Post by Kvatch on Apr 22, 2012 2:59:39 GMT -5
Orion, a male horse | Comanche, a male horse |
Grassy Plains
================================================================================
These grasslands extend almost as far as the eye can see in every direction save the north; tall, rippling grasses virtually uninterrupted, save for the the occasional stunted tree or rocky formation. At first glance, this place may seem as desolate as any desert, often overcast by the area's frequent surprise thunderstorms. Upon a closer inspection, however, it becomes clear this land is teeming with life, much of it occurring below the line of the tall grasses, which reach heights of a few feet at least. Wild horses, bison, and pronghorn can often be seen moving off in the distance, going about their business, and smaller animals move amongst the obscuring foliage.
=================================== Exits ===================================
[East] to the Prairie [North] to the Merge
[Northeast] to the Pond [Northwest] to the River
[South] to the Steppe [Southeast] to the Scrubland
[Southwest] to the Foothills [West] to the Lowlands
================================================================================
[IC] Orion
[IC] Comanche
Spring is nearly here, and the herd has managed to keep going it seems. Orion is off to the side pawing at the ground, kicking up snow to get at the grasses that lay under it. While some of the snow has started to thin out and melt there is still plenty of snow around. Once through the snow he leans his head down grabbing mouth fulls of the dead grass and goes about chewing on it, which takes longer then normal seeing how it is dead and tough yellow grasses. He makes a slight face at the taste and will be rather happy when spring makes its appearance again and bring the fresh grasses and food of spring. Though until then it is the lovely yellow grass.
Just as the beginning tendrils of spring have begun to tug at a world still clutched in the grasp of winter, promising a inevitable change by way of melting snow and warmer sun, so too has it brought with it another threat of change. True to his word, the strange stallion has not ventured far from the valley since his official arrival several days ago. However, despite the obvious motives for his lingering, in the mean time the stallion seems to respect the authority of the younger male and has for the better part of the week, remained naught but a silhouette on the horizon. Of course, it would be foolish to think that a rogue stallion as capable as Comanche seems, should stay content to dwell here, especially once Spring finally puts down her roots. Luckily for Orion, spring has not yet arrived. Though a frivolous matter it must be, for it does not keep the pintaloosa away today. However, it is not under the impression of a stallion seeking to steal off with some mares in which Comanche approaches, but rather, a horse who merely seeks a moment of companionship; for what are horse but not herd animals? To be totally alone, is to be unnatural. This is not to say that the stallion doesn't carry himself with any less pride and stature than in days past, but his entry if far less of a demonstration of the power he possesses and the dominance with which he commands. Instead of a gallop, it is a smooth trot that carries the pintaloosa gradually toward a grazing Orion, his stride full of purpose, but only with the intent of social engagement, "You /almost/ make that look convincingly tasty..." comes Comanche's remark as gains speaking distance, slowing to a strolling walk, "That is, if not for that wistful grimace that follows." Chortling a chuckle, the pintaloosa lowers his head to give a mock sniff at a patch of the soggy, brown roughage. "Sick of winter yet?"
Orion ears flick forward, his attention turns towards the incoming stallion, a faint snort escaping him but that is about all he gives. The mostly chewed grass is swallowed down while his tail lashes about a few times. "So.. your still around hum?" Though he already knew that answer as he has been keeping a close eye on the other when ever possible. "I'd much rather spring be here to tell you the truth. But then so does everyone else I suppose." A faint smirk seen and he watches Comanche a few moments. "So.. Who do I get to thank for you coming to see me again?" The teasing has started it seems.
The soft snort issued from the grazing stallion does not go without notice, or completely without response, for that matter. It is a subtle reaction though, a simple smirk that widens on behalf of Orion's forthcoming question. Though even Comanche knows that a answer is not required on his part, therefore the stallion does not waste time in offering an explanation. With little interest expressed in joining Orion in his grazing, the pintaloosa instead continues in his ambling approach right up to the side of the youthful male, ears sociably forward and his posture at ease. It is at this point that Orion voices his second inquiry on behalf of Comanche's visitation, the teasing remark gaining a amused smirk from the older stallion as he moves up close, "Aww, admit it boy, you would have missed me!" he proclaims with a grinning toss of his heavily maned head. "Figured it would have hurt your feelin's if I didn't come callin' again." he continues, just before quickly stretching his neck out in an attempt to apply his teeth upon the other's defined hip bone, the gesture notably playful, if a bit rough. Boys will be boys, after all.
Orion is quiet while he watches the other, ears flicking backwards and then forward with a soft hum escaping him. He is not surprised over not getting an answer to his first comment and does not press the matter. A soft whinnie soon escapes him and he shifts a few paces to the side so there not so close that they are rubbing against one another at the moment. His tail lashes a few times and a faint grin can been seen. "Aww.. Well isn't that sweet of you. An so you felt the need to wander on back over to see me hum?" This questioned with a faint roll of his eyes and shrug of his shoulders. At the nip to his hip he offers a snap of his teeth in the air, still just as playful as the other.
