... this isn't one you've already met?" she asks. The smaller mare stays close to Lootah.
Seeing the new mare rear up gave him a bit of an ego boost as well, as if it was some sort of a friendly challenge. Looking to Dandelion, Lootah brushed his cheek against her neck, and shook his head afterward. "No, I haven't seen her yet.." He says, trailing off a bit, then taking a few steps forward. He too rears up, and lets out an extra loud whinny, his front hooves kicking around a bit in a show off manner, tail flicking around behind him.
Samali was indeed unfamiliar to the herd in this area; their calls an attention grabber. Standing there she looks up first to the mare across the way, eyes shifting to the stallion moments later as he too calls but in a rearing fashion. She had known many horses, but these two, they were.. well, she didn't know them. Eyeing them through the fallen mane over her eyes, wheat mare stays where she is, not taking any chances.
Dandelion backs off a bit, not wanting to accidentally get trampled under the large stallion. She looks on toward the pale wheat honey-colored mare, tail flicking. "Who are you?" she whinies over to the other mare.
Now that he had the other mare's attention, a large smile was plasetered over Lootah's light muzzle, and he pranced over to her proudly, tail held up like a flag, his head held high. Everything in his body language screamed confident, but nothing about him was agressive, or anything to be wary of, aside from his gender, perhaps. All mares should've been wary of stallions. At a brisk walk, Lootah makes his way over a bit slower, but not any bit less proud. "If I'd seen a mare as pretty as you nearby.. I would've remembered her name." He says smoothly, another one of his silly lines that he would no doubt use in the future, word for word, should the opportunity present itself.
Quiet, she answered none to the mare who wonders her name. Samali's name was a thing she didn't share lightly. Shifting her gaze from mare to stallion, she watched the male in a kind of disgust; who did he think he was approaching her in such a showy manner. A low snort escapes the mare as she stands firm. "I'd have to give you one to remember first." She counters Lootah's pickup line in a monotone voice; tail flicking as hse looks past him.
Dandelion rolls her eyes and snorts softly. She stands back, quietly. Dandelion is not a stallion, not a lead mare, and does not have any good recruiting lines. She lowers her muzzle to the grass and grazes.
A bit taken aback by the utter rejection he was given by the mare, Lootah rolls his eyes, and calms himself down immediately. Obviously, she doesn't go for the flashy, show-off types. Clearing his throat, the stallion kept his ground as well, and let out a snort of his own. "As I was implying." He mutters, but the mutter is friendly enough. He's not irritated. Yet. Flicking his tail, he keeps himself still and tries to come off as better.. composed. "Are you new to the area, then?"
A small smirks takes to the mares face as she watches the stallion take to a different stance. Why couldn't they just be themselves when it came to females; why most mares fell for their flashy show she'll never understand. "Least his observation are something to praise on." she says whispers to herself. "Yes." Feeling it relevant to give a name now she says, "I am Samali of the Plain Runners." Or was that is.. they no longer exist for all she's concerned; though forever will she keep the name for that is what she was.
Dandelion lifts her head. "You're of a herd?" she asks in the other mare's direction. "Where are they?" she asks, forgetting she's not supposed to be asking the questions ...
Plain Runners? That was no name he'd ever heard of.. and he'd made it a point to familiarize with the names of at least a few of the herds that boardered this area. Nodding his head mildly, the stallion took in a breath, puffing his chest a bit and taking a forward step. Dandelion asked the question he was going to ask, and so his attention was drawn to the palomino briefly, letting out a chuff of breath and flicking his ears a few different directions.
Samali's ears flick forward to the palomino. "Was, would stand more correct." She left them and would never return. "Who cares, I don't." She states to the next, rather forcefully. "I no longer have any loyalties to the Runners."
Dandelion flattens her ears. "I do. I spent far too long as a lone horse. If there are others about ... I would think we'd be better as a single herd."
Mares were strange creatures. They were strong, but he still didn't feel the need to continuously press on about the newcomers previous herd. Some were.. sensitive about such issues, and pushing the wrong buttons didn't bode well for collecting more mares for the herd, now did it? Thus, he didn't even mention the old herd. She didn't say that she left them, she didn't say anything about them other than she had no loyalties, but Lootah could imagine what happened. "We.. Dandelion and I, are members of a small herd." He began, and blinked, cocking his head to the side, realizing he didn't introduce himself. "My name is Lootah, by the way. It's a great pleasure to meet you, Samali."
"Then I suggest you seek them out yourself." Samali retorts. "I will no longer have any part in them." It was likely that one day they would come seeking her out, but till then she was free. Picking up that the stallion wishes not to further the quesioning of her prior herd, she thanks him in silence, nodding her head. "The pleasure is all mine, Lootah."