Comanche is prepared for any reaction that his nipping might entice, though a clack of teeth is hardly a reason to withdraw from his harrowing. Instead, it just seems to further invite the stallion into a game of toleration, a test of sorts, really. One that questions just how much he can get away with before getting a hoof flung at him. Not that kicking out would deter the older stallion either, but at least it might provoke some personal space. "Seemed the proper thing to do, what with the fact I'll be takin' your mares." comes his playful, though doubtfully joking retort. As it were, Comanche just retaliates with another application of teeth, taking a step forward and craning his neck up to gnaw upon the other's withers, this time nothing as subtle as a quick nip. "'Sides, you a bit young to be corralling a herd, ain't ya?" he offers up on a curious note. After all, most stallion's do good to win a single mare by the time they've seen their fifth winter. With ears half cocked, the pintaloosa places a few quick chomps on Orion's tall withers, before crowding the younger horse all the more as he pushes his own shoulder into that of the red roan's, dropping his head to bite at Orion's closest knee. Though the same playful grin remains present upon the muzzle of the stallion, suggesting that for all his heckling, it is still just winter games. Come spring, Comanche won't be looking to make a new friend. Not that he's currently looking to find one in Orion either, but it doesn't hurt to know your potential rivals in the off season.
Orion huffs at this and shakes his head a moment at the comment from Comanche. A slight stomp of his front hoof is heard a few times while he does a 'hip check' as it were to try and push the other stallion back. "Doesn't matter the age, matters more how you handle yourself and how you take care of the herd." He grins and eyes the other. "After all.. Age is just a number, right old timer?" he questions curiously while pulling his leg back at the sudden 'bite' towards it. He kicks out, a half attempt that isn't fully followed through but he wants to perhaps see just what the other stallion might do.
Comanche seems more than willing to let Orion swing his hip into his own, holding his ground with a shift of weight that practically leaves him leaning on the taller stallion. And for being a few hands below the red roan's height, Comanche proves he is certainly robust enough to take it. The younger male's jab at his age only causes the pintaloosa to snort a short laugh, head jerking up to strike a dignified poise, "Old timer? Hell, I'm only just coming into my prime!" It is at this time that half kick given by Orion falls quickly into awareness, but while a motion that requires some adjustment on Comanche's part, it is seemingly nothing so extreme as to provoke the stallion into removing himself entirely. Instead, the pintaloosa just swings his spotted rump out away from direct striking distance, which in turn squares his chest up to Orion's shoulder, at which point Comanche powers forward with a half rear, teeth lashing out for a playfully rough bite to the top of Orion's middle neck. Of course, this does not occur without verbal accompaniment, with his assault upon the younger announced with hooting, equine squeal, "Care to test these waters, boy?"
Orion lets his hip stay pressed against Comanche's for a moment more before side stepping back. "Oh sure.. You'll be digging yourself a hole soon enough so we can push you into it. Or would you rather the wolves eat you?" He questions with a wide grin. At the touch to his shoulder he pushes himself back against the other stallion once more. His head is given a great shake at the bite to make sure the other can't keep a hold on him it would seem. "Please.. You'd wind up breaking a hip.." This offers as he bounces on his hooves a few more steps to the side.
Comanche's grip upon the other stallion's neck is brief, partly out of Orion's vigorous shake, but mostly out of intention. After all, these are merely playful gestures and it seems the interloper isn't out for blood. At least, not yet. For now, he just wheels away, finally giving the younger male some room and grinning wide in response to his proverbial rib jabbing. "Phfft, wolves don't concern me. Only thing I ever feared growin' up was the pounce of a cougar. Course now, not even they scare me." Giving his maned head a toss, Comanche moves a few strides away, tail swishing behind his powerful haunches for a moment as he stands there, taking a second to survey his surroundings, as if the mention of predators served as a reminder to do so from time to time. Though shortly after, the pintaloosa turns his regards back upon Orion, a small smile still present upon his muzzle, "Well, guess I'll leave you to it. But don't worry, I won't be venturing far. I'll keep the wolves away from ya." With this, accompanied by a wide grin, the older male pivots around on high stepping hooves to prance away, his gait becoming a casual lope only after several yards.
Orion has the scars to prove that cougars can and will pounce adult horses, not that the cougar lived to tell his tale once it got kicked a few doze times in the end. A soft chuckle escapes him while he watches the other, shifting on his hooves and trotting after for a few paces as if 'chasing' him off. "I see.. Well lucky me." He might actually get to like this fella, if it wouldn't be for the simple fact that he would try and take the herd from him come spring.. Which he knows will be a very high possibility..
Grassy Plains
================================================================================
These grasslands extend almost as far as the eye can see in every direction save the north; tall, rippling grasses virtually uninterrupted, save for the the occasional stunted tree or rocky formation. At first glance, this place may seem as desolate as any desert, often overcast by the area's frequent surprise thunderstorms. Upon a closer inspection, however, it becomes clear this land is teeming with life, much of it occurring below the line of the tall grasses, which reach heights of a few feet at least. Wild horses, bison, and pronghorn can often be seen moving off in the distance, going about their business, and smaller animals move amongst the obscuring foliage.
=================================== Exits ===================================
[East] to the Prairie [North] to the Merge
[Northeast] to the Pond [Northwest] to the River
[South] to the Steppe [Southeast] to the Scrubland
[Southwest] to the Foothills [West] to the Lowlands
================================================================================
[IC] Orion
[IC] Comanche
Spring is nearly here, and the herd has managed to keep going it seems. Orion is off to the side pawing at the ground, kicking up snow to get at the grasses that lay under it. While some of the snow has started to thin out and melt there is still plenty of snow around. Once through the snow he leans his head down grabbing mouth fulls of the dead grass and goes about chewing on it, which takes longer then normal seeing how it is dead and tough yellow grasses. He makes a slight face at the taste and will be rather happy when spring makes its appearance again and bring the fresh grasses and food of spring. Though until then it is the lovely yellow grass.
Just as the beginning tendrils of spring have begun to tug at a world still clutched in the grasp of winter, promising a inevitable change by way of melting snow and warmer sun, so too has it brought with it another threat of change. True to his word, the strange stallion has not ventured far from the valley since his official arrival several days ago. However, despite the obvious motives for his lingering, in the mean time the stallion seems to respect the authority of the younger male and has for the better part of the week, remained naught but a silhouette on the horizon. Of course, it would be foolish to think that a rogue stallion as capable as Comanche seems, should stay content to dwell here, especially once Spring finally puts down her roots. Luckily for Orion, spring has not yet arrived. Though a frivolous matter it must be, for it does not keep the pintaloosa away today. However, it is not under the impression of a stallion seeking to steal off with some mares in which Comanche approaches, but rather, a horse who merely seeks a moment of companionship; for what are horse but not herd animals? To be totally alone, is to be unnatural. This is not to say that the stallion doesn't carry himself with any less pride and stature than in days past, but his entry if far less of a demonstration of the power he possesses and the dominance with which he commands. Instead of a gallop, it is a smooth trot that carries the pintaloosa gradually toward a grazing Orion, his stride full of purpose, but only with the intent of social engagement, "You /almost/ make that look convincingly tasty..." comes Comanche's remark as gains speaking distance, slowing to a strolling walk, "That is, if not for that wistful grimace that follows." Chortling a chuckle, the pintaloosa lowers his head to give a mock sniff at a patch of the soggy, brown roughage. "Sick of winter yet?"
Orion ears flick forward, his attention turns towards the incoming stallion, a faint snort escaping him but that is about all he gives. The mostly chewed grass is swallowed down while his tail lashes about a few times. "So.. your still around hum?" Though he already knew that answer as he has been keeping a close eye on the other when ever possible. "I'd much rather spring be here to tell you the truth. But then so does everyone else I suppose." A faint smirk seen and he watches Comanche a few moments. "So.. Who do I get to thank for you coming to see me again?" The teasing has started it seems.
The soft snort issued from the grazing stallion does not go without notice, or completely without response, for that matter. It is a subtle reaction though, a simple smirk that widens on behalf of Orion's forthcoming question. Though even Comanche knows that a answer is not required on his part, therefore the stallion does not waste time in offering an explanation. With little interest expressed in joining Orion in his grazing, the pintaloosa instead continues in his ambling approach right up to the side of the youthful male, ears sociably forward and his posture at ease. It is at this point that Orion voices his second inquiry on behalf of Comanche's visitation, the teasing remark gaining a amused smirk from the older stallion as he moves up close, "Aww, admit it boy, you would have missed me!" he proclaims with a grinning toss of his heavily maned head. "Figured it would have hurt your feelin's if I didn't come callin' again." he continues, just before quickly stretching his neck out in an attempt to apply his teeth upon the other's defined hip bone, the gesture notably playful, if a bit rough. Boys will be boys, after all.
Orion is quiet while he watches the other, ears flicking backwards and then forward with a soft hum escaping him. He is not surprised over not getting an answer to his first comment and does not press the matter. A soft whinnie soon escapes him and he shifts a few paces to the side so there not so close that they are rubbing against one another at the moment. His tail lashes a few times and a faint grin can been seen. "Aww.. Well isn't that sweet of you. An so you felt the need to wander on back over to see me hum?" This questioned with a faint roll of his eyes and shrug of his shoulders. At the nip to his hip he offers a snap of his teeth in the air, still just as playful as the other.