Dandelion stays silent, curbing her question. She idly lowers her head and nibbles a bit at the grass, shaking her still-damp mane.
Happy that the tables turned and Samali seemed to be taking fine to him now, the painted stallion grins at her, and takes a few steps closer, always making sure to keep his body language and expression relaxed. Looking back to Dandelion, he chuckled a bit, and let out a mild nicker, trying to put an end to the two mares' minor disagreement. Dandelion was merely curious about Samali's old herd, obviously, but perhaps it wasn't the best time. "Our herd is always willing to accept new mares. If you would feel comfortable with us, Samali, you are more than welcome to stay with us."
Samali gives a moment of silence to the stallion as she looks at him unsure. She just left her old herd for a better life and now she's being offer a second chance to stand in theirs. She had no answer to give, she wasn't sure she was ready to make a commitment again. Taking a single step back she says, "First allow my time to see what this herd is like and then we'll see if its worth my time." Meaning no harsh terms for those words, she just doesn't want a repeat of before.
Dandelion flattens her ears. Jeez, she wants to judge us? The palomino huffs her nostrils a bit, continuing to graze, not saying anything at this point.
Though Dandelion flattened her ears and seemed offended by the new mare's decision, it was completely fine by Lootah. He might've done the same, had he been in Samali's hooves. Though, he can understand too, why the palomino would take offense. Offering her an empathetic look, Lootah turns to face Samali once more, and lets out a sigh, nodding again. "If you wish to see if you would fit in here first, by all means, please do." Saying this with a smile, the stallion continues on. "Though, we do hope you'll stay with us." Ivory hooves lift the male from the ground, step by step, prancing back over to Dandelion and brushing his muzzle against her neck in comfort, trying to perhaps calm her down.
Dandelion seems inconsolable, but a few minutes of his attention softens the Palomino a shade or two. "/I/ am glad to be in this herd, for my herd sisters, and for you, Lootah," she nickers. "I had my fill of life as a lone horse." She (two full hands shorter than the stallion) leans into the big lug.
"I suppose time will tell." Samali says just before the male takes leave and returns to the palomino. She knows the discomfort she may of brought, but honestly poses no threat to those here. Watching the two for a moment, the wheat honey mare trails off on her own accord.
Lootah brings his head over Dandelion's neck, his chin getting drenched a bit from her mane that was still damp, but it was worth it. A hug of sorts, that was topped off with a soft nicker. Watching Samali with his head over Dandelion's neck, he didn't say anything, but gave her a look that was agreeable in nature, his ears flicked forward, tail flicking in both directions. If Samali returned, she would be welcome. If not, he still had the other mares. Dandelion was his focus now, either way.
Dandelion nickers to the other mare, "I hope you will stay, too ... but no one will force you." Pressing into Lootah a bit, she asks, "Have you seen Luna lately?" she asks him. "Or ... there were others Starlight mentioned you had met?" She hurrs softly at his attention.
With Dandelion pressing into him, Lootah feels more comfortable here, with a mare that actually wants all of his attention. Though, Samali wasn't nearly as stubborn as he imagined she'd be. Pressing his muzzle comfortably against her neck, he brings his head up and around, and tosses the very end fringes of his forelock away from his eyes. His forelock had never grown as much as any of the mares', but the very tips would occasionally poke into his eyes, which was most unpleasant. "I saw Luna earlier today, and she was grazing. Luna, Mitexi and I." He blinks, and gives Dandelion a curious look. "Have you met Mitexi? She's a beautiful dun mare.. and then there's Huyana, a dapple grey.. Cloudshadow too, she's a blue roan." He couldn't recall which of them Dandelion had met.
Dandelion flicks her ears. "I haven't met any of them yet ... I've only met you, Starlight and Luna." She murrs softly. "Do they seem happy with the idea of being in a herd, at least?" she asks.
An odd sort of whinny-squeak emitted from the stallion's throat at the notion that she hadn't met any of the newcomers. Raising his brows, Lootah nodded anyway. Not much to be done about that aside from introduce her at some point, when the herd was closer together. Eventually, they would all meet. "All of them seem glad to be with us, though one does have a bit of a .. problem, I guess you could say." Not a problem per se, but prior obligations, as Lootah recalled it was put. The one with the humans in her life, still. "She cannot be with us at all times, for her own reasons, and for our safety. But.. I would like to help her."
Dandelion tilts her head. "For our safety? What, did she give birth to a cougar or something?"
The stallion, who seemed to have matured a bit since being with all the mares, shook his head and let out a chuckle. "No, no.. worse than that." He joked, and let out a sigh. Some horses were afraid of humans. Afraid of being caught, and kept in captivity, to be used as a mode of transport, or a beast of burden. Though, Lootah had seen in his own life that not all humans were so bad. Many horses had good relations with the two-leggeds. He was not one of them, however. Neither it seemed, was Cloudshadow. "She.. has two-leggeds to return to, I'm afraid." He says this with a slow dip of his head, and then stomps a hoof, shaking his head. "But.. I will go with her, and help her earn her freedom, one day."
Dandelion flicks her ears. "Two-leggeds?" She shakes her head, confused. "Birds???" The mustang mare seems to have never heard of humans.
Never in his life has Lootah even come across a horse who didn't know of the two-legged, but she was still young, and there was a first time for everything. Nevertheless, he rose a brow and gave her a kind of 'are-you-serious?' sort of look, but obliged with an explanation. "You know.. humans. Furless things with a patch of hair on their head.. some wear animal skins to keep warm, others wear.." He didn't know the term for 'cloth,' and so was at a loss. "Mostly blue colored patches of extra skin. Many use us as a way to travel.. they can't run like us. Get tired out too quick."
Dandelion giggles. "Furless things with blue skin?" She snorts and laughs. "Use us as a way of travel!?" The mare stomps a hoof, laughing so hard. "Oh, wow, that's a good one! My brother to try and scare me with scary stories when I was a wee filly."
Rolling his eyes a bit at Dandelion's reaction, he stomps a hoof as well, and tosses his head. "I'm serious!" He says a bit forcefully, and flicks his tail both directions. "Not all of them are cruel, but some will burn markings into our fur and keep us in cramped spaces.. using us for their benefit." Lootah had at one point in his life come across just such a thing, a ranch, so it was called, full of horses tied to posts with burned fur in the shape of strange symbols. "I doubt if she deals with these two-leggeds, though.. at least, I hope she doesn't. For her own sake."
Any horse still awake is sure to hear the swift clip of restless hooves approaching from the south. The previously mentioned blue roan, arriving almost on queue (let's say fashionably late) slows abruptly to a trot as she nears the presence of the others, and again to a walk by the time she's approaching them. A gentle snort is given as she approaches, her breath still quick from the run. When she stops, or at least stops moving forward, she seems unwilling or unable to stay still, turning a few times anxiously and tossing her head, hooves scuffing up little clouds of dust with the movement. When she finally does get herself to stand still, stiff legged, she dips her head a little to the pair. "Hello."
Dandelion can't help but giggle and shake her head. "Sure, sure," she says. "I be ..." she starts, then her attention is drawn to the approaching clop of hooves. She looks between Lootah and this new mare, wondering if she is one that he had mentioned. "Hello," she nickers. "My name is Dandelion."
With so much talk of two-leggeds, Lootah is just a /bit/ on edge when it somes to protecting Dandelion now. The clopping of hooves in the distance is comforting, but with that comfort is also wariness. Just because it's a horse.. it could've been one of the horses he'd mentioned in his non-fictional tale of the humans. The ones with riders on their backs. Long ears perked forward, nostrils flaring a bit to pick up the scent; if there was a human, he'd smell it. There wasn't, and it was the mare they were actually just talking about. Quickly, a grin forms and Lootah dips his head courteously toward another of the mares he'd met. "Cloudshadow, very good to see you again." He says, a hint of sympathy in his voice. Where had she come from? Were the humans treating her alright? .. Yes, one of these days, whether she liked it or not, he would win her freedom back for her.
Cloudshadow seems to calm down a little as she studies Dandelion a moment, giving a little nod as Lootah... sort-of introduces her. Her ears flicker a bit at the stallion's tone; she's not used to sympathy and isn't entirely sure what to make of it, feeling a twinge of discomfort that she tries not to express outwardly. "I'm glad you're glad to see me." She replies in a show of humor, if a bit dry. "Though I may not be here for long." She scuffs a hoof again restlessly, tail giving a few twitches.
Dandelion nickers, "I'm pleased to meet you as well. In a hurry?" she asks, a bit disappointed. She doesn't understand this at all.
Seeing Cloudshadow so restless the way she was made the stallion's heart sink just a bit. Though he liked to come off as the macho type of male who would tell the mares to just deal with their problems, that simply wasn't his personality. With a questionable past, it was no doubt the mares here that were beginning to help him mature into a better stallion; one fit for protecting a herd. Thus, his ears dropped a bit, and he nodded his head, empathizing with the roan mare. She might not've appreciated his sympathy, but it was still there. "Why don't you let me come with you, hmm? Teach those two-leggeds a thing or two about what it means to be free." Because whatever she was now, wasn't free. And if there was one thing a horse should be, it's definitely, free.