Comanche is prepared for any reaction that his nipping might entice, though a clack of teeth is hardly a reason to withdraw from his harrowing. Instead, it just seems to further invite the stallion into a game of toleration, a test of sorts, really. One that questions just how much he can get away with before getting a hoof flung at him. Not that kicking out would deter the older stallion either, but at least it might provoke some personal space. "Seemed the proper thing to do, what with the fact I'll be takin' your mares." comes his playful, though doubtfully joking retort. As it were, Comanche just retaliates with another application of teeth, taking a step forward and craning his neck up to gnaw upon the other's withers, this time nothing as subtle as a quick nip. "'Sides, you a bit young to be corralling a herd, ain't ya?" he offers up on a curious note. After all, most stallion's do good to win a single mare by the time they've seen their fifth winter. With ears half cocked, the pintaloosa places a few quick chomps on Orion's tall withers, before crowding the younger horse all the more as he pushes his own shoulder into that of the red roan's, dropping his head to bite at Orion's closest knee. Though the same playful grin remains present upon the muzzle of the stallion, suggesting that for all his heckling, it is still just winter games. Come spring, Comanche won't be looking to make a new friend. Not that he's currently looking to find one in Orion either, but it doesn't hurt to know your potential rivals in the off season.
Orion huffs at this and shakes his head a moment at the comment from Comanche. A slight stomp of his front hoof is heard a few times while he does a 'hip check' as it were to try and push the other stallion back. "Doesn't matter the age, matters more how you handle yourself and how you take care of the herd." He grins and eyes the other. "After all.. Age is just a number, right old timer?" he questions curiously while pulling his leg back at the sudden 'bite' towards it. He kicks out, a half attempt that isn't fully followed through but he wants to perhaps see just what the other stallion might do.
Comanche seems more than willing to let Orion swing his hip into his own, holding his ground with a shift of weight that practically leaves him leaning on the taller stallion. And for being a few hands below the red roan's height, Comanche proves he is certainly robust enough to take it. The younger male's jab at his age only causes the pintaloosa to snort a short laugh, head jerking up to strike a dignified poise, "Old timer? Hell, I'm only just coming into my prime!" It is at this time that half kick given by Orion falls quickly into awareness, but while a motion that requires some adjustment on Comanche's part, it is seemingly nothing so extreme as to provoke the stallion into removing himself entirely. Instead, the pintaloosa just swings his spotted rump out away from direct striking distance, which in turn squares his chest up to Orion's shoulder, at which point Comanche powers forward with a half rear, teeth lashing out for a playfully rough bite to the top of Orion's middle neck. Of course, this does not occur without verbal accompaniment, with his assault upon the younger announced with hooting, equine squeal, "Care to test these waters, boy?"
Orion lets his hip stay pressed against Comanche's for a moment more before side stepping back. "Oh sure.. You'll be digging yourself a hole soon enough so we can push you into it. Or would you rather the wolves eat you?" He questions with a wide grin. At the touch to his shoulder he pushes himself back against the other stallion once more. His head is given a great shake at the bite to make sure the other can't keep a hold on him it would seem. "Please.. You'd wind up breaking a hip.." This offers as he bounces on his hooves a few more steps to the side.
Comanche's grip upon the other stallion's neck is brief, partly out of Orion's vigorous shake, but mostly out of intention. After all, these are merely playful gestures and it seems the interloper isn't out for blood. At least, not yet. For now, he just wheels away, finally giving the younger male some room and grinning wide in response to his proverbial rib jabbing. "Phfft, wolves don't concern me. Only thing I ever feared growin' up was the pounce of a cougar. Course now, not even they scare me." Giving his maned head a toss, Comanche moves a few strides away, tail swishing behind his powerful haunches for a moment as he stands there, taking a second to survey his surroundings, as if the mention of predators served as a reminder to do so from time to time. Though shortly after, the pintaloosa turns his regards back upon Orion, a small smile still present upon his muzzle, "Well, guess I'll leave you to it. But don't worry, I won't be venturing far. I'll keep the wolves away from ya." With this, accompanied by a wide grin, the older male pivots around on high stepping hooves to prance away, his gait becoming a casual lope only after several yards.
Orion has the scars to prove that cougars can and will pounce adult horses, not that the cougar lived to tell his tale once it got kicked a few doze times in the end. A soft chuckle escapes him while he watches the other, shifting on his hooves and trotting after for a few paces as if 'chasing' him off. "I see.. Well lucky me." He might actually get to like this fella, if it wouldn't be for the simple fact that he would try and take the herd from him come spring.. Which he knows will be a very high possibility..