Cloudshadow looks a little dubious, ears flickering again as she looks from the other mare to the stallion. She's not blind to their disappointment, and seems apologetic, trying to find the right words to explain her dilemma, but seeming reluctant to do so. At Loota's suggestion she fixes him with a stare of almost disbelief. Her ears even pin back for a second. "You don't want to try and teach -these- two-leggeds a lesson." She says, all humor gone from her voice, still staring as if trying to determine whether he's serious. Her tone grows quieter as she continues. "I'm.. I'm scared as hell to go back to that place." She admits tensely, nostrils quivering. "And you should be, too. You seem eager to help, but I can only assume that it's because you have no idea what you could be getting yourself into."
Dandelion snorts a bit. "I don't quite understand this. Some beast claims you?" She shakes her head. "What happens if you just stay here? Would they track you?"
The sheer seriouness that was on her face and in her body language when he offered his help.. it chilled him a bit. Oh, so she /was/ with the cruel two-leggeds. A snort his given, his own ears flicking back in anger. Not at her, but at the humans who would use fear as a weapon. He might not know what he'd be getting himself into, but it's a part of who he is as the herd stallion to protect the mares. Stomping his two front hooves, Lootah shakes his head roughly. "I don't have any idea what I'd be getting myself into.. but if it would help you.. I would be glad to help." The prospect of being caught scared him, sure.. it'd scare any equid. But.. well, perhaps he had a bit of an invincibility complex. "They couldn't catch me anyway." This is added on in a murmur, but is said with a proud lift of his head.
Cloudshadow lifts her head proudly for a moment with a flash of defiance in her eyes in response to Dandelion's words. "No beast claims me." She replies at once, giving another a little snort. "I can't say the same for my family." Her hard look slowly softens into something more sullen. She really had no intention of spilling so much of her situation to these horses she hardly knows -- really, she had hoped to avoid the subject completely if possible, at least until she got to know them better. But there it is. She looks uncertain now, a bit rueful and nervous as well. "I don't expect anyone to help me." And she doesn't say so, for fear of insulting him, but she's not totally convinced of Lootah's ability to avoid capture. His overconfidence actually has the reverse effect on that impression.
Dandelion stays silent a bit, not knowing her family nor the story. "Isn't that what a herd is about, helping each other?" she asks, then shakes her head ... that was probably a stupid thing to do. Would they all march to war against these beasts?
If there was one thing that Lootah did not want, it would be to wage any kind of war, or battle, or even rebellion against the two-leggeds. The numbers of the herd were simply not strong enough, and perhaps he was being a bit too self-confident, offering his help the way that he was. Though he sincerely did want to help set Cloudshadow free, his cockiness would be his downfall if he did. Nodding his head solemnly, he didn't want to venture too far into the mare's family life, or any more about the humans. It was obviously a tough subject for her, and instead, he forced a grin, and tossed his head. "One day, you'll be able to join us and enjoy the freedom that we have. Just.. stay strong, and it will happen." Hopeful words that he hoped the mare would appreciate.
"I enjoy the freedom that I have every day." Cloudshadow replies. "But it's also a thorn in my heart that I roam free while my herd lives at the will of humans." She doesn't want to fight her former captors, either. She knows they would win. Even against a large herd they would probably win. But that doesn't mean she won't try to get her family back... somehow. Most of her frustration is that she isn't entirely sure herself what she plans to do. She's only sure that she'll do her damnedest to get whoever she can out, as risky as it is to try.
Cloudshadow gives a resigned sigh, a little disappointed in how this encounter has gone. A moment of heavy silence is enough to make the roan remember her restlessness. She paws the ground once more with a hoof and turns to go. "I need to think." She mutters with another small shake of her head. "Peace follow you both." With that farewell she dips her head and trots off, soon breaking back into the swift pace of her arrival.
Dandelion reaches her muzzle out for a breath-exchange with the mare whose family is trapped. "I am sorry for your family," she nickers before the mare leaves. "I miss my own ... but mine, at least are safe, just far away. I am glad to have a start of a new family here ..." she starts, then stops herself. That was probably not a good thing to say ... "I'm sorry," she nickers. As Cloudshadow leaves, she looks to Lootah and asks, "Is there were something we could do for her?"
Lootah's head tilts a bit at the prospect of Dandelion starting a new family here. Perhaps his mind was in the gutter, sort of, but that immediately made him assume that she was referring to foals of her own. Of course, he'd be more than happy to oblige, but he doesn't let his thoughts roam too far. Taking a few steps back toward Dandelion's side, he brushes his cheek against her neck, and lets out a huff of breath. The evening had long since past, the moon rising in the eastern sky and casting it's faint light across the prairie. It was time for rest. "Maybe.. sooner or later." He says, looking up to the moon, wishing the light would be a bit greater. "Lets get some sleep." He says, having not caught up on many of his short naps throughout the day, ready for a longer sleep than usual.
Dandelion wasn't, of course ... herd sisters, herd members. To Dandelion, they were becoming a family. She nibbles lightly on his mane. "Okay," she nickers, looking off in the direction Cloudshadow had gone.